Udon Noodles Take Center Stage in Hot Pot, Handmade Ingredients Shine as Supporting Cast

▲ "Hamanoya" Udon Noodle Hot Pot Set for Four

Reported and photographed by Huang Shiyuan, Taipei

Not satisfied with just eating udon noodles? A new hot pot restaurant in Taipei’s East District has made udon noodles the star of the show, paired with Japanese kaiseki-style appetizers. You can enjoy the springy texture of the udon while also savoring the refinement of Japanese cuisine—satisfaction is guaranteed.

Spanish winery Taninia and Japan’s Kurochaya Dining have collaborated to launch "Hamanoya" Udon Noodle Hot Pot. The udon takes center stage, while handmade flying dragon tofu, corn sweet potato, tamagoyaki (Japanese omelet), and chicken meatballs serve as the perfect supporting cast. The broth is specially crafted by Chef Hiroaki Nakagawa from Japanese restaurant Ryourourou, using Taiwanese katsuobushi (dried bonito flakes), Hokkaido kelp, and four types of seasonal vegetables. It’s delicious even without any dipping sauce.

▲ All ingredients are added to the pot.

As for the star ingredient, the udon noodles, Hamanoya has imported a century-old Sanuki noodle-making machine from Japan. Technicians from Sanuki Tokyo Noodle Factory came to Taiwan to provide guidance, adjusting the flour and noodle recipe specifically for Taiwan’s environment. The process contains absolutely no additives, and currently includes white oolong and mugwort oolong varieties. Notably, the dessert is a spinach mousse. Despite the bitterness of the vegetable, it’s paired with a jelly made from orange peel, as well as orange flesh soaked in white wine and goji berries, creating a uniquely bitter, sour, and sweet flavor profile. Chef Nakagawa mentioned that he wanted to encourage more vegetable-based desserts, so he specially developed this spinach mousse.

Hamanoya officially opened on April 2. Lunch sets start at NT$750, and dinner sets start at NT$850. Additionally, there’s a "Hamafuu Udon" lunch set that includes a main dish and dessert, starting at NT$490 for lunch and NT$590 for dinner. Since Hamanoya is located in the East District, and to accommodate office workers with limited lunch breaks, a "Udon Noodle Hot Pot" is offered Monday to Friday during lunch hours. Originally priced at NT$350, it’s available at a special price of NT$299 until the end of May.

Hamanoya
Address: No. 55, Lane 240, Guangfu South Road, Da’an District, Taipei City
Phone: 02-27112213


▲ Oolong Salad



▲ Appetizers: Peanut Tofu, Cheese Yogurt Beetroot, Small Fish with Sweet Beans


▲ Sashimi


▲ Sea Bass with Sesame Miso Glaze


▲ Sakura Shrimp Croquette


▲ Spinach Mousse