Until the start of Chinatown Dining Week, we’ll be featuring each of the 18 businesses who are participating in this year’s event, running January 13-23, 2022. All businesses are offering special deals during this period for $10 and/or $18. Check out all of the menus here.

We spoke with Katherine Sayaphet of Syphay, another business returning to Chinatown Dining Week.

Why did you decide to open the restaurant?  

I am the second generation owner of Syphay – my mom opened the restaurant 16 years ago. She’s always had a passion for cooking and she started this business without any experience and just learned along the way.  

How long has the restaurant been open?  

We opened the Jasper Ave location 8 years ago [which will be the one participating in Chinatown Dining Week].  

We also opened a new south side location in 2020 (a relocation after closing our other location of 15 years).

What is the style of cuisine served at the restaurant?  

We are unique because we are both Thai and Lao style cuisine. My mom was born on the border of Thailand and Laos so the when she developed the menu, the dishes had both Thai and Lao influence. If someone orders a dish and they would like it more Thai flavor or more Lao flavor, we are able to accommodate that. It all depends on the customer’s preference on the flavor and what they like so don’t be afraid to ask staff for recommendations! 

What makes your restaurant special?  

Syphay’s name comes a combination of both of my parents’ names. It is family owned and operated, which I think makes this restaurant feel genuine and unique. The food is authentic and the staff is always friendly. We have lots of new customers who come in to dine and we work hard to have the staff be informative and help explain the menu if needed. Sometimes it can be intimidating for people to try new restaurants so we have friendly and welcoming staff to help alleviate that. 

Why do you think people should dine in Chinatown?  

Edmonton’s Chinatown has a sense of community and there are so many unique restaurants, bakeries, and little shops. I think everyone in Edmonton should visit Chinatown at least once to experience the different types of cuisines and cultures. 

How has your business been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic?

I’d say the pandemic has greatly affected us emotionally. It has put a great deal of stress on us and our staff. We had to constantly change and adapt but we are grateful for our supportive customers.

Syphay will be offering the following $18 special during Chinatown Dining Week. IT is valid for dine-in or pick-up:

$18 Special: choose from Choice #1 or #2

Choice #1: Tohm Yum (Vegetable), Phanang Curry (Chicken or Tofu), Coconut Rice, Vegetable Spring Rolls (2 pieces)

Choice #2: Tohm Yum (Vegetable), Pad Thai (Chicken or Tofu), Vegetable Spring Rolls (2 pieces)

Orders can be made via phone or in-person
(780) 423-4241
9441 Jasper Avenue
Monday-Friday 11:30am-2pm; 5-9pm, Saturday 5-9pm, closed Sunday