Breaking: Chef Angus An to Open New Restaurant in the West End

Sainam set to open this spring. Here is everything we know so far.

Here at Vanmag, we’re big fans of chef Angus An and his restaurant group Full House Hospitality, which has all but established an empire of quality Thai cuisine in the city. And the proof is in the pudding: Maenam snagged gold in our 2024 Restaurant Awards, while Fat Mao is currently a finalist for the 2025 awards, and we couldn’t talk about eating through the suburbs without recommending (highly) Longtail Kitchen.

Chef Angus An in the space that will soon be Sainam. Credit: Joanna Chu

So we’re thrilled to hear that the award-winning chef is poised to launch a new restaurant in the heart of the West End. The eatery, called Sainam, will feature dishes from the Isaan region of Thailand. Think som tum (papaya salad) and Wechanpuri-style gai yang (grilled chicken). The region, located at the northeast of Thailand, is apparently close to chef An’s heart. “I’ve always been a huge fan of the food from the Isaan region—it’s so distinct from other parts of Thailand, with its robust flavours and rustic-styles,” he explains.

Papaya salad. Credit: Darren Cheung
Grilled chicken. Credit: Darren Cheung

Sainam’s kitchen will be helmed by head chef Poom Sikarin Sirisupanon who is from Khon Kaen in the Isaan region and currently is sous chef at Maenam. The restaurant itself is currently being designed by the team, but we can tell you that it is 1,200 square feet and will feature 40 seats.

We’re not exactly sure when in spring 2025 Sainam is set to open, but as always we’ll keep you up to date with any exciting news.

Sainam

1235 Davie Street

Chefs Angus An and Poom Sikarin Sirisupanonn at the cocktail bar inside Sainam. Credit: Joanna Chu