This is probably the first time I’ve thanked a restaurant for making me feel utterly inadequate to handle the experience they gave me. I was absolutely blown away by the strong, bold flavours and the service was impeccable. Everything was explained reverently like it was a religious experience and there were moments where it felt like one. If I had to describe it more I’d compare it to a little schoolboy going to the orchestra and trying to understand the length and breadth of the symphony. I often times found myself still trying to catch up on all the things my senses were trying to convey to me; it almost felt like the awesome was being bottlenecked by my own inadequacy. When this place inevitably gets its Michelin Star(s) I will proudly be able to declare “I ate there before they became super famous!”. Of course I recommend going here. Any of their pairings are worth your time but, if you can’t pick, go with the tea one. You can thank me later.

I came here for the first time for their high tea lunch and that was surely memorable. Everything was very detailed and was tiny but definitely so flavourful. I enjoyed each and every dish that I decided to book the dinner the following week. The dinner was just as good and I appreciate the chef coming out to introduce herself at the end of our meal. The restaurant and the chef put a lot of effort into each meal/item. The cocktails were exceptional and delicious as it complimented each dish perfectly. The Thai tea wasn’t apart of the set but it was probably the best Thai tea i had that was similar to the ones in Thailand. It is a bit pricey but it is a great restaurant to try for special occasions. I’ll definitely try out this restaurant again when the menu switches up.

Wow, it was the first time I ever ate somewhere and enjoyed everything start to finish. I went for their afternoon tea which I believe is reasonably priced for the experience you get. You get to choose between caffeine or non caffeine tea. It was really fun getting the opportunity to taste multiple types of tea. It was also surprising how well the tea actually went with the food. Every bite of the food selection was delicious and it definitely does leave you feeling full. Not only that, the presentation of each course is art itself. I definitely will be returning for their set meal one day!

We celebrated our tenth wedding anniversary at Baan Lao and we sure did choose the right place to do it! Fine dining with Quality with a big Q. 18 courses of delicious combinations of Thai and Lao tastes carefully crafted to please and wake up the subtlety of the palettes. We loved the surprises in taste twists and unexpected combinations. All presented in artistic forms and shapes that make it hard to break for a bite. Every aspect of the journey has a unique story, from the ingredients of the dish to the cutlery and plates and glasses and the art on the walls. Sommelier, waiter, chef all tell you the special story how it blends together in an unforgettable journey. We have had the opportunity to experience culinary quality before, and this beats them all. Wholeheartedly recommend to those who have the opportunity to experience this journey.

The phrase “You get what you pay for” certainly rings true here. Expensive (200 per person) yet the experience is unparalleled. White glove service. We came around 20 minutes early before the reservation time but they sat us down and began service right away. Their prix fixe menu changes once a year, so this review is based on a January 2025 visit, and what I thought was exceptional. The white coconut soup was quite amazing it could’ve been a meal on its own with rice. Possibly the best Pad Thai I’ve had. Smoked ice cream delectable. Dumpling was delicious. Some of these dishes takes up to 4 hours to make, and intricate carved garnishes 20-30 mins of labour, so you can appreciate the amount of effort put into each dish. A (whoop-de-doo) mishap was they seated us in the wrong spots (our welcome letters were swapped). I recommend the tea pairing over wine. Regrets? Not upgrading to the Wagyu (100), but the tenderloin was quite good already. I appreciate the chef coming out to greet us during the meal, and the support staff is quite knowledgeable, warm and welcoming.

My wife and I came here to celebrate a special occasion, and we had a wonderful time. The atmosphere is peaceful and you can see the river just outside the window. The dishes were gorgeous and each had its own story told to you by the server. The food itself was delicious and over the course of the 2.5 hour meal, very filling. My favorite was the Pad Thai - probably among the top 3 things I've ever eaten. It's a full fine dining experience with a mix of local and Thai culture that is so unique.

Been wanting to dine here for ages just haven’t had the chance. After being voted 2024 Best Restaurant in Canada I went for Valentines Day - it was phenomenal! There is always set menu that changes seasonally (maybe more often). I love this as you know you’re getting the freshest ingredients. Chef even grows as much as possible in her own garden/greenhouse. Be mindful of that in case of any food allergies/restrictions although I know they can accommodate some. I am a total foodie “food snob” as some would say and this was the best meal I have had in lower mainland area for quite some time. Michelin star worthy for sure if Richmond had them. Will be back soon for high tea lunch with girl friends :)

Dear Chef Nutcha and the team, Thank you for making my wife’s birthday so memorable. It was by far one of the best culinary experiences we had, not just in Canada, but in the world. From the moment we approached the restaurant, you treated us like royalty. The details were meticulously carried out. As I remarked to one of the managers, “many restaurants offer hot hand towels with an unpleasant bleach smell, but yours were perfumed with lemongrass.” Not to mention, our napkins were restored to their folded shape every time we stepped away from our table. You also greeted and addressed us respectfully by name whenever you served us. And before the night was over, Chef Nutcha, you came to our table and gifted my wife a birthday card signed by everyone on the team. This was indeed world-class service. And let’s not forget about the star attractions of the evening - the courses. The amuse bouche set the show with beautifully crafted mini bites. They were so exquisite that my wife and I didn’t want to even consume them; they were meant for display in our humble opinion. Other unforgettable creations included the airy dungeness crab mousse, the sensational Tom Yum reduction, the irresistibly, creamy green curry vermicelli, the cooked-to-perfection water buffalo, and last but not least, the smoke-infused ice cream and the apple-shaped, mung bean pastry (imagine a dessert version of Heston Blumenthal’s famous meat fruit). My wife and I also tried two of Baan Lao’s signature cocktails: Pirates of the Chao Phraya and Thai Blossom. Sipping them slowly transported us momentarily to the beaches of Thailand. We held ourselves back as we could have easily ordered a few more. In our lifetime, we have been blessed to dine at some of the finest restaurants in Asia that have been awarded one, two, and three Michelin stars. After last night’s dinner, we can say Baan Lao deserves to be in that royal company for a long time. Douglas and Melanie Leung