About

Growing up in Bangkok, I spent much of my time at my mother & my grandmother's sides learning the art of traditional Thai home cooking. Over the years, I've evolved their recipes blending classic flavors with my own creative twists. My approach is all about merging the rich traditions of Thai cuisine with modern techniques, while keeping sustainability at the heart of it all. 

I moved to New York in the early 2000s to attend graduate school for organizational management at Sage Graduate Schools in Albany, New York. While studying,  I developed the idea and business plan for a modern Thai restaurant with my sister, Sriwipha "Ann" Phathan. After graduating and working in the corporate world for several years, I received news that Ann passed away in 2007. Her sudden absence motivated me to transition from corporate employee to entrepreneur, and two years later I opened  Chang Thai Cafe with my family in Littleton, NH in 2008. 

Ann has been my biggest inspiration and the passion behind this restaurant, I am truly honored to accomplish her dream and with my mother by my side, make it a reality and share her love with everyone! 

Our family's culinary is steeped in a legaccy of traditions that continue to inspire our dishes at Chang Thai Cafe, I have previlege of capturing beautiful moments with my mom, who once cooked dinner for Thai Queen Sirikit during my dad's 45 years of service to the late Thai King Rama IX.

In 2021, I was featured on Food Network "Chopped" with Martha Stewart "Martha Rules : Tournament of Champion" for the $50,000 grand prize! Season 49 Episode 2 : Tick Tock

Business Review recently named me as a "NH 200: The Granite State's Most Influential Business Leaders" in 2020 &2021. It's an honor for my family, especially my late sister. I hope I make her proud!!

Love & Light!
Emshika