ChooJai Sushi Thai & Ramen dishes up an array of Asian dishes beyond those mentioned in its name, which makes the decision-making difficult.

The Menu

Sushi, sashimi and too many types of rolls to list account for a large portion of the menu. Other Japanese dishes include katsu and teriyaki. Noodles in a variety of preparations (including ramen), curries and a few rice entrees account for many of the Thai offerings. 

Critic’s Tip

There was no inquiry regarding our preferences when it came to spice levels. Be sure to let your server know. Otherwise, you’re likely to get mild or extra hot when something else is more to your liking.

On the Table

We started with steamed shrimp shumai ($8). (They were also available fried.) The order came with six dumplings slightly smaller than votive candles but fortunately considerably more edible. Minced shrimp was wrapped in thin wonton wrappers. A soy sauce-based dipping sauce provided a salty element to the appetizer. 

When one of my dining companions ordered pineapple fried rice ($25), our server proclaimed it as one of his favorites. We laughed, wondering if the rest of our orders would elicit a similar reaction; they didn’t.

This beautifully plated dish included cubed pieces of pineapple, sliced chicken, tail-on shrimp, raisins, cashews, diced green onions and red bell peppers. The variety of ingredients imparted a range of textures, sweet and savory flavors with a subtle blend of spices.

Drunken noodles with chicken ($18), a medley of thin pieces of chicken, onions, red and green bell peppers, bamboo shoots, scallions and Thai basil, was exceptional. The wide, rice noodles glistened with sesame oil. There wasn’t much heat, which is something I associate with this dish, but the essence of all the ingredients made this a popular item at our table.

Panang curry with vegetables ($16) was a large bowl of the deep orange, slightly spicy curry topped with crushed peanuts. This was accompanied by the requisite bowl of rice, which served to thicken the broth. The curry was rich, nutty and creamy. It could have been spicier.

However, the vegetables, of which there were plenty, were disappointing. The vivid colors of the green beans, carrots and peas, in particular, along with their crunchy consistency and bland flavors made me wonder if they came from the supermarket’s frozen food section. Broccoli, green bell peppers and cabbage were tastier.

The Venue

Longtime west-siders may remember this was the home of a popular home-style restaurant for decades. That décor was homey and, well, hokey. Choojai is more austere with dark tables and chairs, lighter-colored paneling and a few Asian-themed wall hangings.

The building houses another restaurant so there are two entrances, which can be confusing. The confusion quickly dissipates because it can be accessed from the inside, too. You only have to walk through another eatery to reach it.

Afterthoughts

Except for the impression that the vegetables may have been frozen, we enjoyed all of the dishes. Service was friendly and attentive. We discovered that our server is a master fruit carver. In between orders he crafted an artistic and delicate design on a large melon.

Know Before You Go

ChooJai Sushi Thai & Ramen

Asian cuisine

Location: 2925 W. Colorado Ave. 

Contact: 720-954-5148; choojaisushithai.com 

Entrée Prices: $4 to $30

Hours: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday; 11:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday; noon to 8 p.m. Sunday; closed Monday

Details: Credit cards accepted, alcohol available; patio.

Favorite dishes: Drunken noodles and Shrimp Shumai.

Other: Gluten-free and vegan options available.

El Paso County Health Department Inspection: 54 of 56 items in compliance January 2026.