Hey there!

     We all love curry food because it's tasty and filling, but did you know that there are health benefits to eating Thai food as well? Check out this list of food found in Thai cuisine and the benefits they provide.

Tumeric

- Valuable digestive aid
- Helps those with arthritis
- Improve cardiovasular (heart) conditions
- Protect the body from bacterial infections (such as wounds)
- Fight skin and breast cancers in animal studies

 Galangal

 - Alleviate abdominal discomfort and pain
- Assist in digestion
- Remedy vomiting, seasickness and motion sickness
- Improve blood circulation in hands and feet
- Treat diarrhea
- Fight inflammation, thereby treating arthritis
- Treat ulcers and inflammation of the stomach
- Cure the hiccups (whaaaaa)

 Lemongrass

 - Treats flus and colds, which may be why Tom Yum Soup is so good at relieving cold & flu symptoms
- Relieves headaches and fevers
- Treats abdominal pain and other stomach conditions
- Slows arthritis
- Removes fungal conditions

 Coriander

 - Aids against gastrointestinal trouble (including gas and bloating)
- Relieves digestive problems
- Protects against bacterial and fungal infections
- Banishes loss of appetite
 Chilies

- Helps you sleep better
- Balances insulin levels
- Known to increase fat burning

 Coconut Milk

 - Lowers bad cholesterol (LDL), while promoting good cholesterol boosts immunity
- Modulates metabolic functions
- Provides valuable fatty acids which most people in the West are lacking fights aging

So in summary, Thai food is good for your digestive system and helps prevent and deal with sickness. Let's hope you never have to fight fungus infections, but if you do thai food helps with that too! Special thanks to http://thaifood.about.com/od/introtothaicooking/a/healthbenefits.htm for providing so much helpful info!

Hey there Curry Lovers, I'm not sure if you were able to come out to the opening night last night, but if you weren't able to come out, here's some photos to get your mouths watering.

Warming up with the appetizer featuring dumplings, lemon grass shrimp, and a delicious lettuce wrap.

Dive into the entree with braised pork ribs, asparagus and shitake mushrooms, shrimp and noodles, and brown rice.

And drowning in the mango sticky rice. Ekamai Sugarhouse is fully open! Get on out there and get yourself something new in the Sugarhood!
Thanks,
Woot

Survey Says!

For the past four months, we here at Ekamai have been trying new ways to keep in contact with our fans. Through Facebook, Twitter, Google Plus, and -- of course -- this blog, I have been looking for new ways to listen to you guys and keep you all up to date with what's going on for Ekamai. It's been a really great year so far, with the opening of our first concessions kiosk at Real Salt Lake games. Hopefully, the year will continue strong as we prepare to open a new Ekamai location in Sugarhouse. I truly want to provide you with the best service I can, and I'd like to ask a small favor of you now... Will you take this short survey and tell us how we're doing? The feedback really helps me to improve the store and give you guys a better experience. I'll reward you with an awesome photo... (complete the survey and scroll down, but NO PEEKING you cheaters!!)

Create your free online surveys with SurveyMonkey, the world's leading questionnaire tool.

Did you finish it? Promise?

THANK YOU!!! You are AWESOME!!

This blog has really been a fun experience for me. Thanks to all of you for giving it a chance and commenting back, it really means a lot.

Now, drumroll please... *brrrrrrrrrr*

HAHAHAHAHA! Do you like it? Someone made this for me, and it's too funny not to share!

Well, until next time... ;)

Massaman Monday! (Massamonday?)

I know what you're thinking -- "Not another Monday." It's hard to get going at the beginning of the week, after a restful weekend full of fun and family. How do you find the energy to tackle your work-week, school-day, or whatever unique challenges your Monday brings?

Well, not to toot my own horn or anything, but one of my favorite ways to get back in the swing of things is to sneak a big, generous bowl of Massaman curry from our expo line. There's a reason we feature Massaman curry on our menu every day -- it is a longtime fan favorite, myself included. Our Massaman curry beef is made with a curry paste of coconut milk, potato, carrot, onion, and peanut served with rice and eggroll. We also offer a delectable vegetarian version. Its spicy aroma is perfect for re-energizing your senses.

