Chicago | Haven’t Tried This Hidden Gem Japanese Spot? You Gotta Go!

Anyone who’s spent some time in Chicago knows how hard it is to find truly good Japanese food here 😂 — but this hidden gem absolutely outshines most mediocre places in the city and has earned a spot in my Top 3 Chicago Japanese restaurants 🌟 🏮 Kurumaya 📍 1201 E Higgins Rd, Elk Grove Village, IL 60007 It’s a bit far from downtown Chicago, but quite close to ORD airport ✈️ I recently tried their Tonkatsu (fried pork cutlet rice bowl) and was blown away — so here I am, rushing to recommend it! 🍛 Tonkatsu Don The pork cutlet is fried to perfect crispiness, yet the meat inside stays juicy and tender. Tastes amazing with or without the sauce! The portion is just right and comes with a generous side of fresh salad and veggies, so it never feels too heavy. 🍱 Unagi Don (Eel Rice Bowl) The rice is soft and almost glutinous in texture — paired with consistently high-quality eel that’s flavorful and tender. 🍤 Sweet Shrimp Sushi (Amaebi) Our must-order every visit! I can’t enjoy Japanese food without sweet shrimp 😂 One bite fills your mouth with that delicate, sweet ocean flavor — absolutely divine! The deep-fried shrimp heads are also perfectly crispy, not greasy or fishy, letting the shrimp’s natural taste shine through 🥰 💰 Plus, the prices here are incredibly reasonable — hardly any increase over the years. They also offer lunch specials! ⏰ Note: They close at 2 PM for lunch, so make sure to arrive early if you’re planning a midday meal! #ChicagoEats #ChicagoLife #ChicagoTravel #ChicagoFoodie #ChicagoArea