Vancouver’s culinary scene is set to welcome a dynamic new dining experience with the opening of Jay Nok Modern Thai on February 27, 2025. Located in Olympic Village at 127 W 2nd Avenue, this restaurant marks an exciting evolution of the beloved SalaThai, which served Vancouver for nearly 40 years. Led by the next generation of the Kongsilp family, Jay Nok blends traditional Thai street food with contemporary influences, offering an innovative menu designed for sharing.
Jay Nok Modern Thai embraces the rich culinary diversity of Thailand, featuring dishes inspired by the country’s four main regions. The menu highlights smoky grilled meats, aromatic curries, and bold noodle dishes, reflecting the vibrant flavors of Thai street food while incorporating modern twists. The restaurant also emphasizes the Thai tradition of “Sanuk,” which celebrates joy and communal dining.
Lunch offerings include the Central Som Tom, a zesty papaya salad infused with chili, lime, and peanuts, alongside the Pad Kee Mao, a bold and spicy drunken noodle dish. The dinner menu features signature entrées such as the Oxtail Green Curry, slow-braised for deep flavor, and the Pad Thai Chao Wang, an elevated take on the classic dish with jumbo prawns wrapped in an intricate egg nest. Another standout is the Chiang Mai Khao Soi, a bone marrow curry noodle dish served with tender spare ribs.
Complementing the food, an innovative beverage program showcases Thai-inspired cocktails, local craft beers, and BC wines carefully selected to enhance the dining experience.
Jay Nok Modern Thai is helmed by Executive Chef Bumpen “Nok” Khangrang, a culinary artist whose expertise stems from her Thai heritage and experience at SalaThai. Renowned for her intricate presentations and bold flavor combinations, Nok brings a wealth of knowledge and passion to the new establishment.
She is joined by award-winning Consulting Chef Clement Chan, whose extensive experience includes co-founding Torafuku Modern Asian Eatery and leading Archer Dining to MICHELIN Recommended status in 2023. A winner of Food Network Canada’s Chopped and Canadian Chef of the Year, Chan’s innovative approach enhances Jay Nok’s modern take on Thai cuisine. The leadership team also includes Bobby Kongsilp, who grew up in the hospitality industry and now oversees the restaurant’s operations, ensuring a seamless and memorable dining experience for guests.
The 3,900-square-foot, 126-seat restaurant is designed by Jute Studios, capturing the essence of Bangkok’s bustling street markets. By day, the space embodies the vibrant energy of Thailand’s culinary scene, while at night, it transforms into a stylish and inviting social hub. The design incorporates bold colors, natural materials, and eclectic street art, blending Thai heritage with contemporary urban aesthetics.
Jay Nok Modern Thai is poised to become a standout destination in Vancouver’s dining landscape, bringing authentic Thai street food to Olympic Village with a fresh and innovative approach. Open daily for lunch and dinner, the restaurant aims to introduce guests to the bold flavors of Thailand while honoring the legacy of SalaThai.
For updates and reservations, follow @jaynokthai on Instagram and Facebook, or visit jaynokthai.com.
