Hanaoka (revisit)

mmm-yoso!!! welcomes you back with another post about food.  Cathy is writing this one while Kirk is relaxing.

I posted about Hanaoka in 2018, before Covid.  We've been re-visiting favorite locally owned places when we are in the area and see they are open.

Since January 6, 1986, Hanaoka has been a favorite Japanese spot in National City.  Located just West of the 805 on Sweetwater Road, the stand alone building has plenty of surrounding parking.

 The interior decor is timeless.
 We decided to share an order of mixed tempura ($7.95).  Not at all oily, the batter was a little hard/crisp and acted as a protectant for the vegetables and shrimp; everything was moist and flavored of itself; not the batter.  The tempura sauce was a perfect blend of soy sauce, dash and mirin-bright and 'crisp' in flavor. 
   Having really enjoyed the Ten Zaru Soba ordered a few months ago at the newly opened Kumi Cafe, I thought ordering it here (on this hot day) would make a nice comparison ($12.95).  Also, chilled buckwheat noodles are now a craving; I have found that my blood sugar does not 'spike' when I eat these noodles, satisfying a craving.  Our waiter mentioned this was 'the most Japanese item on the menu' when I ordered and he 'presented this plate to me with "Meshiagare" ('Bon appetit').  (I did respond with 'itadakimasu').  Wow, the chilled soba was so flavored of buckwheat, having a bite of seaweed with the plain noodles was perfect.  Dipping the noodles in the soy based dipping sauce elevated the flavors and then grabbing some of the green onions and wasabi was a perfect crescendo of flavors.  Truly excellent.  The two tempura battered shrimp were another texture-diversion from everything else, rounding out the meal. 
 The Mister chose to order from the Lunch Special Combo menu.  This is #16, Beef Teriyaki and Gyoza.  All lunch specials come with miso soup, rice and salad.  It was a nice soup (not salty).  The beef was very tender, well marbled and had a good flavor without the (house made) teriyaki sauce.  The gyoza were nice with a thin wrapper and fresh vegetable and pork filling.  The soy based dipping sauce was not the same as the noodle dipping sauce on my plate.  

Always a nice visit with quality food which has withstood the test of time (and Covid-19).

 Hanaoka Japanese Restaurant 1528 Sweetwater Road, Suite C National City 91950 (619) 477-5173 Website Open Mon-Thurs 11-3, 5-9:30 Fri, Sat 11-9:30, Sun 11-9

Comments

[kat]

looked like a great meal!

[Cathy]

This was really great, kat.

[Som Tommy]

I haven’t been here in ages. I need to go

[Soo]

The tempura looks great!

[Cathy]

It's as good as ever, ST. Quite crowded even at weekday lunch.

The tempura coating was almost 'hard', but consistent, Soo. I found it needed to be dipped in the sauce; sometimes I like it plain.

[Joy]

Very cool. I pass by often but have never visited. I will have to change that.

[Cathy]

It's a great place, Joy. So good to see it's still around, especially since Covid-19.

[alnc]

This got me jonesing for some cold soba noodles. Great review, as always, Cathy!

[Cathy]

I've noticed a pattern in my ordering for the past few months has been chilled soba, alanc. Refreshing and I can compare between restaurants. (Thanks)