BAAN WASANA THAI RESTAURANT

Welcome Home

On August 12, 2017, a fire caused by arson swept through several neighbouring businesses on West 41st Avenue, including the beloved restaurant Baan Wasana. The owner, Wasana Phutmoh, was determined to reopen the Thai restaurant that she has owned since 2005.

The process of restoring Baan Wasana brought unexpected bureaucratic delays, insurance complications, and major renovations, however, Wasana was determined to bring back what her daughter Vendela Phutmoh calls her “passion project.”

Loyal customers eagerly awaited the return of Baan Wasana which took place in March 2021. Word of mouth spread, and people were thrilled. Vendela says, “The response was great when we reopened. As soon as we flicked on the lights people poured in.” She adds, “This community is so sweet and supportive.”

Customers told us they had missed us, and it was exactly what they remembered. It made us feel really good.

The business is infused with family pride and joy. Vendela says, “My mum has made Baan Wasana like home.” In fact, the business name literally means Wasana’s house. The name was chosen to represent the homestyle meals she prepares alongside her sister Arpa Phutmoh, as well as to create a feeling of being at home when guests sit down at the table.

Wasana came to Vancouver as a student in her early 20s and worked at a restaurant. She proceeded to co-own a Thai restaurant in Burnaby and then branched out on her own.

Vendela, who is now the restaurant’s manager, recalls growing up in the backroom where she and her sister would do their homework and eat meals. She laughs at the memory of her mother surprising them by taking them for a meal at the previous business that would become Baan Wasana. As they were eating, Wasana asked her unsuspecting daughters what they thought of the restaurant now that it was theirs—the young girls were puzzled because it wasn’t a Thai restaurant.

Wasana transformed the restaurant to become like home. She loves to decorate and used red and gold to create an ornate and authentic atmosphere. When you step inside it feels like you have taken a relaxing trip to Thailand.

People love when my mom comes out of the kitchen. She is quite popular and very friendly and is so accommodating with our customers’ needs.

Vendela worked at the restaurant as a teenager, both as a dishwasher and as a host. She left to attend university but returned as the manager in March 2021 to help her mother. With all their years of experience, they faced the challenge of operating a business during the pandemic.

They familiarized themselves with the new operating procedures, set up barriers, and switched to takeout meals when restaurants were forced to close their doors for dine-in meals. Based on current capacity restrictions, the restaurant can accommodate 30 people. As a result, there also continues to be a strong demand for takeout, especially for big groups that can no longer dine in.

What makes this business special? “The family behind the restaurant and the fact that we are so present,” says Vendela. People have got married at Baan Wasana, there have been many first dates and many anniversaries have been celebrated in the cozy restaurant.

We know customers by name, and we remember their favourite meals.

With 69 menu items, there are plenty of tempting dishes to choose from. Pad Thai and spring rolls are instantly recognizable dishes that are frequently ordered, but there are many other tasty gems to discover. Vendela recommends the lettuce wrap that is fun to eat with your hands. She mentions Pla Lad Prig (a deep-fried whole fish with a spicy stir-fry topping) is delicious and the Thai spicy eggplant is another customer favourite. The Tom Yum noodle soup is a lunch special that is very popular.

The staff is happy to help people explore other dishes and step out of their comfort zone.

Having seen Kerrisdale evolve over the last 16 years, Vendela is excited that the neighbourhood has transformed into more of a foodie community. If you have not yet had the opportunity to visit Baan Wasana, this mother and daughter team invites you to make yourself at home as you explore their wide range of Thai dishes.

Baan Wasana Thai Restaurant

2143 W 41st Ave Vancouver, BC V6M 1Z6 Telephone 778-371-8971

www.baanwasana.com