Emporium Thai Market has become a destination for elevated Southern Thai cuisine on Los Angeles’ Sawtelle Boulevard, blending authentic regional flavors, a Thai street food-inspired menu and a vibrant cocktail program in a contemporary setting.

The restaurant builds on the legacy of Emporium Thai, the longtime Westwood favorite founded by John and Jane Sungkamee in 2000. While honoring traditional recipes and techniques, Emporium Thai Market offers a modern interpretation of Thai dining, pairing bold regional flavors with refined presentations and an energetic atmosphere.

Inspired by Thailand’s bustling markets and street food culture, the menu showcases dishes that celebrate the country’s diverse culinary traditions. Southern Thai cuisine takes center stage, known for its bold spices, bright acidity, fragrant herbs and rich curries.

Signature dishes include Seafood Hor Mok, a fragrant seafood curry custard with shrimp, crab and scallops; Jane’s Wings; the restaurant’s popular Phuket Wings; Honey Ribs; Choo Chee Salmon; Tom Saap Pork Rib Soup; and Khao Soi, the beloved Northern Thai coconut curry noodle soup.

Guests looking to explore authentic Southern Thai specialties will find Kua Kling Gai Sab, a dry chicken curry packed with aromatic spices; Gaeng Som, a vibrant sour orange curry with catfish; Pad Sa Taw Goong, stir-fried shrimp with stink beans; Southern Thai Crab Curry made from a treasured three-generation family recipe; and Pla Tod Kamin, a crispy whole New Zealand red snapper seasoned with turmeric and garlic. Another standout is the Bangkok-style Thai Crab Omelet inspired by the legendary Jay Fai. Desserts include Sweet Roti served with sweetened condensed milk and sugar, along with the playful Cardi B Mango Sticky Rice.

The full-service bar complements the menu with cocktails featuring Thai ingredients such as galanga, lemongrass, turmeric, basil and mint. Signature drinks include the Galanga Sunrise, Lemongrass Lavender Margarita, Coconut Espresso Martini, Dragon Fruit Martini and Strawberry Yuzu Martini with lychee. The beverage selection also includes natural wines, rotating draft beers and an assortment of zero-proof cocktails.

The restaurant’s contemporary interior features soaring ceilings, warm wood and brass finishes, a dramatic skylight and a large elephant mural inspired by Thai culture. A central bar and spacious outdoor patio create a welcoming setting for everything from casual lunches to evening gatherings.

Since opening earlier this year, Emporium Thai Market has added a fresh perspective to Los Angeles’ dining scene, offering an experience that celebrates the vibrant flavors of Southern Thailand while embracing the energy and communal spirit of Thai street food. For diners seeking authentic Thai cuisine in West Los Angeles, the restaurant delivers a menu rooted in tradition and elevated for today’s culinary landscape.

By Kinya Claiborne, STYLE & SOCIETY