You know a restaurant is good if you ate there multiple times and at their multiple locations. For me, Champa Thai is that go-to place whenever I’m hungry for good Thai. I can’t say that it’s “authentic” Thai food because I haven’t actually traveled to the mother country, but I will say it’s Thai-riffic in my books!
Champa Thai welcomes you.
Located in Kailua, Aiea and Kaimuki, Champa Thai opened in honor of a fine lady – Great-Grandmother Phanphengdy, who helped bring her family over from Thailand. The restaurant remains a family-run business and a local favorite in Hawaii. I enjoy the quality food and, just as important, the super-friendly service. They always greet us smiling, making sure we’re taken care of and satisfied with our food.
The Kaimuki Champa Thai is less than 15 minutes from Waikiki.
Champa Thai has an extensive menu that includes 10 varieties of curry, spicy soups made with vegetables and seafood, salads, noodles, stir-fry and spring rolls. Vegetarians love this place because they provide a vegetarian menu of appetizers, salads and entrees. I always replace chicken dishes with tofu, and they gladly accommodate my request. But meat-lovers eat here too, since they offer seafood, pork, chicken or beef as add-ons for almost every dish.
If you’re a Thai die-hard, then you know to ask for the sticky rice. Get the sticky rice! Thai food just isn’t the same without it. We also get the Panang Curry (spicy mixture of curry and coconut milk), Pad Thai (sauteed rice noodles and fresh bean sprouts) and Thai Chili Fried Rice (stir-fried rice topped with chopped chili, garlic and basil). I suppose you could call this our “Usual Order.”
(Clockwise, staring with top) Sticky rice, Pad Thai and Panang Curry.
As with most Asian food restaurants, the portions are large enough to serve two to three people. That way, you’re able to sample every dish. Be sure to let the server know your spicy preference when you order (mild, medium, spicy and hot).
CHAMPA THAI
Kaimuki • 3452 Waialae Ave., Honolulu, HI 96816 • 808-732-0054
Kailua / 306 Kuulei Rd., Kailua, HI 96734 • 808-263-8281
Aiea / 98-199 Kamehameha Hwy., Aiea, HI 96701 • 808-488-2881
