In this episode of the ROCC Pod, we sit down with Siri Pipat, the owner of Kacha Thai Market, to discuss her passion for authentic Thai food, her restaurant’s unique concept, and her experiences as part of the Royal Oak community.

Siri shares her personal journey of moving to the U.S. over 20 years ago and her struggle to find Thai food that matched the flavors she grew up with. That challenge inspired her to create Kacha Thai Market, a restaurant focused on bringing authentic Thai street food to Michigan while incorporating local ingredients. She emphasizes the importance of using fresh, local produce and meats while still importing essential Thai ingredients, like tamarind and palm sugar, to maintain authenticity.

One of Kacha Thai Market’s standout dishes is their Pad Thai wrapped in a delicate omelet, a unique offering inspired by a Michelin-starred restaurant in Thailand. Siri takes pride in offering a dish that’s both visually stunning and true to Thai culinary traditions, something rare to find in the U.S.

Beyond serving food, Siri is passionate about fostering connections between different cultures and communities. She’s actively involved in local chamber events and has collaborated with other ethnic restaurants for special cultural nights. Siri also uses her platform to educate others about Thai history and food, including how certain dishes came to represent Thai national identity.

Siri also touches on the importance of social media marketing in the competitive restaurant industry. She’s still learning the ropes of social media but leverages influencers to promote her restaurant. She envisions Kacha Thai Market as more than just a place to eat—it’s a small taste of Thailand, brought to life through authentic flavors, cultural decor, and community engagement.

As the conversation winds down, Siri mentions her future plans, including promoting Thai culture further and continuing to innovate her offerings. She also assures listeners that her restaurant caters to a wide range of dietary needs, including vegan and halal options, ensuring that everyone can experience the rich flavors of Thailand.

Kacha Thai Market: kachathaimarket.com

Learn more about the Royal Oak Chamber of Commerce: https://www.royaloakchamber.com/

Connect with our hosts:

Jon Gay from JAG in Detroit Podcasts - http://www.jagindetroit.com/

Lisa Bibbee from Century 21 Northland - http://soldbylisab.com/