Kacha Thai Market is bringing the food and spirit of Thailand’s outdoor markets to downtown Royal Oak with authentic ingredients and recipes that emphasize the flavors of Thai street-food culture in a new 70-seat venue.
To ensure the restaurant’s cuisine matches her homeland, owner Siriwan Pipatsattayanuwong (Siri Pipat) developed the menu with chef Cheodchai Daengdi, who moved to the U.S. this summer following more than 35 years of experience working in kitchens in both the central and northeast regions of Thailand.
The elephant, or “kacha,” a symbol of the country, was the inspiration for the restaurant’s name.
“In Thailand street markets are a vibrant part of our culture where we can eat delicious food 24 hours a day,” says Pipat. “I love Thai street food and am passionate about sharing the precise flavors and hard-to-find ingredients only found in Thailand. Royal Oak and its surrounding community are filled with adventurous food lovers, and the city is the perfect location for Kacha Thai Market.”
Dishes are prepared using fresh ingredients and spices, including galangal, coriander, lemongrass, lime leaves (kaffir), shrimp paste, fish sauce, and chilies. Palm sugar is used to sweeten dishes, while mixing lime and tamarind adds a sour note. Fresh noodles are used with newly harvested proteins, including fish, seafood, pork, chicken, and beef, as well as tofu.
Kacha Thai’s menu is meant to be affordable and features appetizers ($2-$12) like skewered meats and fried dishes such as Hat Yai street chicken prepared with garlic, soy sauce, salt, and sugar.
Among the lighter fare are som-tum (papaya salad) and tom yum kung soup, which is loaded with shrimp, mussels, squid, mushrooms, and tomatoes and flavored with lemongrass and cilantro. Entrees and platters ($6-$21.95) include fried noodle dishes, curries, noodle soups, and dozens of vegetarian and vegan choices, among them pad see ew, pineapple fried rice, and drunken noodles.
The beverage list ($4-$5.25) offers options such as longan and plum soda, butterfly lemonade, bubble tea, and traditional Thai tea, and iced coffee. Desserts ($7) include such favorites as herbal jelly made with longan, fresh mango, and Thai custard.
Pipat promises a true taste of the street markets of Thailand — “no American spin or family recipes.”
Thai food is traditionally spicy, however, Kacha Thai Market offers different degrees of seasoning in their recipes to satisfy all preferences. Many spices and condiments are offered on the side as they are traditionally served in Thailand.
Food from Thailand’s central region tends to offer a balance of flavors (for example, salty, sweet, and sour), while northeastern offerings lean into stronger and spicier profiles.
The 2,350-square-foot space was designed to reflect the energy of the street markets in Thailand. Custom wallpaper, Tung flags, bamboo pendant lights, and serving ware from Thailand decorate the space.
With seating for 70, tables are made of distressed wood complemented by brightly colored industrial chairs. There’s a small section where various trinkets from Thailand are available for purchase, including traditional wood carvings, harem pants, khao neow (sticky rice baskets), change purses, bags, and more.
Kacha Thai Market is located at 205 S. Main in Royal Oak (southeast corner of Main and 2nd Street), It serves lunch and dinner and is open from 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday, 11 a.m.-9:30 p.m. Friday-Saturday, and noon-8 p.m. on Sunday. For more information, or to place a carryout order, call 248-942-4246 or visit kachathaimarket.com.
