Zao Onsen

One of the things I’m most excited for when it comes to this blog is getting to eat my way through Zao and introduce the best places to enjoy a meal. First up is my absolute favorite cafe, chotto. It’s a fairly new addition to the Zao restaurant scene, having opened in the fall of 2021. It’s located at the end of the old onsen street, below Miyamaso Takamiya and to the left. It’s set at the back of a large parking area so can be easy to pass by if you’re not looking for it. 

It’s a new building that’s light and airy inside thanks to the large windows and high ceilings. It’s modern and wouldn’t feel out of place on the side streets of Tokyo. With 18 seats including counter seating, it’s on the cozy side of dining without feeling cramped.

Offering very reasonably priced take out and eat in menus, as well as sweets, specialty drinks and alcohol, there’s something for everyone. 

Its most popular dish is a Japanese take on banh mi, with versions including Yamagata pork, mackerel, and a vegan option. If you’re after a light meal, it will definitely hit the spot.

For me, their set meals are where chotto really excels and what keeps me coming back (and ordering the same thing again and again!). 

While I’ve tried the majority of the menu, my go-to is the spiced curry. It’s mild enough that even my picky 4 year old will steal some bites, but still full of flavor and rich spices. It’s definitely a fusion curry, but one that’s done so well, it’s truly addicting. The portions are generous, so come on an empty stomach.

The curry set comes with onion soup, salad with a vinegar dressing, hearty seasoned jasmine rice, and another of my favorites, their carrot rappe With the perfect amount of acidity and freshness, sometimes I order a bowl just on it’s own because the amount that comes with the set always leaves me wanting more. 

The shougayaki, grilled ginger pork, is another flavorful dish, that uses thick cuts of Yamagata pork in a mouth watering ginger sauce. My husband will always go for the fried chicken, which feels rather light despite being a fried food. The crisp is perfect, and the batter is lightly seasoned, compliments to the juicy chicken. 

As for the sides, you can’t go wrong with the amazing herb potato wedges but be warned- they’re made fresh and come out dangerously hot. Seriously. I’d give it 5-10 minutes or risk a mouth burn. They’re also strongly seasoned with herbs and garlic, so if you have a picky kid or sensitive taste buds, you can ask for them to be made without the herb topping.

During winter season, Golden Week, and peak summer, they also offer Western based breakfast dishes starting from 8am on select days. It’s popular so get there early or expect a bit of a wait. 

Their regular hours are Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, Thursday 11:30 – 18:30, last order at 18:00. Friday, Saturday 11:30-21:00, last order at 20:30. 

They’re closed on Tuesdays. 

These hours can sometimes change, so I recommend checking their instagram @zaocafe_chotto for the most accurate information before you go. They also introduce season limited dishes and drinks throughout the year. A newer addition to the menu are the giant American style cookies that my daughter had as an appetizer, but took three of us to finish!

The staff are incredibly friendly but don’t speak much English. Thankfully, the menu does have English along with pictures of most items so you should have no problem ordering. 

On your way out, take a look at the display case that was nearly sold out on the day I went but offers pumpkin pudding in cute glassware, pumpkin castella cake, and pumpkin white chocolate terrine. As you can guess, Zao Onsen is known for having delicious kabocha- Japanese pumpkin.

There’s something delicious for everyone at cafe chotto and I recommend stopping by at least once during your visit to Zao Onsen! Your tastebuds won’t regret it.

Find more details and information at http://www.zaoucafe-bar-chotto-foodre.jp