Three popular restaurants in Kanazawa where you can enjoy local delicacy

Hanton Rice" is a Western-style gourmet dish that originated in Kanazawa and has been popular for about 60 years. It is a dish of ketchup rice topped with a melty half-boiled egg and fried swordfish tuna or shrimp, finished with ketchup and tartar sauce. Not unlike an omelette rice, the harmony of ketchup rice and tartar sauce is exquisite, making this dish Kanazawa's soul food.

There are many restaurants in Kanazawa that serve Hunton rice, and this time we will introduce three carefully selected restaurants in the Katamachi area that serve Hunton rice for lunch. Many of the dishes are very hearty, so be sure to go out with an empty stomach.

 Hanton Rice
Hanton Rice" has a nostalgic taste even if you eat it for the first time

Hanton Rice" has its roots in the makana cuisine of Western-style restaurants. It consists of ketchup rice topped with an egg and fries and finished with ketchup and tartar sauce. The idea was to make a full meal in one dish quickly, and the method of cooking the fries when frying the eggs was also devised to save time and effort in a busy kitchen. The name is said to come from the combination of the Hungarian word "han" and the French word "ton," meaning tuna (various theories exist).

Nowadays, each restaurant has its own unique arrangement of the dish, and the appeal of this dish is that you can enjoy variations that shine with individuality. It is a simple yet profound dish.

Traditional Hanton Rice at the restaurant where it originated

 Unique cooking method of frying eggs and fries together in a frying pan
Unique cooking method of frying eggs and fries together in a frying pan

Founded in 1957, this Western-style restaurant is said to be the originator of Hanton Rice. The toppings are two types of fried fish: traditional swordfish tuna and shrimp. The ingredients are uncompromising: three eggs from Ishikawa Prefecture are used per serving, and the rice is also locally grown.

The core of the dish's deliciousness is the homemade tartar sauce, which is a paste of ingredients and has a light, refreshing taste. The tartar sauce is made from a paste of ingredients and has a light, refreshing taste. The third-generation owner of the restaurant says, "You can't imitate the taste of this sauce, which takes a lot of time and effort.

Loved by the locals and now very popular with tourists

 Hanton Rice
Hanton Rice" for 1,350 yen. Also available in small (1,250 yen) and large (1,600 yen) portions.

It is said that the first "Hanton Rice" was prepared by the restaurant's former chef in 1967, and when he moved to another restaurant, he named it "Hanton Rice" and served it as the restaurant's specialty. A few months later, it appeared on the restaurant's menu.

The generous portions of this dish have always captured the hearts of young people, and many local fans say, "The taste of Grill Otsuka is what I remember from my youth.

Enjoy a variety of authentic Western-style dishes in a restaurant with a Showa-era atmosphere

 The interior of the restaurant has the mood of a high-carat Western-style restaurant. There is also a chic room with a completely different atmosphere.
The interior of the restaurant has the mood of a high-carat Western-style restaurant. There is also a chic room with a completely different atmosphere.

The interior of the restaurant has a nostalgic Showa-era retro atmosphere. In addition to Hanton rice, the restaurant offers a full menu of traditional Western-style dishes such as pork cutlet and grilled chicken. Among them is a doria-style dish called "tamba rice," which is a gem with many longtime fans, consisting of savory fried rice topped with white sauce and baked.

The dishes, which showcase the careful handiwork of the chefs, are loved by locals and tourists alike, and the restaurant has become a popular destination with a long line of customers.

Local Guide
Supporters

The Hanton Rice is quite hearty even in a regular size, so a small size is recommended for those with smaller appetites. Although the restaurant is popular, you can often get in without waiting in line around 2:00 p.m. on weekdays.

Grill Otsuka
  • Address 2-9-15 Katamachi, Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture MAP
  •  Direction 10 minutes drive from JR Kanazawa Station
  •  Bus Direction Take a bus from JR Kanazawa Station, get off at Korinbo bus stop and walk about 5 minutes.
  • Business Hours11:00-15:20 (L.O. 14:45), 17:00-20:30 (L.O. 19:50)
  •  Closed Wednesdays (or the following weekday if Wednesday is a national holiday) *Closed irregularly
  •  TEL 076-221-2646
  •  Parking No parking *Pay parking is available in the vicinity.
  •  Memo Reservations not accepted

Two large fried prawns and demi-glace sauce make for a hearty meal!

 The restaurant's No. 1 menu item,
The restaurant's No. 1 menu item, "Orange Hunton Rice" (2,200 yen)

This remarkable restaurant, born in 2023, is a new attraction of Hanton Rice. More and more people are visiting Kanazawa for this restaurant.

Among the four types of Hanton Rice, the most popular is the "Dai Dai Dai Hanton Rice. The three-dimensional arrangement of two large fried shrimp is eye-catching. The key to the flavor is the homemade orange-vinegar tartar sauce. The dish is also served with a demi-glace sauce to keep you coming back for more. The restaurant's desire to "bring smiles to the faces of those who come all the way to the restaurant" is condensed in a single dish.

