A memorable meal is one of the best incentives to travel. These three tempt the short drive from Seattle to British Columbia. The reward: a world-renowned Royal Thai experience; a Michelin starred Japanese/Italian fusion; and an impeccable aburi sushi bite — each paired with a complementary hotel — make for a delectable culinary weekend getaway.

Baan Lao & Steveston Waterfront Hotel

Steveston Village, Richmond, B.C.

Richmond’s Steveston Village feels like stepping into a nautical postcard from the past, where colorful fishing boats bob in the harbor and the scent of the ocean mixes with fresh seafood from the wharf. Stroll the wooden boardwalks past quaint shops and waterfront cafés, while herons glide overhead. The air hums with the stories of fishermen and long-ago cannery workers, and the Fraser River directs the gaze to sunsets in a blaze of amber over the Pacific.

In September 2024, courtesy of mutual friends in Seattle, we had the privilege of attending “An Evening of Thai Mastery” at Baan Lao, a culinary event that left us awestruck. This special dinner brought together Chef Nutcha Phanthoupheng and Chef Chumpol Jangprai, the Iron Chef of Thailand and the first Thai chef to earn two Michelin stars at R-Haan, respectively, for a remarkable showcase of Royal Thai cuisine.

For those as unfamiliar as we were, Royal Thai cuisine represents the pinnacle of Thailand’s culinary tradition. It’s known for its meticulous preparation, exquisite presentation, and delicate balance of flavors, with a focus on refinement rather than overwhelming spice. Every ingredient is carefully selected — often organic and locally sourced — and dishes are adorned with carved vegetables, edible flowers, and precise garnishes. Baan Lao exemplifies this approach with dishes like the sohm dtam, featuring carved green papaya and fresh herbs that highlight the natural essence of each component.

Dish at Baan Lao

Photo by Hakan Burcuoglu

The evening started off with a traditional Thai dance performance, setting the tone for the sensory journey ahead. The seven-course tasting menu began with captivating canapes, like the Young Jackfruit Spicy Salad Northern Style and I-San Duck Breast Spicy Salad. It then proceeded to ascend into gastronomic nirvana: satay-marinated grilled hamachi; Canadian lobster in tom yum sauce; A5 wagyu and B.C. water buffalo with spicy jungle curry. Every bite was measured, precise, and paired thoughtfully with wines curated by Master Sommelier Pier-Alexis Soulière.

Chef Nutcha, who opened Baan Lao in 2021 with husband, John Phanthoupheng, has been recognized with numerous accolades, including Best Restaurant in Canada at the 2024 World Culinary Awards. Her dedication to preserving and elevating Thai culinary arts was evident in every bite that night. The Phanthouphengs are welcoming and openly, refreshingly ambitious. They want to be known as the best Thai restaurant in North America. The new 18-course tasting menu, based around Chef Nutcha’s favorite dishes and memories of home, is called “From Thailand With Love.”

Pushing culinary boundaries

Photo courtesy of Baan Lao

Baan Lao continues to push culinary boundaries with innovative offerings like the world’s first “Afternoon Tea Thai Experience.” Held Friday through Sunday, this feast of the senses blends the elegance of afternoon tea with the bold, intricate flavors of Thai cuisine. Guests can enjoy 12 handcrafted small dishes paired with five distinct teas, chosen by certified tea sommelier Lena Pan. Set against the stunning backdrop of the Fraser River, it’s a moment as visually enchanting as it is delicious.

Baan Lao sources its ingredients directly from farmers, growers and fishers.

Photo courtesy of Baan Lao

Stay at the Steveston Waterfront Hotel, nestled in the heart of the historic fishing village, so you can enjoy dinner at Baan Lao and enjoy afternoon tea the next day. The modern boutique ambience and nautical touches complement the area’s waterfront charm. There is a small kitchen and sitting area, to enjoy light cooking or a happy hour glass of wine before dinner. The layout gives guests the feeling that they live there, and is the most relaxing way to savor this culinary escape.

Kissa Tanto & The Douglas

Vancouver, B.C. (Near Rogers Arena)

Vancouver’s Chinatown pulses with a palpable energy, where old-world apothecaries sit side by side with chic cocktail bars and art galleries. Lanterns sway overhead, and the scent of Sichuan peppercorns mingles with roasted duck hanging in shop windows. Explore narrow alleyways painted with vivid murals, then find respite in intimate teahouses and bustling eateries where tradition meets innovation.

For those craving inventive fusion cuisine, head to Kissa Tanto in Chinatown, where Japanese technique meets Italian comfort food. The louche, jazz-inspired setting perfectly suits the playful spirit of the cocktail menu, such as the Japanese gin and tonic, or the Amaro Long Island Iced Tea, featuring four different amari. Consistently ranked among Canada’s 100 Best Restaurants and awarded the coveted Michelin star, Kissa Tanto lives up to its glowing reputation. We sampled it years apart, and it improves with age. It used to buzz with the elitist energy of the near-impossible reservation. Now it feels like hanging out with a hip friend you rarely see but always enjoy.

A gastronomic odyssey. Kissa Tanto creatively blends noodles, rice, and protein.

Photo by Hakan Burcuoglu

Stay nearby at The Douglas, an urban oasis within the sprawling, dynamic Parq Vancouver district. The hotel’s sleek, nature-inspired decor blends luxury with a modern edge, and amenities in the complex include a rooftop park, spa, multiple dining options, and a casino. The Douglas is a sophisticated home base inside the urban wonderland, whether you’re gearing up for a concert at Rogers Arena or heading out to experience Vancouver’s myriad delights. Dine onsite at The Victor for the platonic ideal of a buzzing seafood steakhouse, or head up to D/6 Lounge, the rooftop bar with city skyscraper views, for the perfect nightcap.

Miku & The Fairmont Waterfront

Vancouver, B.C. (Waterfront)

There’s something magnetic about Vancouver’s waterfront, where sailboats cut through the glimmering waves and the mountains stand sentinel against the skyline. The air smells like salt and cedar, and a sense of freedom flows through the wide-open spaces. Stroll the seawall, watching float planes take off from the harbor, or lose yourself in the bustling atmosphere of the cruise terminal, where journeys begin and end.

On the bustling Vancouver Waterfront, Miku is celebrated for its aburi (flame-seared) sushi and West Coast fusion dishes. The restaurant pioneered this sushi technique in Canada, and it shows in luscious treats such as the Kyoto miso sablefish. Indulge in the decadent Green Tea Opera Cake to finish your meal while soaking in views of the harbor. Miku’s acclaim includes a Michelin recommendation three years in a row, making it a must-visit for sushi lovers. The aburi salmon oshi sushi — wild sockeye with jalapeno — will make even the most seasoned salmon lover melt with emotion.

Miku, on the Vancouver waterfront, delivers gourmet aburi cuisine.

Photo by Mark Yammine Photography

Just steps away, the Fairmont Waterfront offers timeless elegance with panoramic harbor views. The hotel’s sophisticated design harmonizes with the waterfront location. Its heated 50-foot outdoor rooftop pool provides splish-splash with an epic view, while the rooftop garden and apiary offer the sustainable touches that feel increasingly, quintessentially, Canadian.