Vancouver’s culinary landscape welcomes a vibrant new dining experience with the opening of Jay Nok Modern Thai on Thursday, February 27. The restaurant reflects a bold reinvention of Thai street food from the Kongsilp family behind the beloved SalaThai, which served the city for nearly 40 years. Located at 127 W 2nd Avenue, Vancouver, Jay Nok offers a fresh and authentic take on the regional flavours of Thailand and celebrates the treasured Thai tradition of “Sanuk,” which means finding joy and pleasure in everything you do—especially when sharing a meal with others.
Jay Nok marks a new era for the legendary family, with the next generation continuing the tradition of SalaThai by introducing a forward-looking concept. Drawing inspiration from the streets of Thailand, the menu brings together the diverse culinary offerings of the country’s four main regions, each crafted for sharing with family and friends. From smoky grilled meats to aromatic soups, the dishes showcase Thailand’s rich street food culture, while offering a modern twist that speaks to Vancouver’s evolving tastes. Alongside this, an innovative beverage program will feature Thai-inspired cocktails, a selection of local craft beers, and an impressive list of BC wines, thoughtfully paired with the restaurant’s dishes.
For lunch, guests can indulge in dishes like the Central Som Tom, a tangy papaya salad bursting with chilli lime and peanut flavours, or the Pad Kee Mao, a bold and spicy drunken noodle dish. Dinner elevates the experience with standout entrées such as the succulent Oxtail Green Curry, slow-braised for depth of flavour, and the Pad Thai Chao Wang, featuring jumbo prawns wrapped in an intricate egg nest. Guests can also explore an elevated take on a Northern Thai classic with the Chiang Mai Khao Soi (bone marrow curry noodle), served with rich tender spare ribs. Designed to be shared, each meal at Jay Nok invites diners on a flavourful journey through Thailand’s vibrant culinary landscape.
At the helm of Jay Nok is owner and Executive Chef Bumpen “Nok” Khangrang, whose culinary journey began in Thailand and was further shaped through her time at SalaThai. Known for her intricate presentations and bold, layered flavours, Nok has earned local and international recognition for her artistry. Nok is joined by award-winning Consulting Chef Clement Chan, a culinary innovator with over two decades of experience. Known for co-founding Torafuku Modern Asian Eatery and leading Archer Dining to MICHELIN Recommended status in 2023, Clement brings a wealth of expertise to the team. A winner of Food Network Canada’s Chopped and Canadian Chef of the Year, his creative approach and leadership perfectly complement Nok’s artistry. Together, they are supported by a dedicated team committed to the Kongsilp family’s vision of authenticity and excellence.
The restaurant’s leadership also includes owner Bobby Kongsilp, who has spent his life in the hospitality industry, learning from his parents and refining his expertise at numerous notable Vancouver establishments. Together with an experienced front-of-house team, they are committed to offering a seamless and memorable dining experience.
The 3,900-square-foot, 126-seat restaurant, designed by Jute Studios, captures the vibrant energy of Bangkok’s street markets by day and transforms into a glowing social hub by night, blending Thai charm with contemporary urban style. Featuring bold colours, natural materials, intricate textures, and eclectic street art, the design pays homage to Thai heritage while adding youthful energy and modern flair. “Inspired by Bobby’s vision to honour Joy Kongsilp’s beloved restaurant SalaThai, the design captures the essence of Thailand while offering a fresh experience for a new generation,” says Tia Smith, Co-Founder of Jute Studios.
Open daily for lunch from 11:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and dinner from 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., Jay Nok Modern Thai will bring the essence of Thailand’s street food culture to life in an entirely new way, day or night.
