When we met at the construction site of her new restaurant in Olympic Village, Chef Bumpen “Jay Nok” Khangrang was clear about her goal: she’s aiming for a Michelin Star.

It’s an ambitious target; but with Jay Nok Modern Thai, set to open at 127 W 2nd Avenue (previously Flying Pig) in early 2025, Chef Jay Nok is confident that, by blending the bold, communal flavours of Thailand’s various street foods, she can create something fresh that will hit a home run with Vancouverites.

Alongside Chef Jay Nok is her husband and business partner, Bobby Kongsilp, son of Sala Thai founders Sam and Joy. This project marks a new chapter for the Kongsilp family, who first opened Sala Thai (Vancouver’s first Thai-owned-and-operated restaurant) in 1986. Originally located on Cambie Street before relocating to 888 Burrard in the Downtown core, Sala Thai permanently closed its doors in April 2024. Now, the next generation is taking the lead to carry on its traditions.

Having grown up in the hospitality industry, Bobby brings a veritable lifetime of experience to his role as General Manager. Hearing him described his vision for the restaurant whilst standing in the unfinished space, it was easy to picture Bobby creating a welcoming environment for guests, even during the busiest of moments. His natural warmth and infectious energy clearly set the tone. Supporting him is Project Manager Margarita Virata Santos, who adds her own wealth of expertise to the front-of-house operations.

Chef Jay Nok draws deeply from her personal roots in Thai cooking, shaped by her experiences at Sala Thai and abroad in Thailand. When she reflects on her time back home, it’s not just the formal kitchen work that stands out — it’s the family gatherings on their sugarcane farm that she remembers most vividly. “My aunties and uncles would bring their families and ingredients/contributions from each of their farms and villages,” she says. “We’d cook together as a big family, eat together, and connect through food…I want that same energy in my restaurant.”

The menu at Jay Nok Modern Thai will balance comforting street food classics with polished, inventive dishes – all designed for sharing. I’m told we can expect vibrant, spice-forward flavours inspired by Thailand’s four regions, reimagined through a modern lens. The dining experience will evolve throughout the day, beginning at lunchtime, with an ambience channeling the beautiful chaos of Bangkok’s bright, colourful and busy markets. By evening, the space will shift into a more intimate and refined atmosphere, complete with a cocktail lounge. The drinks program will feature a selection of a ballpark 10–15 cocktails, beer options, and curated sweet wines chosen to complement the spicy and bold flavours of the roughly 30-item food menu. The goal is to create a relaxed, social dining experience that invites guests to linger and connect.

More details from a press release circulated this morning:

“With Jay Nok, the next generation will be continuing SalaThai’s legacy of honouring Thai culture and the joy of being together to eat and drink and engaging in Thailand’s famed “Sanuk” (the concept of enjoyment and fun). Whether you’re seeking a lively lunch, a memorable dinner, or a night out with friends, Jay Nok Modern Thai promises to bring the essence of Thailand’s street food culture to life in an entirely new way.”

When Jay Nok opens next year, they will be serving up Lunch from Monday to Friday from 11:30am-3pm, with Dinner service running seven days per week from 5-10pm. With a mix of ambition, depth of experience, family-driven values, and fresh ideas, Jay Nok Modern Thai is aiming to bring something new to Olympic Village. Whether it becomes a Michelin contender remains to be seen, but it’s a restaurant worth watching.

Jay Nok Modern Thai

Neighbourhood: False Creek

127 W 2nd Ave.

(Opening soon)

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