#Japan #Takamatsu #Hanamaru Udon #Anmochi Zoni #Izutsu Miso

Anmochi Zoni Udon: A Unique New Year’s Treat

The New Year in Kagawa is not complete without its traditional dish. This year, the renowned udon chain Hanamaru Udon is offering a limited-time delicacy called Anmochi Zoni Udon, a delightful collaboration with two local favorites: Izutsu Miso and Yakoya. From January 1 to January 7, 2026, visitors to 30 select Hanamaru Udon locations can enjoy this unique dish, available while supplies last.

A Delicious Twist on a Local Classic

Anmochi Zoni Udon reimagines Kagawa's beloved New Year Udon, a dish that symbolizes good fortune and happiness for the year ahead. By incorporating traditional ingredients such as iriko dashi and sweet anmochi, this dish marries the essence of Kagawa cuisine with the festive spirit of the New Year. The udon itself is crafted to perfection, featuring a soft exterior and a chewy interior right at the heart of this Sakaiminato specialty.

The use of Izutsu Miso’s white miso adds depth to the broth, offering a rich taste that complements the texture of the udon beautifully. The dish is further enhanced with a medley of ingredients including daikon, carrot, and kamaboko, alongside the signature anmochi from Yakoya, creating a festive bowl that encapsulates Kagawa's rich culinary traditions.

The Story Behind Anmochi Zoni

The practice of adding sweet anmochi to zoni—a dish often met with surprise by outsiders—stems from Kagawa's unique historical background. Once a prominent producer of wasanbon sugar, a delicacy too precious for ordinary folk, Kagawa's traditions encouraged families to indulge modestly during the New Year. Thus emerged the custom of hiding sweet an inside the traditional rice cake, representing a moment of luxury during a simple meal.

This delightful dish combines the sweetness of the anmochi with the savory flavors of dashi made from iriko, all harmonized by the subtle sweetness of the white miso. The unique taste is further complemented by the harmonious mix of textures that make this dish a local treasure.

Limited-Time Offer with a Special Gift

In conjunction with the introduction of Anmochi Zoni Udon, Hanamaru Udon invites the first 30 customers at each location to receive a complimentary 300g package of Izutsu's white miso with their purchase. This deal offers a rare opportunity for customers to bring home a taste of Kagawa.

• - Product Overview:

- Name: Anmochi Zoni Udon
- Price: ¥830 (tax included)
- Sales Period: January 1-7, 2026 (or until sold out)
- Participating Locations: 30 Hanamaru Udon stores across Saitama, Chiba, Tokyo, Kanagawa, and Osaka.

Embracing Tradition through Modernity

Founded in 2000, Hanamaru Udon has played a pivotal role in revolutionizing the way udon is served. By advocating a self-service model, they’ve attracted new customers while perpetuating the popularity of Sanuki udon. As they return to their roots, the company aims to highlight Kagawa’s local delicacies and promote them on a national scale. With the Anmochi Zoni Udon, Hanamaru Udon continues its mission to innovate while celebrating the rich flavors of traditional Japanese cuisine.

As the New Year approaches, this dish serves not just as a meal, but as a celebration of heritage and the joy of new beginnings.