(source)

I know what you're thinking now -- "Woot, what is the culinary history behind Massaman curry?" Ha ha ha, just kidding. But you might be interested to know that this traditional southern Thai dish is actually influenced heavily by other cultures, specifically Indian and Muslim. In fact, "Massaman" is an old way to say "Muslim" in Thailand. One of the most fascinating aspects of Thai food is the way our ancestors adopted culinary features from various influences and fused them into a distinct, original tradition. Massaman curry developed as early Muslim traders brought dry spices with them to Thailand. Over time, Massaman curry became the dry spiced, heavily aromatic dish known to us today.

And, hey, it doesn't look like Massaman has fallen out of favor with contemporary foodies: CNNGo ranked Massaman curry as the World's #1 Most Delicious Food in 2011 :)  Just one more reason to visit me at Ekamai and try it for yourself! Don't worry, I'll try to leave some for you guys and not eat it all before you get here ;)  See you soon!

Winning at Real Salt Lake

Hello curry-lovers!

Whoo, Saturday night was a busy night at the Rio Tinto Stadium as we dished out a ton of Thai for Real's hungry fans! It was an exciting game against Colorado, and I'm happy to say Real emerged victorious with a 2-0 score. (Not that we were watching... ;) )

We're starting to get used to being at the games. It's always so exciting! We love the fun, energetic atmosphere because it really gets our blood pumping. And I am always very thankful when people come to visit our concessions. Lots of you have stopped by to say hello and wish us good luck. You are all really nice!

We are the only Asian cuisine available at the games, and I'm proud to bring that variety and share it with you all. If you haven't had a chance to try us, it's a great opportunity. A few kind folks on Saturday told us that our Thai is delicious, to which we say -- Thank you! :)

Our next appearance at Rio Tinto Stadium will be on April 28th, when Real squares off with Toronto FC. Should be a great game! That gives us all a couple of weeks to get our game-faces on and prepare ourselves for the rush... Hope to see you there!

A snapshot of the stand during the last game

For tickets and info on Real Salt Lake, visit their official schedule here!

P.S. A HUGE THANK YOU goes out to Alecia, who wrote this amazing review of Ekamai, featuring yours truly ;)  Thanks, Alecia!

Spring Cleaning

Today's weather was wet and rainy. I like when it rains -- everything is washed by the rainfall, and afterwards the world seems shiny and new. What is the phrase I always hear, "April Showers Bring May Flowers"? I sure hope so. Spring is a beautiful time of year.

Back home in Thailand, this time of year means one thing... The New Year is approaching. Traditional calendars point to April 13th as the start of a new year, and the country still celebrates the traditional new year as a national holiday. (Even though we use the "Gregorian" calendar used by most of the world these days, we still like to observe this tradition of our ancestors). In fact, April 13th through the 15th is when Thailand observes the Songkran festival. Songkran literally means "astrological passage," based on the astrological calendar.

This festival comes at the end of our dry season, the hottest time of year. Looking out my rainy window today in Salt Lake City, it's hard to imagine the sunny heat of Thailand... but I know it's there.

The funnest part about Songkran, especially when you're a kid, is that the festival celebrates water. Historically, water was blessed and poured on the shoulders of our elders as a way to pass on good fortune. Also, this was the time of year that images of the Buddha would be cleaned, as well as the whole house (not unlike what we call "spring cleaning" here in America). But as time went on, the celebration of water has expanded to the point that people pour it into our streets and onto each other. Kids play with garden hoses and water guns and soak each other -- and unfortunate passers-by. Anywhere you go on Songkran, you can expect to be totally soaked by the time you get there. This water represents cleaning and washing away the bad to get ready for the new. Sometimes, the elders get mad that kids take this symbolism too lightly and use the festival as an excuse to ambush the dry... but it's all in good fun.

So when I look out the window today and see that April's showers are moving in, I think to myself that the earth is preparing for Songkran. Spring is a new beginning for grass and trees and flowers. It makes sense that spring is traditionally the first season of the new year, because everything seems new again. I can't wait to see what the coming days will bring for all of us.

Fun Facts

Welcome back Curry Lovers!

Because Thailand is so special to us here at Ekamai, we thought we would share ten fun facts about Thailand!


