Robin Intemann

Springs Scene

Every restaurant wants to distinguish itself and Camin Thai Cuisine is no exception; its menu boasted that it served “Thai food in our own taste and style,” and it did!   

The Menu

The large, double-sided, laminated menu took time to peruse. It featured numerous distinct categories ranging from appetizers to curries, from Chef’s Specials to stir-fried dishes. 

Critic’s Tip

Try something new. My rationale for ordering a dish I may be familiar with is to see how it compares either with other restaurants or how I prepare it. The flip side is to venture where my palate has never been before. The latter, though, can be risky with the potential to be something exceptional.

On the Table

We started with fried spring rolls (four for $10). The crispy, golden cylinders filled with glass noodles, shredded cabbage and carrots were served with plum sauce. I was surprised by the light color of the dipping sauce, but not by its sweet flavor. It was the perfect condiment for the rolls.

Our friendly, knowledgeable server asked what we liked about Thai food. However, before we could respond, he explained that Camin Thai wasn’t like other Thai restaurants. “We don’t Americanize our dishes,” he said. When I mentioned curries, he provided details about the processes and ingredients in the various curries on the menu. His descriptions tempted our taste buds. 

Ultimately, based on his recommendation, I opted for something new: khao soi ($16), a curry-based noodle soup. Thin noodles filled the bottom of the bowl, which was then covered by the curry paste, coconut milk and chicken-based broth, all of which was topped with fried egg noodles. This was a double-noodle soup that simultaneously combined silky and crunchy textures, but was taken to a higher level thanks to the broth. Turmeric provided the orange color. As with most of the entrees there was a choice of proteins including chicken, pork, beef, tofu and others. I went with chicken, which absorbed the curry flavor well.

From the several stir-fried entrees, we selected the cashew dish ($16) with pork. Thin slices of the white meat, mixed with scallion strands, grilled onions and cashews, swam in soy sauce-based thin gravy. Rice was served on the side. 

Like other Thai restaurants, Camin has a range of heat levels. Our server said the emphasis was more on flavor than spiciness, so he said not to worry about anything being too hot. I opted for medium with the khao soi and mild for the cashew. We should have selected medium because the entrée was not as vibrant as might otherwise have been.

The Venue

This is the kind of place where more attention is paid to the food than ambiance. It was clean, a bit dark but otherwise nondescript.

Afterthoughts

Based on the khao soi alone I look forward to a return visit to try other menu items. Next time we’ll opt for medium and, perhaps, even hot levels.

Our server’s explanations were appreciated as was his attention to detail. Water glasses were kept full and he noticed when we put our chopsticks down for good and brought containers for our leftovers without being asked.

                                            Know Before You Go                                                                                                                                         

Camin Thai Cuisine

Thai cuisine 

Location: 6760 N. Academy Blvd. 

Contact: 719-698-7329; caminthaicuisine.com

Entrée prices: $6 to $29

Hours: 11a.m. to 2 p.m. and 3 to 8:30 p.m. Monday, Wednesday through Friday; noon to 2 p.m. and 3 to 8:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.  Closed Tuesdays

Details: Credit cards accepted. Wi-Fi.

Favorite dishes: Khao soi.

Other: Gluten-free and vegan options available.

El Paso County Health Department inspection:Mostly in compliance, but with five (out of 56) noncompliant issues (January)