If you’re craving an authentic taste of Thailand, you’ve got to check out Kacha Thai Market in Royal Oak!
Kacha Thai Market: Bringing Thai Street Food Magic to Michigan!
Located at 205 S Main St, it’s open Tue to Thu: 11:00 AM – 8:30 PM, Fri-Sat: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM, Sun: 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM.
Ever since we moved to Michigan from Bangkok in December 2022, we’ve been on a quest for authentic Thai food. Our search ended when Kacha Thai Market opened its doors last year. Lucky for us, we were working right across the street at Bamboo Royal Oak, and trust me, I made it my lunch spot every single day (except Monday because they’re not open)!
Meet the Owner:
Credit: Kacha Thai Market
Siri Pipat, a passionate chef with a love for Thai street food, opened Kacha Thai Market in 2023. She brings the essence of Thai street markets to Michigan, capturing the vibrant flavors and dynamic vibes that make Thai cuisine so unique.
Siri’s love for high-flame cooking and her dedication to authentic flavors shine through in every dish. From the aromatic herbs to the harmonious blend of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy, Kacha Thai Market is a culinary journey through Thailand’s diverse regions.
Our Flavorful Adventures:
Walking into Kacha Thai Market is like stepping into a bustling street market in Thailand. The menu is packed with traditional street food that brought back so many fond memories for me. From quick breakfast bites like Moo Ping (pork skewers) and Kanom Krok to delicious noodle soups and custard cups, Kacha has it all!
What We Tried and Loved:
Appetizers:
- Moo Ping: These charcoal-grilled pork skewers are marinated to perfection. The smoky aroma and tender texture had us hooked from the first bite!
- Beef Meatball with Tamarind Sauce: Juicy and flavorful, these meatballs are a must-try.
- Crying Tiger Combo: Marinated beef steak grilled to perfection, served with somtum (papaya salad), sticky rice, and Nam Jim Jaew sauce. It’s so good, even a tiger would cry for more!
Credit: Christopher Lau
Main Dishes:
- Tom Yum Combo: A creamy Tom Yum soup packed with shrimp, squid, mussels, lemongrass, mushrooms, and tomatoes, served in a signature hot pot. Spicy, tangy, and utterly delicious!
- Tom Yum Doo Dee: Noodles in a spicy tom yum soup with pork meatballs and marinated pork. A flavor explosion!
- Boat Noodle Soup: This thick beef soup features braised beef, meatballs, and bean sprouts. It's comfort in a bowl.
- Pad Thai with Omelette Wrap: This isn’t just any Pad Thai. The caramelized palm sugar and tamarind juice make the sauce naturally rich and flavorful. Wrapped in an omelette, it’s a story of love and survival from Thailand’s history.
- Kao Mun Gai: Tender chicken with fragrant rice, a simple yet iconic dish.
- Pla Tod Kra Tiem: Deep-fried red tilapia topped with garlic and pepper, served with Thai seafood sauce and rice. Crispy, flavorful perfection!
Credit:Christopher Lau
Desserts:
- Thai Custard and Mango Sticky Rice: Sweet endings to a perfect meal.
Credit:Christopher Lau
Drinks:
We washed down our feast with Butterfly Lemonade, Thai Tea, and Mango Smoothies. Refreshing and delightful!
Spice Level Warning:
A heads-up, folks—Kacha doesn’t hold back on the spice! Even their ‘mild’ can pack a punch. When I took my colleagues, Leonie and Duc, they had to brave the medium spice level of the Tom Yum and Somtum—but loved every fiery bite!
Catering Services:
Planning an event and want to wow your guests with authentic Thai flavors? Kacha Thai Market offers catering services that will transport your taste buds straight to Thailand!
So, next time you’re in Royal Oak, make sure to stop by Kacha Thai Market for a culinary adventure you won’t forget. And for more mouth-watering discoveries, check out Christopher Lau’s YouTube vlog where he explores Kacha and other fantastic spots around town.
Let’s end AAPI Heritage Month strong by supporting these incredible local businesses! Have you been to Kacha Thai Market? We'd love to hear about your experiences! Share your favorite dish, dining photos, and any recommendations for other AAPI-owned restaurants. Your photos will be featured in our next newsletter!
