Hana Bi, tucked away in the alleys of Taipei’s Zhongshan North Road, is my go-to spot. Every visit demands an order of their Japanese kamameshi. But what’s the story behind “Hana Bi,” and what exactly is this intriguing “kamameshi”?
Today, I visited a certain Italian fashion brand on Zhongshan North Road. Interestingly, right next to our office is a restaurant with a name directly written in Japanese as “Hanabi” (はなび), which means “fireworks”. I decided to treat myself to a special lunch there. Despite its location in a narrow alley, this restaurant requires reservations for both lunch and dinner.
Arriving here during lunchtime is truly captivating. Despite being a modest Japanese-style eatery, it does not provide alcohol consumption day time. The exterior and interior decor exude an unmistakable Japanese ambiance.
However, the quality of ingredients seems to be quite good.
During the lunchtime hours, this place exudes a leisurely vibe
I’m planning to gather friends for a delightful chat over drinks. And we absolutely must reserve this table—the one where we can leisurely sip sake, encircled by friends, sharing stories and laughter.
Absolutely! This place boasts an extensive selection of sake, catering to nearly every preference. And their signature dish? It’s the “Ginjo Sake Lees Curry Kamameshi”—a delightful rice casserole infused with the essence of premium sake lees.
Even the compact restroom space here is meticulously adorned with an unmistakable Japanese ambiance.
Glancing at the menu, it’s evident that during lunchtime, prices are indeed budget-friendly. Moreover, the high-value set meals come complete with salad, appetizers, soup, and beverages.
Let’s start with the appetizer: a Japanese-style salad featuring finely shredded cabbage, complemented by a zesty dressing of onion and yuzu vinegar. And don’t miss the delightful addition of a small tomato and tender pea pods.
As our second appetizer, we delve into the realm of Japanese-style crispy chicken nuggets. With each bite, the chicken essence bursts forth, revealing its secret: marinated and expertly seasoned before being fried to perfection.
This appetizer, with its Thai-inspired flavors, resembles a refreshing marinated squid salad. It’s the kind of dish that makes you crave an icy cold beer to go along with it!
Teriyaki Chicken
During lunchtime, catching sight of this dish is an absolute delight. The succulent chicken, glistening with caramel hues and golden fat, is enough to lift anyone’s spirits. And let’s not even mention how irresistible it is—you’ll want to take a bite immediately!
When the promised fragrant rice seemed elusive, the anticipation grew. But behold! The attentive server swiftly presented a wooden box, atop which sat a gleaming iron pot. The aroma of freshly cooked kamameshi filled the air, and suddenly, hunger was forgotten—just one bite wouldn’t suffice!
As the wooden lid is lifted, a delightful aroma of freshly cooked white rice fills the air. Appetites soar, and that pristine mound of rice becomes utterly irresistible—you’ll want to devour it in a single mouthful!
This Teriyaki Chicken is meticulously marinated in advance, and during the grilling process, achieving that perfect balance is an art form. The skin must remain irresistibly crispy, while the sauce caramelizes into the tender meat. It’s a delicate dance of flavors and textures that leaves every bite utterly satisfying!
For those craving tempura but unwilling to miss out on Japanese-style teriyaki chicken thighs, I recommend ordering the “Teriyaki Chicken and Tempura White Rice Combo.” And that’s not all—you’ll also get crispy shrimp, eggplant, and a medley of battered vegetables. It’s a feast that satisfies every craving!
“Truffle-Infused Wild Mushroom Kamameshi”
The mere mention of kamameshi conjures images of steamed rice adorned with an array of earthy vegetables and mushrooms. But when you lift the lid of this wooden box, it’s not just the fragrance of perfectly cooked rice that envelops you—it’s a symphony of forest treasures. The aroma mingles with hints of truffle, wild mushrooms, and oceanic delights. Missing out on this truffle-infused wild mushroom kamameshi would be a culinary crime!
Finally, I understand why this restaurant is renowned for its kamameshi—it’s truly identical to what I’ve savored in Japan! The rice is flawlessly cooked, maintaining just the right balance—never overdone or too soggy. The delightful blend of mushrooms and authentic Japanese soy sauce creates a harmonious symphony of flavors. Slowly simmered over low heat, this kamameshi is a masterpiece of rice cuisine!
Gomoku Kamameshi: A Symphony of Five Ingredients
When it comes to Japanese rice dishes, the mention of Gomoku Chahan (five-ingredient fried rice) is familiar to all. But let’s delve deeper into Gomoku Kamameshi, where the magic unfolds. Imagine a pot of rice slow-cooked to perfection, infused with the essence of five root vegetables: carrots, onions, burdock, shiitake mushrooms, and tender chicken. The secret lies in the delicate balance of Japanese soy sauce, allowing each ingredient to harmonize seamlessly. And the rice? It’s precisely cooked—neither too soft nor too firm. This dish is a symphony of flavors, where every grain of rice sings!
Tempura Udon Noodles:
Two crispy fried prawns, cauliflower, eggplant, burdock root, and shiitake mushrooms—all fried to perfection! The texture is just like enjoying authentic tempura in Japan, with no greasy aftertaste.
Paired with the bowl of udon noodles in soy sauce and bonito broth before me, the first bite warms the heart and reveals delightful elasticity—a true masterpiece of Sanuki udon.
Although it’s a complimentary treat, don’t underestimate its allure. The secret lies in the exceptional coffee beans.
