A double-dose of Thai culture

Deborah Meron

Exotic Thai restaurant has accumulated a loyal clientele for what

many describe as its authentic Thai cuisine. Passionate about

introducing Thai culture to Americans, owner Josephine Chung said

this motivated her and her sister, Sunee Chung, to offer Thai massage

and yoga in a salon alongside their restaurant.

“When you know the food’s good, you can hardly wait for the spa

experience,” said council member and former Burbank mayor Marsha

Ramos, a frequent customer to the restaurant and Chaba Salon. “When I

went to get a massage, it was so relaxing and it was every bit as

good as the one I had in Thailand.”

About 60% of the salon’s customers are patrons of Exotic Thai,

Chung said. The salon offers Swedish and deep-tissue massage, but

most customers seek the novelty of Thai massage, which is more

physical, Chaba masseuse Nisa said. “In Thai massage you do the whole

body,” she said.

As opposed to Swedish or deep-tissue massage, Thai massage is

performed on mattresses on the ground and without the use of massage

oils. The technique works the whole body while kneading with the

thumbs, palms and fingertips, Nisa said.

When yoga and massage gained popularity on the West Coast,

Josephine and Sunee Chung decided they’d buy the empty space next to

Exotic Thai, where a Blockbuster had recently closed.

The salon, like the restaurant, has acquired some regular patrons

but the stimulation of massage has been less sought after during

summer months, Nisa said.

Thai massage enthusiasts have said that the experience can be

therapeutic and relaxing.

Burbank resident Bobby Russo said he sprained his back a year ago

and neither acupuncture nor a chiropractor was able to alleviate the

pain. Then he tried Thai massage.

“What I like about the Thai massages, it really gets through the

muscle,” said Russo, who’s had five weekly visits. “This week has

been the best week I’ve had in the year.”

It is an atmosphere, Russo said, that is made relaxing and

friendly with Thai music and the friendly staff.

The Chaba Salon will soon feature Thai meditation classes, Chung

said.

“Everyday you have to fight in living, either with your job, your

family -- everywhere. It makes your body very upset,” Chung said. “In

America, people go to psychologists. In Thailand, people go to the

temple and pray and meditate and do yoga.”

Chung feels that her restaurant has gradually opened people to

Thai culture.

“I do it from my heart,” Chung said. “I feel proud of my native

food.”

“It’s similar (to Thai food), but in some ways we Americanize it.

Some of the ingredients we can’t find here,” Exotic Thai server

Sumalee Choojai said.

But Americans’ palettes have changed since the restaurant opened

10 years ago, Chung said.

“Before, they didn’t like Thai food because they weren’t used to

it. Now, they want the real taste of our land. Sometimes they want it

hotter than us,” Chung laughed. “Now, Americans are learning to eat

real Thai food.”

Some Burbank residents said they appreciate both the restaurant

and salon’s authenticity.

“I’m particularly interested in a good Thai experience here in

California because I’ve traveled to Thailand,” Ramos said. “When you

can find that Thai environment here in Burbank, it brings the exotic

home.”

Chaba Salon is located next to Exotic Thai restaurant, 1212 N. San

Fernando Road.

BIZ BIT

Thai massage is just as intense on the muscles as Thai food is on

the taste buds. Thai massage, which is more holistic and physical

than Swedish or deep-tissue, is being offered at the new Chaba Salon

in Burbank.