Gati Cafe, located in Austin, Texas, is a testament to the vibrant blend of global flavors and local ingredients. Founded by chef and owner Jam Sanitchat, the cafe draws from her extensive travels and culinary expertise. Sanitchat, who moved to the U.S. in 2001, initially opened Thai Fresh in 2008, which later inspired the launch of Gati as an ice cream shop in 2020.

Local Ingredients, Global Inspiration

The cafe’s menu features vegan coconut milk ice cream with flavors like Thai coffee, pandan, and black sticky rice horchata. It also offers a gluten-free brunch and bakery lineup, including dishes such as shrimp and grits, mushroom congee, and sweet potato gnocchi. Sanitchat’s global experiences, from New Orleans to Australia, influence these offerings.

Sanitchat emphasizes the importance of using locally and sustainably sourced ingredients. Her experience at farmers markets taught her the value of local produce and meats, which she incorporates into her menu. This approach not only supports local farmers but also reduces the environmental impact of long-distance food transportation.

Commitment to Community and Employees

Gati Cafe is committed to fair pricing and employee welfare. Sanitchat ensures that menu prices reflect production costs while providing employees with a livable wage, paid time off, and insurance. This people-first mission extends to supporting the community, farmers, and customers by offering high-quality, health-conscious products.

Looking ahead, Gati Cafe plans to expand its reach by shipping whole cakes and brownies nationwide and integrating its products into local grocery stores. This expansion aims to bring their unique offerings to a broader audience while maintaining their commitment to quality and sustainability.

Original reporting: Community Impact — Austin — read the source article.