A new Thai culinary destination has arrived in Los Angeles, and it’s bringing the vibrant tastes of Southern Thai Cuisine to the forefront. Emporium Thai Market officially opened its doors on January 21, 2026, located on the bustling Sawtelle Boulevard. This vibrant new spot introduces a modern take on Southern Thai heritage, offering an elevated full-bar experience. The Sungkamee family, behind this exciting venture, brings a rich culinary legacy spanning over 25 years, dedicated to sharing authentic Thai flavors. This focus on Southern Thai Cuisine sets a new standard for Los Angeles Thai food.
A Legacy of Southern Thai Cuisine Reimagined
The Sungkamee family has a deep connection to Los Angeles’ Thai food scene. John and Jane Sungkamee founded the original Emporium Thai in Westwood in 2000. This beloved establishment became a highly sought-after Thai restaurant, earning a strong reputation for authenticity and technique over 25 years. The family holds a Thai SELECT certification, an honor from Thailand’s Ministry of Commerce, ensuring a high standard for their Southern Thai food. Emporium Thai Market is a natural evolution, building upon this foundation by blending tradition with contemporary dining. John Sungkamee immigrated to Los Angeles in the 1990s with the goal of sharing Southern Thai Cuisine‘s regional richness.
Southern Thai Cuisine Flavors Take Center Stage
Emporium Thai Market’s menu is a celebration of Southern Thai Cuisine, highlighting the region’s bold and complex flavors. The restaurant uses carefully sourced ingredients to deliver comforting and delicious dishes that embody the essence of Southern Thai Cuisine. Signature items include Jane’s Wings and Phuket Wings, alongside BLACKPINK’s Lisa Meatballs. Crispy marinated pork, known as Kra Duk Moo Tod, is another highlight, showcasing authentic Southern Thai food. Seafood Hor Mok offers a fragrant coconut curry custard, a true testament to Southern Thai Cuisine. The menu also includes intensely spiced specialties from John Sungkamee’s hometown. The culinary team is a powerhouse, with Jane Sungkamee leading with her expertise, Executive Chef Gina Sungkamee from Saowabha Culinary University, and Chef de Cuisine Chris Sungkamee blending tradition and modern techniques to perfect the Southern Thai Cuisine.
A Modern Dining Experience Rooted in Southern Thai Cuisine
The new establishment boasts a contemporary design by Peter Tolkin and Sarah Lorenzen of TOLO Architecture, featuring warm wood and brass accents, and a linear skylight. An elephant mural draws inspiration from Thai art, complementing the central bar, a key feature. A street-facing patio offers outdoor seating. Beverage Director Honeybee Sungkamee leads the bar program, incorporating Thai herbs like lemongrass, mint, and galangal into signature drinks like the Lemongrass Lavender Margarita. The bar also offers natural wines, draft beers, and a zero-proof menu, enriching the Sawtelle Boulevard dining experience. This location fits well within Sawtelle’s vibrant culinary corridor, reflecting the growing popularity of diverse dining options in Los Angeles, with Thai food being a significant part of its culinary landscape, especially the unique offerings of Southern Thai Cuisine.
Trending in Los Angeles with Authentic Southern Thai Cuisine
Emporium Thai Market aims to be a standout addition to the Los Angeles dining scene, with the Sungkamee family shaping culinary trends rather than just chasing them. This new venture offers an immersive environment for a modern, chic dining experience that deeply honors its Southern Thai Cuisine roots. By offering signature and specialty dishes, the opening brings authentic Thai flavors and a sophisticated approach to Southern Thai food to a dynamic dining culture. The opening of this modern Thai restaurant, which proudly showcases the Sungkamee family recipes, is already generating buzz in Los Angeles Thai food news, solidifying its place as a must-visit destination, akin to the offerings found at the Emporium Thai Market.
