#FOOD: BAAN LAO FINE THAI CUISINE, RICHMOND, BC

Baan Lao Fine Thai Cuisine’s chef Nutcha Phanthoupheng is proud to introduce the world’s first sommelier-led, Thai afternoon tea experience with certified TAC tea sommelier, Lena Pan. This groundbreaking, one-of-a-kind experience is offered by Baan Lao (4100 Bayview Street, Richmond, BC) every Friday, Saturday and Sunday at either 11:00AM or 12:30PM, starting at $95 per guest.

“We are so excited to welcome guests to the only Thai afternoon tea experience led by a sommelier in the world. The teas we offer are nourishing, designed to compliment the Royal Thai cuisine we serve,” says chef Nutcha.

Set against the backdrop of breathtaking ocean views, this pioneering experience features five international tea pairings and twelve exquisitely hand-crafted Thai dishes served in three sets: dawn, sun and moon. Guests are offered a choice of a gongfu cha pairing or caffeine-free tea pairings curated by certified TAC tea sommelier Lena Pan to ensure that each meticulously brewed sip compliments the accompanying bite. Guided by Pan, guests embark on an extraordinary sensory journey that crosses cultures and transcends expectations.

After six months of dedicated research and development, chef Nutcha has perfected this Thai-inspired afternoon tea alongside Lena Pan. Promising to be not only a feast for the tastebuds but for the eyes, this experience is another of Baan Lao’s exquisite innovations, marrying the elegance of afternoon tea with the vibrant flavours of chef Nutcha’s Royal Thai cuisine.

Baan Lao, under the expert guidance of chef Nutcha, has quickly become a beacon of fine dining, celebrated for its commitment to Royal Thai cuisine: authenticity, sustainability, and innovation. Chef Nutcha’s culinary journey began in the countryside of Thailand, where she grew up embracing a farm-to-table lifestyle. Her early experiences foraging and cooking with her family instilled a deep appreciation for fresh ingredients. Before embarking on her culinary career, chef Nutcha worked as a nurse and cancer researcher, which has greatly influenced her approach to cooking, emphasizing health, nutrition, and the use of organic, pesticide-free ingredients. Her formal culinary training is nothing short of impressive, having studied under Thailand’s top chefs, including chef Chumpol Jangprai, Thailand’s Iron Chef, and chef Vichit Mukura, who served the Thai Royal Family.

Since opening Baan Lao in February 2021, Chef Nutcha has garnered numerous accolades, including being the first Thai chef in Canada to be named Maître Rôtisseur by La Chaîne des Rôtisseurs. Locally, she has been voted Best Chef in Vancouver for three consecutive years, and Baan Lao has received multiple awards, such as Best Fine Dining and Best Hidden Gem.

Reservations for the Afternoon Tea Thai Experience at Baan Lao Fine Thai Cuisine can be made HERE.