Enjoy the luxury of tasting two of Kanazawa's most popular local delicacies at the same time!

 Kanazawa Katsu Curry
Kanazawa Katsu Curry" topped with pork cutlet is 1,650 yen. Kanazawa Curry" is 1,300 yen.

Along with Hanton Rice, Kanazawa Curry, a specialty of Kanazawa, is also popular at this restaurant. The curry is served in a rich, thick roux with crispy shredded cabbage, and is served on a traditional stainless steel plate with a broken spoon.

It is said that many couples and friends visit the restaurant to share two local delicacies, which is a must-try for any visitor to Kanazawa.

Original curry is also gaining popularity

 The restaurant's interior, decorated with retro posters, is a relaxing space.
The restaurant's interior, decorated with retro posters, is a relaxing space.

The nostalgic atmosphere of the restaurant is run by a mother and son. The name of the restaurant, "daidai," is a wish that the restaurant and its relationship will last "for generations to come. The cozy and warm space is filled with a kindness that embraces visitors.

In addition to the signature dish, we also recommend the Dai Dai Curry, a bright orange curry based on coconut milk. It is an original menu item named after the restaurant. The spicy flavor, made with seasonal vegetables and chicken, is attracting an increasing number of fans who, once they try it, become addicted to it.

Local Guide
Supporters

During the cold season, soup is served as a service to warm up your body. It will warm your heart and make you feel relaxed.

Kanazawa Curry & Hunton Rice Dadai
  • Address 2-8-10 Katamachi, Kanazawa, Ishikawa MAP
  •  Direction 10 minutes drive from JR Kanazawa Station
  •  Bus Direction Take a bus from JR Kanazawa Station, get off at Korinbo bus stop and walk about 5 minutes.
  •  Business Hours 11:00-15:00 (L.O. 14:45)
  •  Closed Tuesdays (or the following day if Tuesday is a national holiday) *Closed irregularly
  •  TEL 076-216-5922
  •  Parking No parking *Toll parking is available in the vicinity.

Hanton Rice at a long-established Western-style restaurant in response to customer requests.

Hanton Rice
Hanton Rice" topped with fried swordfish tuna (1,200 yen) with salad

A Western-style restaurant with a long history established in 1938 in Kakinokibatake, Kanazawa City. You can enjoy the traditional taste of the techniques that have been refined over the years.

Originally, omelet rice was well received, but when interest in Hanton rice increased with the opening of the Hokuriku Shinkansen, the restaurant began serving it in response to many requests from customers. Currently, the restaurant offers two types of Hanton Rice: the standard Hanton Rice topped with swordfish tuna, and the Shrimp Fried Hanton Rice topped with shrimp instead of swordfish tuna.

Gentle flavor that makes the ingredients stand out. The golden harmony of a famous restaurant

 Shrimp Hanton Rice
Shrimp Hanton Rice" (1,200 yen) topped with fried shrimp is popular among those who do not like fish.

The most distinctive feature of the restaurant's Hanton Rice is its homemade tartar sauce, which is made with a lot of time and effort. It is well known for its strong egg flavor. The ketchup rice, which is the key to the flavor, is made from rice grown in Ishikawa Prefecture, giving it the presence of a long-established restaurant. The eggs are cooked over an exquisite heat and the surface is slightly semi-cooked to integrate with the fries. The deep harmony of the tartar sauce and ketchup rice can be enjoyed to your heart's content.

The specialty menu that has been loved since the establishment of the restaurant is also noteworthy.

 The chic interior has the air of a long-established Western-style restaurant.
The chic interior has the air of a long-established Western-style restaurant.

The interior of the restaurant, with its indirect lighting and calm atmosphere, is a comfortable space that reflects the warm personality of the fourth-generation owner.

The menu also features other unique dishes such as the "coquille roll," which is a deep-fried pork loin wrapped in cream sauce. The "Sara Katsu-don" with red bean paste on top, which was invented to make it easier to carry and keep cold during the days when the restaurant specialized in delivery, has been a firm favorite since the establishment of the restaurant. There is also a "mixed bowl" that combines a plate of plate katsudon and katsu curry in one dish.

This is one restaurant that shows us that Kanazawa's food culture is not limited to Japanese food, but that Western food also has deep appeal.

Local Guide
Supporters

The 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, Kanazawa is about a 5-minute walk from the restaurant. After enjoying the nostalgic taste of Western cuisine, why not go out to appreciate art?

Grill Nakamuraya
  • Address 4-20 Kakinokibatake, Kanazawa, Ishikawa MAP
  •  Direction 11 minutes drive from JR Kanazawa Station
  •  Bus Direction Take a bus from JR Kanazawa Station, get off at Korinbo and walk about 4 minutes.
  • Business Hours 11:00~14:30L.O.
  •  Closed Thursdays, 1st and 3rd Wed.
  •  TEL 076-221-3512
  •  Parking No parking *Pay parking is available in the vicinity.
The information in this article is current as of the date of the update. Please check before visiting as they are subject to change.