In a city where culinary trends evolve at lightning speed, few restaurants manage to leave a lasting imprint on Los Angeles’ dining culture. For more than two decades, Emporium Thai has done exactly that—quietly shaping how the city experiences Southern Thai cuisine while building a loyal following that spans locals, chefs, and visiting tastemakers alike.
On March 16, 2026, the beloved Westwood institution began celebrating its 26th anniversary, marking a milestone that feels both reflective and forward-looking. Alongside special prix-fixe menus and signature dishes, the Sungkamee family is also ushering in a new era with the opening of Emporium Thai Market on Sawtelle Boulevard—a modern evolution of their culinary legacy.
A Legacy Built on Southern Thai Roots
Founded in 2000 by John Sungkamee and Jane Sungkamee, Emporium Thai began as a neighborhood restaurant with a clear and ambitious purpose: to bring the bold, deeply layered flavors of Southern Thailand to Los Angeles at a world-class level.
John’s connection to food traces back to his upbringing in Southern Thailand, where he grew up in a large family surrounded by the aromas and traditions of home cooking. Inspired by his parents, Supis and Sutat Sungkamee, he developed an early appreciation for the ingredients, generosity, and hospitality that define Thai cuisine.
After immigrating to the United States in 1990, the family carried that culinary heritage with them. Together, John, Jane, and Executive Chef Gina Sungkamee built Emporium Thai into one of the city’s most respected Thai restaurants—earning Thai SELECT certification from the Royal Thai Government and recognition among the Top 100 Best Thai Restaurants in the United States.
A Menu That Defines a Culinary Destination
Over the years, Emporium Thai has become a cornerstone of West Los Angeles dining, known for dishes that balance authenticity with a playful, contemporary edge.
Signature offerings such as Phuket Wings, Pad Thai Prawn, Crispy Honey Duck, Thai Crab Curry with Jasmine Rice, and Drunken Noodles continue to draw diners back time and again. The restaurant’s celebrated Thai Crab Omelette has also become a standout favorite, reflecting the depth and richness of Southern Thai cuisine.
Adding a unique twist to its menu, Emporium Thai has embraced its celebrity following through dishes inspired by well-known fans. Creations like the AKON Salad, BLACKPINK’s Lisa Meatballs, and the now-iconic Cardi B Mango Sticky Rice highlight the restaurant’s ability to merge cultural authenticity with pop culture influence.
A Family Influence That Shaped LA’s Thai Dining Scene
The Sungkamee family’s impact extends well beyond Westwood. In 2006, John Sungkamee purchased Jitlada in Thai Town, East Hollywood, recognizing its potential to showcase the bold, fiery flavors of Southern Thai cuisine.
Working behind the scenes while still in the corporate world, John contributed to shaping the restaurant’s early direction, while his brother, Chef Suthiporn “Tui” Sungkamee, led the kitchen. Supported by family members including Sarintip “Jazz” Singsanong, Jitlada quickly gained recognition.
In 2007, Pulitzer Prize-winning critic Jonathan Gold famously highlighted the restaurant, helping propel it into international acclaim. Today, Jitlada remains one of Los Angeles’ most celebrated Thai restaurants, earning recognition from the Michelin Guide multiple times and honors from the James Beard Foundation, where Chef Jazz Singsanong was named a semifinalist for Best Chef: California.
A New Chapter: Emporium Thai Market
As Emporium Thai celebrates its past, the family is simultaneously looking toward the future with the debut of Emporium Thai Market, which opened in January 2026 on Sawtelle Boulevard.
Designed as a vibrant, modern Thai dining destination, the new concept blends Southern Thai heritage with a contemporary culinary vision. The space, designed by TOLO Architecture, features soaring ceilings, a luminous skylight, warm wood and brass finishes, and a striking elephant mural inspired by Thai storytelling.
The kitchen is led by Executive Chef Gina Sungkamee, alongside Chef de Cuisine Chris Sungkamee, presenting a menu that bridges tradition and innovation—honoring classic recipes while refining them for a modern audience.
A Beverage Program Inspired by Thai Flavors
At the heart of Emporium Thai Market’s experience is its dynamic beverage program, led by Beverage Director Honeybee Sungkamee.
Drawing inspiration from Thai herbs and ingredients, Honeybee has created a lineup of signature cocktails that reflect both creativity and cultural depth. Offerings include the Galanga Sunrise, Lemongrass Lavender Margarita, Coconut Espresso Martini, and Dragon Fruit Martini, alongside natural wines and an eclectic selection of draft beers.
Her signature mocktails, already popular at Emporium Thai, continue to offer vibrant, non-alcoholic options that mirror the bold flavors of the cuisine.
Celebrating 26 Years with Special Menus
To mark its 26th anniversary, Emporium Thai is offering two-course prix-fixe menus, inviting guests to revisit the restaurant’s most beloved dishes.
The $26 lunch menu and $36 dinner menu will be available from March 16 through March 29, 2026, alongside celebratory specials that highlight the signature flavors that have defined the restaurant’s journey.
The anniversary menus not only celebrate the past but also serve as a reminder of the consistency and care that have sustained Emporium Thai through changing culinary trends, economic shifts, and even the challenges of a global pandemic.
A Story Still Unfolding
For John and Jane Sungkamee, this milestone is more than a celebration—it is a continuation of a story that began with a simple yet powerful vision.
Over the past 26 years, Emporium Thai has become more than just a restaurant. It has grown into a cultural touchstone within Los Angeles’ dining landscape, shaped by family, heritage, and a commitment to authenticity.
With the opening of Emporium Thai Market, that story enters a new chapter—one that reflects the evolution of Thai cuisine in Los Angeles while staying rooted in the traditions that started it all.
As the city continues to redefine its culinary identity, Emporium Thai remains a reminder that the most enduring flavors are the ones built on history, heart, and a deep sense of place.