1. Capital: Bangkok


2. Thailand is the only Southeast Asian country never to have been taken over by a European power.


3. A unified Thai Kingdom has existed since the mid-14th century, and Thailand was known as Siam until 1939 when it officially became the Kingdom of Thailand.


4. Thailand is the 50th largest country in the world, closest in size to Spain.


5. More than 92% of the population speaks Thai or one of its regional dialects.


6. 94.6% of Thai's are Buddhist.


7. Population: 67,091,089 (July 2012 est.)


8. Agriculture products: rice, cassava (tapioca), rubber, corn, sugarcane, coconuts, soybeans.


9. Currency: Thai Baht.

10. Major Thai Holidays:

January:                                Chinese New Year
1 January:                             New Year’s Day
February-March:                    Makha Bucha Day: Buddhist holiday on full moon of
                                            fourth lunar month.
6 April:                                  Chakri Memorial Day: Honoring the dynasty of the reigning royal .    .  .                                     family.
13-15 April:                           Songran, Thai New Years celebration.
May:                                     Visakha Bucha: Buddhist holiday on full moon of the 6^th lunar.
1 May:                                  Labor Day
5 May:                                  Coronation Day: Commemorating the coronation of present King of .                                            Thailand.
July:                                Asanha Bucha Day: Buddhist Holiday on full moon of 8^th lunar month.
                            Vassa: Beginning of Buddhist lent on first waning moon of 8^th lunar month.
12 August:                          Queen’s Birthday-Mother’s Day
23 October:                        Chulalongkorn Day: Honoring a former king of Thailand.
November:                          Loy Kratong
5 December:                       King’s Birthday-Father’s Day
10 December:                     Constitution Day: Celebrating the kingdom’s first constitution.
31 December:                     New Year’s Eve

Disclaimer: Many of these facts are direct quotes from our trusted sources at: https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/th.html

http://www.tourismthailand.org/about-thailand/fast-facts/

Comment and share your favorite facts or stories about Thailand with us below! 

Running late!!

Hello everyone,

It has been a while since my last blog post. Do not worry, I am still here! It's just that sometimes, life can have you scurrying to and fro just trying to keep up. Do you ever feel that way, too? I know I have for the last couple of weeks. What with Ekamai preparing to open its brand new location in downtown Sugarhouse and a brand new concession stand for the Real Salt Lake soccer games, I can barely find a spare moment. I'm willing to bet most of you have busy, busy daily lives as well. How do you find time to balance out your schedule with your wants and needs? I need tips!!

One tip I have for you, though, is that your stomach should not have to suffer just because you are on the go. Eating regular meals is very important to your overall health, and what you eat is just as important. That's why I'd like to remind you that we have delicious and nutritious (a rare combination) Thai food always cooking on our stoves, just waiting for you to come by and order some. Your co-workers will envy you, and trust us, your body will thank you!

Only got five minutes? We can work with that! It's our goal to get you in and out in a flash -- no mess, no fuss. If you're really in a hurry, call us (801-363-2717) and we'll have it waiting for you by the time you arrive. Grab it and go -- We won't be offended. Of course, we're always happy if you have a moment to chat and tell us how you're doing, too.

Speaking of which, I would love to stick around and shoot the breeze with all of you, but I've got phones ringing and timers going off, which can only mean one thing: It's time to prepare Ekamai for opening today! I hope you find the chance to stop by and try some of our fresh Pad Basil Chicken or Pad Prik Sod Beef. I have to admit, they are smelling really good this morning... ;)

Announcing: Ekamai at Real Salt Lake!

Hello curry-lovers!

Soccer season is here again! Are you ready? I know I am. In fact, Ekamai has been preparing for Real Salt Lake's upcoming games at Rio Tinto Stadium for a long time. In particular, the home game against New York on March 17th has us scurrying to get everything ready before the first kick.

Why, you ask? Well, I have some exciting news for fans of both soccer and curry... Ekamai is opening a shiny new concession stand in Rio Tinto Stadium to serve you during the game! 

That's right - You can get our fresh authentic Thai along with our legendary speed and service during any RSL home game this season, starting March 17th. Come and see us before, during, or after the game to satisfy your curry craving.

I am so excited to be partnering with Rio Tinto to bring you the first (and only!) Thai cuisine in the Stadium. I hope you will take the time to check us out, to drop by and say hello, and to let us know how we're doing in our efforts to serve you - in more locations!

