Nestled in a cozy nook on Westwood Boulevard, Emporium Thai can be easily overlooked if it weren’t for its trademark golden elephant painted onto the building’s red facade. Celebrating 25 years of Thai cuisine, this family-owned establishment proudly decorates their walls with pictures of loyal customers and celebrity visitors, including Cardi B and Lisa from Blackpink–even naming special dishes after them.
This year, Emporium Thai participated in Dine L.A., a biannual event in which various restaurants in L.A. curate special menus to culturally showcase different cuisines. For $45, each person can get a three-course menu consisting of options ranging from traditional Thai desserts to inclusive vegan and gluten free mains.
Upon walking into Emporium Thai, its dim lighting and tidy wooden tables gave the place a warm, elegant glow. Already bustling with couples, friends and a few families around the early hours of dinnertime, you could tell this spot is a beloved hole-in-the-wall for visitors and regulars alike. The warm orange walls gave the place a homey feel, with an additional room for seating around the corner.
Our first appetizer served to us by a friendly waitress were the Phuket Wings. Each bite was accompanied by a zesty, curry-like sauce with just a hint of spice; a combination perfect for waking up your dormant tastebuds. The meat struck a pleasant balance that was neither too fatty nor stringy, able to be consumed in a few delicious bites. Accompanied by a gentle crunch from a light breading, Emporium Thai’s Phuket Wings were the definition of a savory treat to whet your palette.
The next starter to arrive was BLACKPINK Lisa’ s Meatball. With a name that reflects this famous K-pop star’s favorite dish, these meatballs arrived on skewers nestled in a sweet and tangy dipping sauce. The meatball itself was savory, with a chewy bounce vaguely reminiscent of the texture of fishballs found in hotpot. Grilled and deep fried, these umami skewers resemble street food that can be found in Lisa’s hometown, Buri Ram. Clearly, Lisa’s visit to Emporium Thai left a lasting impression – inspiring a menu item that pays homage to her visit.
Last but not least is the Akon Salad appetizer, named for the popular singer who fell in love with the unique, fruity dish. An appealing mix of mangoes and crushed peanuts, the Akon Salad blends the mangoes’ characteristic sweetness with a somewhat startling taste of lime. Beneath the push and pull of sweet and citrusy, a hint of coconut lingers as an afterthought. While slightly slippery in nature, mango lovers are bound to enjoy the AKON salad as a refreshing appetizer.
The Pad Prik King Crispy Pork was the first of the mains we tried. It consisted of a savory garlic-y chili paste sauce coating crispy pork belly, stir fried green beans and carrot, served alongside a bed of jasmine rice. This dish was a table favorite, as the crispy skinned tender pork complemented the crunch of the green bean and slight sweetness of the carrot. After the fresh and fruity zing of the Akon mango salad that came before, this rich and umami-packed main was a welcome addition to the meal.
This vegan, plant-based Massaman Curry is something you can find appealing both in taste and to a wide variety of diets. As someone who’s rarely fond of coconut, this flavor is integrated so smoothly into this dish to the point it manifests itself simply as a mild sweetness, enhancing each and every bite. It’s perfectly paired with soft boiled potatoes, crinkle-cut carrots, and chewy pieces of broccoli along with a small dish of rice on the side. While rather rubbery in texture, the seitan provides a strong source of protein and simply absorbs the coconut flavor from the curry.
The last main to arrive was the Lemongrass Curry. Yet another coconut milk-based dish, this curry showcased citrus-forward flavors, with a lemony tang that paired well with the creamy curry base. Chicken and mushroom added to the savory flavor of the dish; however, the chicken pieces were dry and chewy – a rather unpleasant addition to the curry.
The Thai Donuts were a delicious way to end the evening. With a slight, sweet crunch complementing its fluffy interior, this pastry-like dessert’s emphasis on dough quality over artificial sweetness elicits a more mild, enjoyable taste. A drizzle of condensed milk gave the donuts a nice finish, although it can seem a bit strong if you aren’t a fan of sweetness.
Along with the donuts, the Cardi B. Mango Sticky Rice was an enjoyable sweet treat to finish off the meal. Sticky glutinous rice flavored with coconut milk paired well with slices of sweet and tart mango drizzled with condensed milk. The freshness of the fruit was a welcome addition to the mochi-like sweetened rice and we quickly finished off the dessert with enthusiasm. Cardi B. clearly has a good reason to enjoy this Thai dessert.
Overall, our meal at Emporium Thai during their Dine L.A. event was a pleasant experience. From the food to the vibes – and their dishes named after celebrity guests, Emporium Thai offers patrons a cozy local atmosphere and a variety of delicious dishes to choose from. For students craving Thai cuisine in Westwood, Emporium Thai is an excellent place to go.
