The most challenging aspect of dining at Chao Chao is deciding what to order. Where many gyoza restaurants offer just pan-fried and steamed (or boiled) gyoza with a pork filling, Chao Chao offers a wide range of varieties – prawn, chicken, beef, vegetables, pork – with an interesting array of toppings. The standout items include prawn gyoza with avocado sauce, chicken and mozzarella cheese gyoza, kujo welsh onion gyoza, the classic crispy fried ‘Chao Chao gyoza’ filled with pork and nira (garlic chives), and pan-fried gyoza topped with a thick layer of refreshing grated daikon and shiso.
Located opposite the lively dining strip that runs under the Yurakucho train tracks, Chao Chao has counter seating as well as several tables for four. The mix of dark timber and red décor creates a Chinese restaurant feel; indeed, the name is a take on the Chinese word for gyoza. From the extensive drinks menu, try one of the unique sours, such as the apple vinegar, salt orange or frozen lime varieties. These sweet-and-sour drinks balance out the savouriness of the gyoza.