Emporium Thai Celebrates 26 Years

Founded by John and Jane Sungkamee back in 2000 on Westwood Boulevard, Emporium Thai has grown from a neighborhood eatery into a cornerstone of Los Angeles’ Thai dining scene, earning both a stellar reputation and widespread recognition. The restaurant holds Thai SELECT certification from the Royal Thai Government, has been named among the Top 100 Best Thai Restaurants in the United States, and at the heart of Emporium Thai’s enduring success is the Sungkamee family, whose story is deeply intertwined with the evolution of Thai cuisine in Los Angeles.

Emporium Thai was founded by John Sungkamee, Founder & CEO, and his wife Jane Sungkamee, Co-Founder, CFO, and Corporate Chef in March 2000. Born into a large family in Southern Thailand, John’s earliest culinary inspiration came from his parents, his mother Supis Sungkamee and his father Sutat Sungkamee, whose home cooking instilled a lifelong respect for Thai ingredients, hospitality, and generosity. Growing up with 11 siblings, John developed a deep appreciation for his culture and cuisine. In 1990, his mother won a lottery for a U.S. green card, allowing the family to immigrate to the United States and eventually become U.S. citizens.

John and his family arrived in the U.S. with a singular goal: to bring the depth, regional complexity, and the soul of Thai cuisine to Los Angeles at a world-class level. Working alongside his wife Jane and his sister, Executive Chef Gina Sungkamee, John leads a family-driven philosophy rooted in integrity, generosity, and excellence. Guided by recipes and traditions from their hometown in Southern Thailand, the restaurant began introducing guests to dishes that showcased the region’s vibrant culinary identity.

Over the past 26 years, the restaurant has become a gathering place for West Los Angeles locals, visiting chefs, celebrities, and Thai food enthusiasts alike, beloved for their Southern Thai signature dishes such as Phuket Wings, Pad Thai Prawn, Crispy Honey Duck, Thai Crab Curry with Jasmine Rice, Drunken Noodles, and the celebrated Thai Crab Omelette. The restaurant’s playful side is also reflected in dishes inspired by celebrity fans, including AKON Salad, BLACKPINK’s Lisa Meatballs, and the now-iconic Cardi B Mango Sticky Rice.

As Emporium Thai celebrates its 26th anniversary, the Sungkamee family has simultaneously launched a bold new chapter. In January 2026, they opened Emporium Thai Market, a lively modern Thai house on Los Angeles’ iconic Sawtelle Boulevard, where Southern Thai heritage meets contemporary culinary vision, striking design, and an elevated full-bar experience. The concept blends elevated regional cooking with an energetic bar program and a vibrant dining environment, reflecting Los Angeles’ evolving food culture.

Emporium Thai, located at 1275 Westwood Boulevard is open daily from 11am to 11pm.

Photo Credit:  Nick Gingold / Craft Media LA