My favorite "Hidden Gem"

According to wiktionary.com, a Hidden Gem can be defined as something possessing a value or beauty that is not immediately apparent, which therefore has received far less recognition than it deserves. May I introduce you to Chin Hills, Korean & Burmese Cuisine.

Chin Hills offers incredible food in a causal atmosphere, and the prices for the quality and quantity make this an affordable date, family, or solo spot for those enthusiastic about discovering excellent food. There are also some items on the menu that should appeal to folks that might prefer sticking to dishes with more recognizable names such as Pad Thai and Pad Se Ew (one of my favorites).

I had the very good fortune of living within walking distance from Chin Hills, since their opening until the summer of 2021 when I moved. The restaurant is housed in a small strip plaza at 2756 Elmwood Avenue on the Kenmore/Tonawanda border between Gino’s Imported Foods and Ling Ling, an [American] Chinese take-out restaurant. Also of note in that plaza are a 24 Hour Laundromat and T&T Asian Grocery. This was my go-to spot anytime I didn’t feel like cooking and I have tried almost every dish on their menu.

Yachae Tuigim (vegetables tempura) & Jjinwang Mandu (vegetable dumpling)

Chin Hills was slow to reopen after the shutdown after the pandemic hit and it was ironically around that time, that I made the acquaintance of several other people who were big fans of this restaurant. As we eagerly awaited their reopening, one of those friends tracked down an employee of Chin Hills and was able to confirm that they would reopen, calming our fears. Since then, I’ve enthusiastically introduced several more friends and family members to this restaurant with a 100% satisfaction rate. I hope that you will also add them to your list of favorites after giving them a try.

What to get? Probably anything. Regardless of what you decide on for your meal, I suggest that you start by ordering a Pajun (a scallion pancake), as an appetizer. You’re welcome! One of my other favorite dishes here is the Dolsot Bibimbap, a hot stone bowl with vegetables and your choice of beef, chicken or tofu (pictured below). There are also variations on the menu with choices of spicy pork, chicken, squid, or a variety of seafood. If you are new to Bibimbap, I should add that it is served in a sizzling hot stone bowl creating a bottom layer of crispy rice which adds a delightful texture.

Also of note are their soups. August may not be the time to be thinking about soup, but keep this in mind for those upcoming winter months! The soups are hearty portions and what could be better on a cold winter day than a big bowl of hot, yummy soup? I have enjoyed the Udon, Pho, and Ramen. The Ramen noodle soup can be ordered with choices of seafood, beef, chicken, pork, and kimchi. I like to order mine with the seafood (shrimp, clams, and squid). In addition to the noodles soups, there are over a dozen others offered under the Soup & Stew section of their menu. The owner seemed pleased the time that I ordered the Sabutee, which he explained was the Chin traditional corn soup with choices of beef or pork. I wasn’t familiar, had ordered out of curiosity, and was pleasantly surprised. This was not only delicious but an incredibly filling soup. I needed to take some home.

Bibimbap (to go), Yachae Tuigim (Vegetables tempura), and Banchan

Speaking of which, this both a solid casual dining spot and a great place from which to order take-out. You do miss out on the Dolsot (the hot stone bowl) however, if you don’t dine in. And although they do have containers that even allow you to take their soups to go, you do then miss the presentation. I really recommend dining in for the experience of that beautifully prepared bowl of soup, sizzling Dolsot or BBQ dish before ordering to take home.

As mentioned, Chin Hills also features Korean BBQ. The Galbi or marinated angus beef short rib, is pictured below. Like the Dolsot, these dishes are served sizzling with a side of rice. This is the one area of the menu that I need to explore more! For a small, additional charge, you can order lettuce wraps with the BBQ dishes if you prefer.

Wither you dine in or take out, your order will include complimentary Banchan which are small side dishes in Korean cuisine (pictured above and below). These include Kimchi, Gamja Jorim (Braised Potatoes), Eomuk Bokkeum (stir-fried fish cake), a cold broccoli salad and a Korean Cucumber Salad.

Galbi - marinated angus beef short rib

Did I get something wrong? This is not my native cuisine and I sincerely wish to correctly represent the food that I write about here. I love researching, reading about, and of course trying new foods. But if I have been misinformed or incorrectly identified a dish, please educate me by emailing opentillfour@gmail.com.

For additional pictures of just some of the food I have enjoyed at Chin Hills, check out Open Till Four’s Instagram page: @opentillfour.