Tabelog ratingIn a renovated house in Hatsukaichi, CHILAN (CHILAN) offers a modern, Setouchi-focused take on Vietnamese cuisine. The experience is intimate, served at an L-shaped counter for just eight guests. The heart of the menu is the chef's tasting course, a personal journey that often begins with her mother's recipe for a fresh spring roll with shrimp and pork belly, a dish praised in nearly every review.
Guests consistently laud the clear, delicate flavours, with different fish sauces used to complement each dish. The kitchen makes extensive use of local Hiroshima ingredients, from salmon and mushrooms to ST25 rice. The other half of the experience is the beverage pairing, curated by the chef's husband, a sommelier. Pairings are highly individualized, often featuring several different glasses per dish, and are considered as integral to the meal as the food itself. Both alcoholic and non-alcoholic options are available, served in vintage Vietnamese tableware.
The restaurant's small scale and popularity mean reservations are essential and must be made well in advance. Some non-drinkers have noted that the non-alcoholic pairing costs the same as the alcoholic one. While service is generally described as warm and personal, a few isolated reports mention service lapses. The location can also be tricky to find, tucked up a steep slope with minimal signage.
The meal is a single tasting menu. Reviewers in 2024–2026 reported paying around ¥22,000 per person for the course with pairing. Some bills with special add-ons reached ¥27,000–¥27,720. For diners seeking a unique, curated tasting experience with bespoke pairings, CHILAN is considered excellent value. It is not, however, a budget-friendly option.
- Reservations: Reservation only. Seats are extremely limited and must be booked far in advance, often via the TableCheck service.
- Seating: Seating is at an 8-seat L-shaped counter. Guests remove their shoes upon entry and wear provided slippers.
- Menu: A single fixed tasting course is offered. The price includes a beverage pairing (either alcoholic or non-alcoholic).
- Getting There: Located a 5 to 10-minute walk up a steep hill from JR Ajina Station. The restaurant has little exterior signage, so using a GPS map is recommended.
- Payment: Credit cards, electronic money, and QR code payments are accepted.
- Language: Service is in Japanese, and no English menu has been reported. Consider asking a hotel concierge for help with booking if you do not speak Japanese.
- Private Use: The entire restaurant can be booked for private use.
- Smoking: The entire restaurant is non-smoking.
- Parking: No parking available.
