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Our Team
The people behind every plate, every pour, and every welcome at Soi Ram, a small crew with deep roots, and a few decades of practice between them.
Owners
Brian & Kirsten
For Brian, the restaurant is deeply personal. Raised as a true “restaurant kid,” he grew up helping his parents run the beloved Sala Thai, learning early on the importance of hospitality, hard work, and meals that bring people together. Opening Soi Ram became a way to continue those traditions while spending more time learning from his mom and deepening his connection to Thai culture.
Behind the scenes is his wife, Kirsten, a longtime teacher in the Ladner community and the steady “restaurant mom” who keeps everything running. While Brian focuses on the kitchen and guest experience, Kirsten manages the office, the organization, and the thousand small details that make a day work.
The Crew
Hands, hearts, hospitality
Head Chef
Chef Pai
Born and raised in Bangkok, I've spent more than fifteen years cooking the food I grew up on. I started out as a butcher at the Landmark Hotel, learning to respect good ingredients and the care it takes to prepare them, before bringing my craft to Vancouver in 2013. My cooking comes straight from home: a Muslim father from the South, a mother from Nan in the North, and a family that loved to cook together. Every dish carries the flavours I remember from those kitchens, honest and full of life. I hope you'll make the drive and taste the Thai food that locals back home truly love.
Chef
Sandy Chen
With 15 years of mastery in the culinary arts, I have built a career defined by precision, passion, and the successful launch of multiple acclaimed restaurant concepts. My journey through the industry has made me a seasoned expert in both the high-stakes environment of grand openings and the delicate craft of menu development. Currently, I serve as the creative force at Soi Ram Thai restaurant. In my role as Chef, I am revitalizing the menu by developing original recipes that bridge the gap between tradition and trend. By applying modern twists to classic Thai dishes, I ensure that every meal honors its authentic roots while offering a sophisticated, contemporary experience for today's plate.
My goal is to respect the history of a dish while finding that one unexpected element that makes it feel entirely new.
Front of House / Catering Manager
Nancy Luong
I'm a multi-skilled go-getter who loves making things happen. Whether I'm creating engaging social media content, managing catering, or handling business operations, I mix creativity with strong entrepreneurial instincts to get results. I enjoy building ideas, finding smarter ways to grow, and keeping things running smoothly. I'm naturally people-friendly and love building great relationships along the way.
Bar Manager
Jaree Tongtae
With 15 years behind the bar at Salathai, I've dedicated my career to the art of the cocktail. As a Bar Manager, I view every drink as a unique opportunity to blend technique with creativity. My philosophy is simple: every pour should be a balance of fun and flavour, crafted with genuine care. I'm constantly evolving my process, exploring new ingredients and modern techniques to ensure that the next drink I make is always my best one yet.