SELECTED RESTAURANT
Chicago, United States
Gaijin Menu Overview
Nestled in the vibrant Fulton Market District of Chicago, Gaijin offers an enticing dive into authentic Japanese cuisine with a modern twist. Its menu is a celebration of traditional flavors, especially highlighted by their masterful okonomiyaki — the savory Japanese pancakes that are a must-try for any foodie venturing into Japanese comfort food. The intimate, warehouse-like setting perfectly complements the robust and creative dishes served here.
Starters
Begin your culinary journey with delicate starters that set the tone for the meal. The Veggie Korokke offers a satisfying bite of deep-fried breaded vegetables, delivering a crispy texture and fresh flavors that awaken the palate. For those who crave something more pungent and rich, the Roasted Garlic is a standout — garlic cloves bathed in togarashi-scented chile oil and paired with crunchy rice crackers create a dish bursting with umami and subtle spice.
Mains
The heart of Gaijin’s menu lies in its exquisite okonomiyaki and yakisoba dishes, each crafted with careful attention to texture and flavor balance. The Osaka-Style Okonomiyaki is a crispy, golden masterpiece stacked with cabbage, tempura shrimp, creole butter, and puffed rice, finished with the signature okonomiyaki sauce that ties the dish together with a savory sweetness.
For a more layered texture experience, the Hiroshima-Style Okonomiyaki showcases a delightful combination of cabbage, savory yakisoba noodles, smoky bacon, and a perfectly cooked egg atop a delicate batter. This dish is praised for its harmonious blend of flavors and is a must-order for first-timers.
Another highlight is the Pork Belly Yakisoba, a savory stir-fried ramen noodle dish tossed with cabbage, tender pork belly, toasted sesame, and a tart, savory sauce that delivers a bold flavor punch. This dish offers a comforting mix of textures that pair beautifully with the other mains.
Desserts
Indulge your sweet tooth with Gaijin’s inventive desserts that blend traditional Japanese ingredients with contemporary flair. The Matcha Shaved Ice is a refreshing treat featuring finely shaved ice drenched in earthy matcha syrup and a drizzle of sweetened condensed milk — a perfect balance of bitter and sweet that cools and delights.
For a chewy, buttery finale, the Mochi Donuts combine mochi flour with sugar, eggs, and butter to create a delightfully soft yet slightly crispy doughnut with a unique texture that’s both comforting and unique.
Drinks & Specials
Gaijin is also celebrated for its inventive cocktail program. Signature drinks like the frozen rose and floral shaved ice cocktails provide a playful spectacle as they transform before your eyes, offering sweet, floral notes that complement the meal perfectly. The Hi-Chew cocktail adds a nostalgic fruity burst that’s less sweet but equally enjoyable, making the drinks menu a highlight on its own.
- Gaijin Tasting Experience - A curated flight of multiple okonomiyaki styles for the adventurous diner wanting to taste the best of Gaijin's offerings.
Closed - Opens 4:00 PM
Monday
16:00–22:00
Tuesday
16:00–22:00
Wednesday
16:00–22:00
Thursday
16:00–22:00
Friday
16:00–22:00
Saturday
11:00–22:00
Sunday
11:00–22:00
Aggregated Ratings 4.6
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