Chicago | Kai Zan – A Total Letdown 😫

I used to think Chicago’s Japanese food was decent—at least before the pandemic, when Naoki was still around. But after tonight’s meal at Kai Zan, I can confidently say it dragged the entire local sushi scene down a notch. 🚫 Major Red Flags: 1️⃣ The uni was BITTER!!!! 😖 So bitter it left my mouth numb. Unbelievable. 2️⃣ Couldn’t taste the fish in any dish—overpowering sauces masked everything. Strongly suspect they’re covering up not-so-fresh ingredients. 3️⃣ Rushed service—dishes came and went lightning fast, and the server rattled off the menu like a auctioneer 🗣️💨. Felt like they wanted us in and out. 4️⃣ Yakitori was disappointing—short rib, char siu, and scallops were all subpar. The grilled scallops had the texture of a sponge 🧽. My mom’s braised pork is way better! ✨ The Only Bright Spot: 🍮 Dessert was actually good—not too sweet. Final Verdict: Don’t go. Even if you see it hyped on Instagram—just don’t. 🙅‍♀️ #ChicagoEats #ChicagoFood #ChicagoJapanese #SushiFail #ChicagoLife #FoodReview