Check out Real Salt Lake's season schedule here
Get directions and info for Rio Tinto Stadium here

I can't wait to see you there! Look for us alongside the other concessions. We'll be the ones spicing things up on the sidelines ;)

~*~

Soccer in Thailand

America is the only country to call it soccer, because everywhere else, it's football. Football is the most popular sport in many countries, and Thailand is no exception. For over one hundred years, people have enjoyed football in Thailand, and the country has hosted some great events in that time.

Around 1900, football was introduced to Thailand. About fifteen years later (in 1916, to be exact), the first league was founded by King Vajiravudh. Think that name is hard to pronounce? Try this on for size - his full name was Phra Bat Somdet Phra Poramentharamaha Vajiravudh Phra Mongkut Klao Chao Yu Hua. Now say that three times fast. He called the league "The Football Association of Thailand under Patronage of His Majesty the King." It joined FIFA in 1925, and the AFC in 1957. The first stadium was built in 1935.

Since then, the Thailand national football team has participated in the Olympic games, started its own competitions, and hosted its own cups (including the League Cup and Queen's Cup). Today, it is known as the Thai Premier League, or TPL Division 1. The World Cup is a big event in Thailand - in 2006, every match was broadcast on Thai channels.

You can find out more about Thai football at its official website. Hope to see you at the games!

Ask Woot!

     Hello, our curry-loving fans! Woot speaking. You know, as the owner of Ekamai, I get asked a lot of questions about the restaurant and what influences me, as well as questions about where I'm from and what I enjoy. Today, I thought I'd answer some of these questions for you. Here are some of my most frequently asked questions!

Where did the name "Ekamai" come from?

      As I am sure, many people wonder where the name “Ekamai” comes from. Well, back in Thailand, my family and friends actually call me “Ake.” I use Woot here in the US because I don't want people calling me Ake, and it is short for my real name – Wuthiphong. In Thailand, Ekamai is a small, trendy street where I love to spend a lot of time. There are bars, restaurants, a gas station, a grocery store, and clubs. I like to visit there whenever I go to Thailand. Also, I realized after coming up with the name that if you read Ekamai backwards, it spells “I am Ake.” I love that it actually has my name in it!

How long have you lived here?

     I first came to the US to go to school. In 2000, at the age of 19, I moved from a city of 15 million people to Ephraim, Utah, which only had about 5 thousand people! It was a huge change for my daily life. It was as if my backyard changed from a city to the outdoors over night. Four years later, I moved to SLC. It wasn't until two years ago that I started Ekamai. In the beginning, I really was the only person that operated the restaurant for the first few months. Those times were unique – but due to our loyal customers, we have grown, and I now have more people working along my side.

Do you have family that lives here?

      I have a sister that currently lives here in Utah and also my better half – my wife – and two kids who make me the happiest ever. Unfortunately, my Mom and Dad aren't living here, but they live back home in Thailand. I'm proud to be carrying on our Thai heritage here in the States. My aunt and uncle are here visiting for a little bit and have been helping out at the restaurant. I've been taking them around to show them Utah.

How did Ekamai pick its location (336 W. 300 S. Salt Lake City)?

      Ekamai found its location quite easily, as if it was meant to be. My landlord happened to own a building on 336 West Broadway where a coffee shop had just ended its lease. This became the future location of Ekamai – a perfectly snug fit.

      Downtown Salt Lake City has a hip culture of students and white-collar workers from all over the country, but if you take a look at the other Thai restaurants in the valley, they always have a traditional setting. If you've ever been to Ekamai, you can instantly see that Ekamai is no traditional Thai restaurant. I wanted to give our customers a new experience of Thai food, where everyone was free to wear what they wanted and listen to the music they wanted to. You won't find any of us wearing ties or listening to the classical music of Thailand.

Will the new Sugarhouse location and Rio Tinto Stadium location be the same as the original Ekamai in downtown Salt Lake?

      The food and service at the Sugarhouse location is going to be different during the evening. I want to make it similar to a sit-down restaurant, so that people can sit and enjoy the food. In the afternoon, the service will be the same. Ekamai's location in Rio Tinto Stadium will be similar. We'll have to be fast, though.

