RICHMOND, B.C. — Two time Michelin-starred chef Chumpol Janprai of Bangkok’s R-Haan restaurant is joining forces with his former prodigy, award-winning chef Nutcha Phanthoupheng of Richmond, B.C.’s Baan Lao, to deliver an evening of Royal Thai mastery.
This dinner collaboration will feature a tasting menu showcasing each chef’s signature styles and emphasizing their commitment to both sustainability and sourcing authentic Thai and local ingredients. The first North American event will take place from September 6 to 8 at Baan Lao.
The seven course tasting menu will be accompanied by wine pairings, presented by North America’s top master sommelier, Pier-Alexis Souliere. Alternatively, a Gong Fu Cha tea pairing option in available, curated and served by certified TAC tea sommelier Lena Pan.
“When I decided to pursue a career as a chef, I was fortunate enough to have private cooking courses with chef Chumpol, the Iron Chef of Thailand and the first Thai two-starred Michelin chef in the world,” says Phanthoupheng. “It was an extraordinary experience and I’m honoured and humbled to have him as a mentor. He continues to help guide me as I create new dishes for Baan Lao.”
What sets chefs Janprai and Phanthoupheng apart in the culinary world is their commitment to Royal Thai cuisine, the apex of Thailand’s epicurean experience. Royal Thai cuisine is prepped and prepared to meet exacting standards that have been established over centuries for meals served to the Thai royal family. From the pristine ingredients and their careful handling to the exquisite flavour balance and presentation of dishes, Royal Thai cuisine elevates the Thai dining experience to the highest standards that only a few restaurants even attempt to meet. Both chefs are excited to showcase the finest in Royal Thai cuisine and for chef Phanthoupheng, this specific cuisine has become a core part of her mission to change the way Canadians view Thai food. She aims to show Canadians that there are many types of Thai cuisine, among them regional and royal.
For this collaboration, chef Janprai will create unique and rare dishes that have never been seen in Canadian Thai cuisine before. The event will feature local water buffalo, Sumas Mountain beef tenderloin, fresh lobster and Wagyu beef.
Tickets can be purchased here