Pom Pom's Teahouse and Sandwicheria
BUSINESS OF THE MONTH
May, 2022
If your soul is feeling snacky and you’re in need of a sublime sandwich experience, Pom Pom’s Teahouse & Sandwhicheria has got you.
This Milk District staple has been serving up superb soup, salads, and sandwiches since 2005. And the teas? Transcendent. Now the seventeen-year-old business has expanded its offerings to include a selection of specialty sake cocktails.
“We have a lot and they’re going to be changing seasonally,” says Pom Moongauklang. Pom is the Pom in Pom Pom’s. She’s also owner/operator.
Currently, the list includes treats like a Vietnamese espresso martini topped with coconut cream and cardamon, and the Harajuku, their milk tea with sake.
Pom’s favorite sake cocktail is The Aphrodisiac. For this one, Pom infuses the sake apothecary-style with red ginseng, an herb known to give energy and get blood pumping.
Pom is always crafting new creations. Her imagination shines through the menu. “I always say if Willy Wonka and Mad Hatter got together, they’d create the menu. It’s whimsical.”
Lots of fun options like Mama Ling Ling’s Thanksgiving (a whole turkey dinner between bread) and the Fu Man Chu (which includes Asian pulled pork, goat cheese, and ginger cranberry chutney) are available, but there’s fantastic flexibility too. You can always build your own sandwich or salad.
“It’s not too serious. There’s no wrong answer,” says Pom.
Pom Moongauklang’s relaxed but vibrant vibe permeates through her business. She wanted to make a space in Orlando where people could chill and share conversation over good food and beverages. Her time working at the Nobu restaurant in NYC influenced this.
“After work, we used to go to this little deli right next to Nobu in Tribeca. We just wanted a sandwich. Something simple and delicious so we could talk about our shift, our day, and just bond after. When Pom Pom’s first opened it was geared toward industry people.”
Pom Pom’s has historically been open late night so that service industry workers can have a place to unwind after their shift. The challenges presented by the pandemic limited the hours of the teahouse & sandwich shop but their hours have been expanding and Pom Pom’s is now open till 2 AM on Fridays and Saturdays.
Pom is not new to success despite challenges.
Pom was born in Thailand and immigrated with her family to California. “We were farmers. Not the good kind. Back then, Roundup wasn’t even tested. We were working with Roundup.”Her family farmed for others in California until her mom was able to rent land in Homestead, Florida. “We became our own farmers in Homestead. Then my mom caught wind of a restaurant in St. Pete. We rented it and that’s it.”
Now her family owns multiple Thai restaurants including Orlando’s Thai House and Siam Garden in Winter Park.
Pom learned a lot working in their establishments, then moved to New York where she had extensive training with teas, before moving back home to start her own venture.
Pom chose The Milk District intentionally (well before it was even called The Milk District). She’d had the opportunity to open her sandwhicheria in the then newly developed Baldwin Park, but chose The Milk District instead. “I liked this neighborhood. It was more organic. It reminded me a little bit of New York.”
Pom has seen our neighborhood grow over the years. “It’s definitely changed,” says Pom. “It’s positive growth. I love what Zac [Alfson, The Milk District Executive Director] is doing. I’m grateful to have the neighbors that I have. The Milk District is just wonderful.”
To learn more about this Milk District gem follow @pompomsteahouse on Facebook and Instagram or go in and check them out in person. Pom Pom’s Teahouse & Sandwhicheria is open seven days a week at 67 N Bumby Ave, Orlando, FL 32803.