What's your favorite dish that you serve?

      I have a lot of favorite Thai dishes. That is why my menu changes daily. I love to have one or two favorite dishes every day along with the regulars and a few other delicious dishes.

Is the music you play in Ekamai your favorite kind of music?

      I got the idea of the music to play here from a restaurant I went to. I decided on 80's and 90's music because everyone can listen to and enjoy it. Young kids, older adults and everyone in between has heard this music. I don't really have a favorite band, but I do like Hawaiian and reggae music. Bob Marley and his son are some of my favorites. I also love sports. I didn't know much about Utah, but I did know the Jazz. I was a huge Bulls fan back in the day. My favorite athlete is Michael Jordan, of course. :)

Do you like to dance?

      I enjoy to dance occasionally. It's a fantastic way for me to relax and express myself.

      I hope that cures your curiosity! Do you have any more questions for me? Leave a comment below!

Will You Be Our Valentine?

     Hello, curry-lovers. As you know, Valentines' Day is just around the corner, and you might be scrambling to make plans and reservations. Have you considered ordering our fantastic curry? Ekamai offers take-out and delivery to make your Valentines' dinner easy and affordable.

      Why take-out, you ask? Think about it. Every couple in the city is going to be clamoring for service at restaurants across the Valley, flooding every dining room and lobby. It's noisy, crowded, and the service is slow. Doesn't sound very romantic to me! But if you order our delicious Thai food, you can have a quiet, close evening at home with your lover. No noise, no rush – no problem.

      This Tuesday, we'll be serving some great favorites, including:

Mussamun Curry Beef

Curry paste with coconut milk, potato, carrot, onion, & peanut

Yellow Curry Chicken

Curry paste with coconut milk, potato, carrot, & onion

Panang Curry Beef

Curry paste with coconut milk, zucchini, pea, bell pepper, & lime leaf

Pad Pa Ram

Steam mix vegetables served with peanut sauce

Pad Cashew Nut Beef

Stir fried beef with cashew nut, onion, green onion, mushroom carrot, & dry chilli

Sweet and Sour Chicken

Stir fried chicken w/ tomato paste, zucchini, pineapple, bell peper, carrot, corn,

tomato, & mushroom

     So give us a call at (801)-363-2717 and let us take care of you with a delicious Thai dinner that's sure to make your Valentines' Day a special one (candles and rose petals not included).

Valentines' Day in Thailand

      Did you know that Valentines' Day is also celebrated in Thailand? It's true! It is called วันวาเลนทน์ (“wan waa-len-taai”) and is a very popular celebration with the local lovebirds. Boys buy flowers and dolls for their sweethearts, and girls give chocolate and other small gifts. This celebration is not only for romantic couples – many give out tokens of appreciation to family and friends as a way of saying “I love you.” Shops and malls are decorated with balloons, stuffed animals, and flowers.

      One of the most interesting Valentine traditions in Thailand is getting married in the Bangkok district of Bang Rak, because “bang rak” can be translated to mean “area of love.” Newlyweds believe this is a very fitting beginning for their marriage. As early as 4 am, couples will start lining up outside the municipal office and wait their turn. As many as 1,500 couples will tie the knot in this way! It is no exaggeration to say that on February 14^th, love is in the air over Thailand.

     Ekamai wishes you a happy Valentines' Day full of love and friendship. If you are looking for a great way to say “I love you,” stop by and order some of our delicious curry to take home. You can enjoy a quiet evening with the ones you love, eating food you will all enjoy. As the old saying goes, “The quickest way to the heart is through the stomach.” And luckily, you won't have to wait in line with 1,500 newlyweds to order some!

Welcome! ยินดีต้อนรับ (Yin Dee Ton Rab!)

Thank you for visiting the brand new blog for Ekamai Thai in Salt Lake City! We are very pleased to have you here. If you are new to us, we invite you to check out what people are saying on Urbanspoon and Yelp!

Here are a few of our favorite online reviews:

• Review by SamAntics
• Review by VintageMixer
• Review by CityWeekly

Have you been to Ekamai lately? What were your thoughts? We love to hear from you! Remember - our menu changes daily, which means there's always something new to enjoy. Check out our main website for the menu!