Baan Lao Fine Thai Cuisine has been named Canada’s Best Restaurant at the 2025 World Culinary Awards – for the second consecutive year.
This consecutive win makes Baan Lao the first Canadian restaurant to receive the award twice. Previous national recipients have included St. Lawrence, Toqué! and Alo, alongside international winners such as Le Bernardin and Atelier Crenn.
Led by chef-proprietor Nutcha Phanthoupheng, a former nurse and cancer researcher from Thailand, Baan Lao has built a global reputation for its refined approach to Royal Thai cuisine.
“I feel very happy,” said Phanthoupeng. “I opened Baan Lao to help people in Canada understand authentic Thai cuisine and the beauty of Royal Thai cuisine. Thai food is not only street food—fine dining is part of our culture and history. This award helps more people discover us.”
The World Culinary Awards, now in its sixth year, celebrates excellence across global hospitality, spotlighting leading restaurants and culinary institutions around the world.
Earlier this year, Baan Lao ranked No. 12 on the inaugural North America’s 50 Best Restaurants list and was named Best Restaurant in Western Canada.
