When Tai Keattivanichvily was growing up in Thailand, hed watch his mother cook a delicious family meal entirely from scratch, including smashing open a coconut.
Years later, when he opened his own Thai restaurants, he wanted to pay homage to such high standards. His chefs might not have to use a hammer to extract coconut milk, but they do make everything à la minute using only the freshest of ingredients.
When a customer sits down at one of two locations of Bob Likes Thai Food, they know theyre going to enjoy a meal thats as similar to his late mothers cooking as possible (especially since he uses many of her recipes.)
We work hard to make it as close to authentic as possible, he says. That includes soaking tamarind for two days prior, and making fish cakes with only fish, shredded lime leaf and curry paste.
His favourite dish on the menu is the Six Bites or Miang kham, which can be translated as eating many things in one bite: made with piper sarmentosum or chaphlu leaves, roasted coconut shavings, lime, shallot, peanut, ginger with tamarind palm sugar sauce.
Theres so much depth to it, he says of his restaurants cuisine. Its like a symphony in your mouth.
An animator by profession, Keattivanichvily opened his first restaurant on Main Street three years ago. It soon became a neighbourhood favourite. His second location, at West Broadway and Granville, is equally addictive.
When wondering what to call his restaurants, he wanted to avoid flowery imagery. Instead, he imagined an expat named Bob who lived in Thailand for years, falling in love with the food. Back in Vancouver, Bob yearned to find a place where he could recapture those memories of amazing symphonies of taste. And he wanted to eat in a restaurant where he could relax from the days stresses and feel instantly comfortable. Bob Likes Thai Food fits the bill.
Whats your favourite neighbourhood?
Main Street, as its relaxed, friendly and funky with great shops and cafés. It reminds me of Camden Town and Portobello Road in London 20 years ago, with its creativity and budding personal style. I also love Granville Island because of its great food and variety of vendors and arts. It has a vibrant energy from the many tourists who visit there.
Whats your favourite way to unwind?
I find it difficult to relax when Im home, so I like to go up to Whistler to snowboard, or get out of town with my family and discover new restaurants, shops and neighborhoods in small towns, even just for a day or two.
What are your favourite stores or restaurants?
I dont shop much but I do like going to thrift stores and finding unique furniture and clothing. But I love eating and drinking! I love the Keefer Bar in Chinatown great cocktails and bartenders and the Railway Club for its atmosphere. Im also inspired by the people Ive met at a few of the Legions Ive been to. My family and I go to La Ghianda on Alma for lunch a lot and Vijs for a treat. Also we are quite addicted to the pies at Acme Café and the sweets at Sweet Obsession.
What I learned... about business
Believe in what youre doing, work hard, stay focused and realize that you cant please all of the people all of the time.
Reach us at
Main Street location:
3755 Main
phone: 604-568-8538
Lunch 11:30-2:30 pm
Dinner 5-9 pm
West Broadway location:
1521 W. Broadway @ Granville
phone: 604-558-3320
Lunch 11:30 am-3 pm
Dinner Sun.-Thurs. 5-9 pm, Fri.-Sat. 5-10 pm
