An authentic Thai restaurant in Mount Currie is capturing the attention of locals and tourists alike since it first opened in January. Fresh ingredients, aromatic herbs and a breathtaking view have ensured a steady start for the new family business, which is open Tuesday to Sunday.
It offers a different kind of food to the people of Pemberton and surrounding areas, and is the only restaurant of its kind for miles.
Appetizers include spring rolls, crispy pork belly or deep-fried tofu. For mains, customers can choose between delicious noodle dishes, green curry or Massaman beef curry, while stir frys, salads and soups are also up for grabs. The kitchen’s honey toast is one to try if you still have room for dessert—a brioche bun smothered in caramelized butter, honey, and brown sugar topped with coconut ice cream and hokey pokey.
Saneh Thai also has an impressive range of options for celiacs and those with gluten sensitivities, and most dishes are made gluten-free.
The hidden gem’s “Yummy Combos” are incredibly popular. The $16 offer includes spring rolls and Singha beer, while for $27, customers can have pad thai and Singha beer with their choice of chicken, tofu and vegetables. These offers are perfect for those trying to make their pennies last, but are only available to customers opting to dine in.
Owner and head chef, Wasin Saiwanna (Champ), has always dreamed of opening his own restaurant. He worked in a high-end hotel in Bangkok for years before relocating to Vancouver. Thankfully, Champ decided to bring his decades worth of skills to the Sea to Sky corridor.
Champ told Pique the restaurant will change to a full menu at the start of June.
“It is all authentic Thai food,” he said.
And Saneh Thai’s sunny patio looking out at majestic Mount Currie (Ts’zil) is sure to be jam-packed this summer as the restaurant can now serve alcohol.
“We received our liquor licence in May,” said Champ.
The restaurant is seeing a steady mix of returning locals and travellers passing through, but “it is mostly locals during weekdays and then tourists at weekends,” he added.
Jaz Parnell is a waitress at Saneh Thai, and said customers in the area are thrilled to have the option to order takeout online.
The team is gearing up for a busy summer, with traffic set to increase on the busy highway just outside the Mount Currie restaurant.
“We anticipate a really busy summer with lots of people stopping by on their way to Joffre Lakes,” said Parnell. “We will get that Highway 99 traffic. We are pretty much the last stop as you come out of town, but also the first stop once you come back over the Duffey. People will see that they can enjoy food and cold drinks on our patio. We have really authentic options, but also some fan favourites like our great pad thai.”
Saneh Thai’s social media presence is attracting visitors from around B.C., Parnell added.
“Our Instagram presence is really good and it’s grabbing people’s attention. Lots of people drive up from Whistler to explore Pemberton and enjoy a new restaurant,” she said. “Everyone has been really happy with our food. I haven’t received a single complaint so far! I’ve been a server for a long time and I only work in restaurants that serve great food.”
You can follow Saneh Thai on their Instagram and Facebook pages. You can order online from their website here.
