For my Chinchikurin Carrollton first visit review, I wanted to try two dishes that I do not usually order at Japanese restaurants: Hiroshima style okonomiyaki and Mentaiko Pasta.
Most Japanese restaurants I visit around the Dallas area focus on sushi, ramen, or katsu, so Chinchikurin caught my attention with its okonomiyaki menu and teppan grill setup.
I expected the okonomiyaki to be the highlight of my visit, but the meal turned out differently than I anticipated.
Although I enjoyed the experience of trying okonomiyaki, its vegetable heavy texture did not completely match my personal taste. Surprisingly, the Mentaiko Pasta was the dish that impressed me most.
By the end of the meal, I had a clear favorite. I would gladly return to Chinchikurin for the Mentaiko Pasta, even though the okonomiyaki was not something I immediately wanted to order again.
First Impression of Chinchikurin Carrollton
One of the first things that interested me about Chinchikurin was its focus on Hiroshima style okonomiyaki.
I do not eat okonomiyaki nearly as often as sushi, ramen, or Japanese pork cutlets, so I was curious to try a restaurant that specializes in it.
The teppan grill setup also made the visit feel different from my usual Japanese restaurant experiences. Watching food being prepared on a hot grill added another element to the meal.
The atmosphere was lively but still comfortable. I could enjoy the food without feeling rushed, and the restaurant’s concept made the visit interesting even before I started eating.
The menu included several varieties of okonomiyaki with different ingredients and toppings. I appreciated having options, although the menu also reminded me that this was a style of Japanese food I was still getting familiar with.
What I Ordered at Chinchikurin Carrollton
For my first visit, I ordered Okonomiyaki and Mentaiko Pasta.
These two dishes gave me very different experiences. The okonomiyaki was interesting because of its layered ingredients and texture, while the Mentaiko Pasta delivered the rich, savory flavor I personally enjoy.
What surprised me was how strongly I preferred the pasta. I had come to Chinchikurin primarily because I wanted to experience its okonomiyaki, but I left thinking about the Mentaiko Pasta instead.
Okonomiyaki: An Interesting Dish That Was Not My Favorite
The Okonomiyaki was probably the dish I was most curious about before visiting Chinchikurin.
Unlike the Japanese dishes I usually order, this style of okonomiyaki combines several ingredients and textures, including vegetables and noodles.
The dish was served on a hot plate with sauces and toppings, giving it a distinctive presentation.
However, after tasting it, I realized that the texture was not exactly what I wanted.
There was a noticeable amount of vegetables inside, and that vegetable heavy texture was the main reason I did not enjoy it as much as I had expected.
I could appreciate the combination of ingredients and the preparation, but I personally prefer a different balance of flavors and textures.
That does not mean the okonomiyaki was poorly made. My reaction was more about personal preference than a specific problem with the dish.
Someone who enjoys Hiroshima style okonomiyaki, especially its combination of vegetables and noodles, might have a very different opinion.
For me, it was worth trying because it gave me a different Japanese dining experience. However, it would not be my first choice if I returned to Chinchikurin.
Mentaiko Pasta: The Highlight of My Visit
The Mentaiko Pasta was easily my favorite dish at Chinchikurin Carrollton.
I did not expect it to stand out as much as it did, especially because I had visited the restaurant primarily to try okonomiyaki.
What impressed me most was the rich, creamy sauce and the savory flavor of the mentaiko.
The sauce coated the pasta nicely, making each bite flavorful without becoming overwhelming as I continued eating.
I particularly enjoyed the balance between the creaminess and the distinctive savory taste of the seasoned fish roe.
The pasta was served with shrimp and chopped green onions, adding color and variety to the presentation.
Compared with the okonomiyaki, this dish was much closer to the flavors and textures I usually enjoy.
I have tried mentaiko pasta at other restaurants, but Chinchikurin’s version immediately became one of my favorites.
I later enjoyed another version at Cafe Hana in Irving. Although the two dishes tasted noticeably different, I found both satisfying enough that choosing a favorite between them would be difficult.
You can read about that experience in my Cafe Hana Irving second visit review.
My recommendation: If I could recommend just one dish from this visit, it would be the Mentaiko Pasta. Its creamy sauce and savory flavor were memorable enough that I would return specifically to order it again.
Teppan Grill Atmosphere and Service
Beyond the food itself, Chinchikurin offered a dining atmosphere that felt different from many of the Japanese restaurants I usually visit.
The teppan grill setup was particularly interesting. Being able to watch food being prepared added something to the experience that I do not normally get when ordering sushi or ramen.
I liked the lively atmosphere, especially because it complemented the restaurant’s focus on grilled dishes.
The staff were friendly, and I did not feel rushed while eating.
I think Chinchikurin is worth considering if you want to explore a different style of Japanese food or enjoy a casual meal with friends.
Even though the okonomiyaki was not my personal favorite, I still appreciated the chance to experience this style of cooking.
Overall Experience at Chinchikurin Carrollton
My first visit to Chinchikurin was memorable because the two main dishes gave me such different impressions.
The okonomiyaki was interesting to try, and I appreciated the preparation and presentation. However, its vegetable heavy texture did not completely match my personal preference.
The Mentaiko Pasta was a completely different experience. Its rich, creamy sauce and satisfying savory flavor made it the clear highlight of my meal.
I also enjoyed the teppan grill setting. The restaurant provided a different experience from the sushi and ramen places I visit more frequently.
What I found particularly useful about this visit was learning that a restaurant’s signature style does not necessarily have to be my favorite part of the menu.
In my case, Chinchikurin’s Mentaiko Pasta gave me the strongest reason to return, even though the okonomiyaki was what initially brought me there.
My Final Verdict on Chinchikurin Carrollton
My first visit to Chinchikurin Carrollton was enjoyable overall, but my opinion of the two dishes was very different.
My favorite dish: Mentaiko Pasta. I loved its creamy sauce, savory mentaiko flavor, and satisfying texture.
What was not my style: Okonomiyaki. I enjoyed trying it, but the vegetable heavy texture did not suit my taste as much as I had hoped.
What made the visit different: The teppan grill setup and the opportunity to experience a style of Japanese cooking that I do not eat regularly.
Would I return? Yes, mainly for the Mentaiko Pasta. It was one of the most satisfying mentaiko pasta dishes I had tried.
If you are visiting Chinchikurin Carrollton for the first time, I would personally recommend considering the Mentaiko Pasta, especially if you enjoy creamy Japanese pasta dishes.
As for the okonomiyaki, I would approach it with an open mind. It was not my personal favorite, but that does not mean someone who enjoys vegetable rich okonomiyaki would feel the same way.
Location
📍 2225 Old Denton Rd Suite 320, Carrollton, TX 75006
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