Kyoto is known for its refined cuisine, but there’s one rather pedestrian shop that invites curious travelers from all over. That restaurant is Charming Chahan.
Located in Nakagyo Ward, Charming Chahan is away from the hustle and bustle of central Kyoto. The facade looks like a mom-and-pop joint and the same goes for the interior. Browsing the menu, you also find the typical items you find at a Chinese restaurant.
So what exactly is Charming Chahan’s pull? The restaurant’s name gives us a clue. Their specialty is chahan or fried rice, and you can order everything on the menu with a side of fried rice—including fried rice!
This tongue-in-cheek offer is what draws many travelers to the restaurant. After all, once you’ve had your fill of Kyoto cuisineーthe taste of which is on the lighter side—it would only be natural to crave fuller flavors.
And that’s one other department where Charming Chahan doesn’t lack. No restaurant would thrive on funny alone, after all. Charming Chahan lives up to its name because the fried rice is, indeed, delightful.
I ordered ebichiri (shrimp in chili sauce) and gyoza with mine and both the flavors and the portion size did not disappoint. I guess some readers may be disappointed that I didn’t order fried rice with fried rice, but honestly, with the portion size, that’s a bit too much for my stomach to handle, especially at night!
I visited Charming Chahan in November of 2019, and as I write this 3 years later, I’m pleased to know that the restaurant has survived the pandemic and is still open for business. For an offbeat traveler like me, Charming Chahan is a hidden gem that offers a different side of Kyoto.
How to Get to Charming Chahan
Charming Chahan (チャーミングチャハン)
Lunch – 11:00 to 14:30; Dinner – 17:00 to 21:00; closed on Mondays
Website (Japanese only)
9-minute walk from Marutamachi Station, Kyoto Municipal Subway Karasuma Line
4-minute walk from Horikawa Marutamachi Bus Stop
