Kin Kao serves excellent Thai food with some modern twists and fresh ingredients, perfect for foodies who like to snap pictures of colourful noodles and test their spice tolerance. With local beer on tap and minimalist decor, some favourite dishes are the deep fried sour cured pork ribs, the stir-fried spicy pork belly, and the red curry with duck. Go for lunch or dinner, or order takeout!
Vancouver was in need of a casual but modern Thai restaurant. Kin Kao, at Commercial and Venables, fits the bill. Fresh, light and airy in both décor and flavour, the small, 25-seat eatery features classic Thai street food dishes, including a truly authentic Pad Thai (called Phat Thai on their menu). Served hot with expertly cooked noodles and a tangy tamarind sauce, you can order it with prawns or chicken or keep it veggie — all versions come with tofu. At $13 (with the add-ins), this is some good value eating in a minimalist yet welcoming room.