Emporium Thai Market brings modern Southern Thai dining to Los Angeles with bold flavors, craft cocktails, and family legacy on Sawtelle.
A beloved Thai institution reinvents itself on Sawtelle Boulevard
Los Angeles loves a comeback story, especially when it smells this good.
This winter, modern Southern Thai dining in Los Angeles gets a bold new chapter with the arrival of Emporium Thai Market. Opening January 21, 2026, the restaurant marks a confident evolution of a family legacy that many Angelenos already hold close.
If you have ever argued with friends about the best Thai food in Westwood or debated heat levels late into the night, you already know the Sungkamee name.
Emporium Thai Market takes that trust and stretches it further. The goal is not nostalgia for nostalgia’s sake. It is discovery. It is flavor. It is fun loving Thai hospitality designed for how Los Angeles eats and drinks now.
And yes, it is still deeply personal, because great food always is.
From Westwood icon to Sawtelle statement
The Sungkamee family is not chasing trends. They are shaping them. John and Jane Sungkamee opened Emporium Thai in 2000, long before Thai cuisine became shorthand for cool. Over 25 years later, their influence is undeniable, with Thai SELECT certification from the Royal Thai Government and praise from Eater LA, Los Angeles Magazine, and Thrillist.
Emporium Thai Market is where that credibility meets curiosity.
Located on Sawtelle Boulevard, the restaurant steps confidently into one of the city’s most culturally rich dining corridors. For diners who like their nights layered with great food, sharp cocktails, and a little people watching, this location makes perfect sense. It is relatable in the best way. We have all met friends here “just for one drink” and stayed for hours.
The heart of modern Southern Thai dining in Los Angeles
At its core, Emporium Thai Market celebrates modern Southern Thai dining in Los Angeles with precision and warmth. The kitchen is run by a powerhouse family team.
Jane Sungkamee brings a Bangkok born, globally informed perspective. Chef Gina Sungkamee, a graduate of Saowabha Culinary University, leads with bold, soulful cooking rooted in authenticity. Chris Sungkamee represents the next generation, refining family recipes with a technique driven touch that speaks to today’s palate.
Southern Thai cuisine is not shy.
It leans into heat, acidity, and aromatics with joyful confidence. Here, flavors are bright, complex, and unapologetically fun loving. Dishes like Seafood Hor Mok arrive rich and custard like, layered with coconut curry depth. Phuket Wings and Jane’s Wings deliver the kind of sticky, tangy satisfaction that makes sharing optional.
BLACKPINK’s Lisa Meatballs and Cardi B Mango Sticky Rice know exactly what they are doing.
For the adventurous, the Southern Thai specialties dig deeper.
Kua Kling Gai Sab brings intense spice and dry curry punch. Gaeng Som balances sour and heat with catfish fillet. Pad Sa Taw Goong proudly warns that it is not for Thai food beginners. That honesty is refreshing. Not every dish needs to hold your hand.
A beverage program that plays as hard as the kitchen
A serious kitchen deserves a serious bar. Beverage Director Honeybee Sungkamee delivers one that feels expressive and grounded. The cocktails draw directly from Thai culinary tradition, using galanga, lemongrass, turmeric, basil, and mint with restraint and intention.
The Galanga Sunrise and Lemongrass Lavendar Margarita are built for long conversations. The Coconut Espresso Martini is dessert with a wink. There is an adventurous eight tap draft beer lineup and a thoughtful selection of natural and eclectic wines. Zero proof options are treated with the same care, which feels both modern and considerate.
This is modern Southern Thai dining in Los Angeles that understands how people actually drink now.
Design that frames the experience without shouting
Design matters, especially in Los Angeles.
The space by TOLO Architecture balances drama and comfort. Soaring ceilings and a luminous linear skylight create air and movement. Warm wood and brass finishes keep things grounded. A striking elephant mural ties Thai art and graphic storytelling together without feeling themed.
The central bar anchors the room, making it easy to slide in for a quick cocktail or stay for dinner. Outside, the street side patio offers elevated al fresco dining that taps directly into the energy of Sawtelle. It is the kind of place where you accidentally become a regular. That is relatability done right.
Mini FAQ: Emporium Thai Market
Q: What makes Emporium Thai Market different from Emporium Thai?
A: Emporium Thai Market expands the legacy with a full bar, contemporary design, and a broader exploration of Southern Thai flavors while staying rooted in authenticity.
Q: Is the food very spicy?
A: Southern Thai cuisine embraces heat, but the menu offers balance. There are approachable dishes and boldly spicy options clearly signposted.
Q: Does it work for cocktails only?
A: Yes. The central bar and zero proof program make it ideal for drinks, snacks, and lingering conversations. [Insert Internal Link]
Why this opening matters now
Emporium Thai Market arrives at a moment when Los Angeles diners crave depth as much as style. It delivers both without pretense. This is modern Southern Thai dining in Los Angeles that respects its roots while embracing the city’s restless energy. If you care about flavor, culture, and places that feel alive, put this one on your calendar. Then bring friends. You will want witnesses.
Social Media: Follow Emporium Thai Market on Instagram @emporiumthaimarket
Emporium Thai Market
1653 Sawtelle Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90025
