Before delving into the flavors of the dishes, the first plus point that captivates diners is the restaurant's incredibly impressive space. Situated in the heart of Hoi An, Chau Kitchen & Bar carries a strong nostalgic breath with its rustic and tranquil architecture, yet it is adorned with extremely tasteful decor details.
The harmonious combination of time-dyed wooden materials, iron window frames with traditional patterns, and vintage patterned floor tiles creates a cozy and relaxing atmosphere. Every nook and cranny in the restaurant is meticulously cared for, from the moss clinging to the porch to the antique ceramics cleverly displayed.
Especially, the natural light filtering through the tree canopy combined with uniquely shaped woven bamboo and rattan lampshades brings a feeling that is both traditionally East Asian and faintly romantic. Sitting here, the pace of life seems to slow down, making it extremely ideal for chatting with friends or enjoying a warm family meal.
After being satisfied with the ambiance, entering the culinary feast, we can choose the seafood pomelo salad as an appetizer to stimulate the taste buds, and this is truly an absolutely correct decision.
The combination of fresh, juicy pomelo segments, firm and sweet shrimp meat, and chewy squid creates a harmonious whole. The biggest plus point is that the seafood is extremely fresh, blending perfectly with the elegant sweet and sour salad dressing. Particularly, when this dish is eaten with crispy prawn crackers, the deliciousness is multiplied, bringing an explosive sensation to the taste buds.
Moving on to the main courses featuring beef, the restaurant continues to score strongly. The shaking beef stir-fry is eye-catchingly presented on a copper plate shaped like a lotus leaf, under which an alcohol stove retains the heat, keeping the dish continuously sizzling and piping hot.
Each beef cube is seared with slightly charred edges on the outside but remains incredibly tender and juicy inside, not tough at all. The rich sweet and savory sauce coats every fiber of the meat evenly, combined with crisp, sweet bell peppers and onions, making it irresistibly appealing.
Along with that, the beef stew is not inferior by any means.
The fiery red pot of beef stew, immersed in a thick broth fragrant with lemongrass, is extremely appetizing when eaten with piping hot white rice. The beef is braised just right, retaining the meat's sweetness while melting in the mouth. These are definitely two safe and high-quality choices for beef lovers.
However, the “star” with the most magnificent presentation on the dining table that day, the prawn Mi Quang, left a slight feeling of regret.
In terms of presentation, the dish deserves a 10. The bowl of noodles is beautifully served on a bamboo tray, with the broth and a bright red prawn kept separately in a ceramic pot. However, upon tasting it, I felt the flavor was a bit bland compared to the distinctly savory culinary standards of us Vietnamese. Perhaps because the restaurant is located in an area crowded with international tourists, the chef intentionally adjusted the seasoning to suit Western tastes to make it easier for them to eat. If you are someone who prefers the original robust flavors of Quang Nam, this dish might be a bit lackluster.
Regarding the price, due to its prime location, beautiful ambiance, and fresh, high-quality ingredients, the cost at Chau Kitchen & Bar will be slightly higher than average. If you want to come and experience it, you should check the menu beforehand on Google Maps in the images or reviews section to easily balance your budget.
