📍Utah｜The Miyazaki of the Culinary World 🌱
Run by an elderly Japanese couple, open only three days a week 🗓️, barely visible on Yelp, yet walk-in customers often miss out. They close for at least a week during holidays—eating here truly depends on luck 🍀. Hanamaru is exactly that kind of low-key yet legendary little spot. No extravagant ingredients—just homestyle Japanese cooking 🍛. In an era dominated by pre-made meals and instant sauce packs, every bite of their genuine, handmade food feels precious ❤️. They once closed because they wanted to retire, but reopened after a collective petition from the neighborhood 🖋️👵👴. However, hours are now reduced to just 3 hours a day. Treasure each visit—the couple is getting older. Every time I go, 60s oldies are playing in the background 🎶. In the kitchen, grandpa wears a bandana and headphones while busy cooking—pretty cool 😎. Grandma, with her silver braided hair, apron, and flat shoes, is absolutely adorable 🥰. Since they’re elderly and have no extra help, please remember to return your dishes to the designated spot and dispose of disposable tablecloths after eating 🍽️🗑️. Let’s ease their burden a little. 🍤 Tempura Unless you really love it, no need to order separately—almost every main dish comes with a small portion. Their tempura is fried perfectly 👌, especially the sweet potato tempura—my personal favorite! Tempura was introduced to Japan from Portugal in the 16th century. 🍜 Ramen I first came here over a decade ago for their ramen 🍜. The broth is 100% bone-based, not from concentrate—rich and aromatic. In my earlier Ultimate Utah Ramen Map, they ranked #1 in all of Utah! Served only at Saturday lunch. 🍲 Niku Udon Clear, flavorful broth—not greasy, and no thirst after eating. It’s hard to find this taste in restaurants unless you make it yourself nowadays. 🍲 Nabeyaki Udon Sweet broth with chicken and fried tofu, served with tempura. Perfect for warming up in winter ❄️. 🍲 Kawara Soba (Tile Soba) Rare in U.S. Japanese restaurants—stir-fried soba with beef and shredded egg, served with tempura. A bit oily but super satisfying—I love it! Named “tile soba” because Meiji-era soldiers used roof tiles to grill meat and wild greens during fieldwork. The style later spread among civilians. 🍣 Sashimi Their sashimi selection is thoughtful, yet prices are very fair 🐟. You can tell this place has heart. 🍥 Tecca Roll Ordered out of curiosity—turns out it’s a simple tuna roll, humble yet filling like field rations 🎲. Named after being served as a snack in casinos (where “tecca” refers to gambling halls), or for its red center resembling a gun muzzle. Environment: ⭐️⭐️⭐️ 💰 $25 per person 🅿️ Parking: Easy Hanamaru 📍357 37th St, S Ogden #Utah #SaltLakeCity #HiddenGem #LocalFavorite #Izakaya #100RestaurantsChallenge #MyFoodDiary
