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A decent place for quick and cheap Japanese meal! I was reluctant to visit this place since it looked fancy from outside but I am glad I tried it! I tried the Famous Kay's Chicken and Egg Tempura Don. Kay's Chicken was basically fried chicken, salad, rice and special mayo sauce together. It was sweet and savoury and chicken tasted fresh and juicy. Best of all, it was only $8.9 :) Egg Tempura Don was a bit bland but well-balanced overall. It was more savoury than sweet
Very good service. Yummy Chicken Karage, Chicken Rice Hanaichi, Wagyu beef Curry.
But Ramen is very plain. Personally I won't recommend the ramen at all.
Love the tofu curry in particular. Crispy tasty coating, soft tofu, tasty curry, great value for the portion. Service friendly and quick!
Hanaichi always satisfies. It's reasonably priced, their menu is easy to navigate and service is always efficiently fast.
I recently had their udon. This was prepared at lightning speed. The broth was umami and the udon had a nice texture. The fried chicken pieces were well seasoned.
Simple, cheap and delicious fare in the heart of the CBD. What else could you ask for?
Hanaichi is one of the most popular restaurants in QV and after experiencing it for yourself, it's not hard to see why. The chicken thigh curry has become my go to - lightly coated and juicy chicken pieces go incredibly well with the succulent curry. The rice is cooked longer than normal, resulting in a mushier version that goes hand in hand with the curry. Pickled daikons round out the dish beautifully. And that's all there is to it, and all that you need out of a curry and a lunch.
Quick, cheap and always tasty. I come here for only one dish:
Hanaichi Original Curry with Rice - Chicken Thigh and extra meat.
Chicken is fired perfectly, crispy with moist meat locked inside. The curry is almost a thick gravy, add the seasoning sprinkles and it's a winner!
Steven Yuniansyah Suyanto
+4
Initially, i thought this restaurant will be expensive. But surprisingly its really cheap and taste pretty good. For the picture below, i only need to pay around 8.50$ each which is interesting and really affordable.
Oh my goodness! Yum yum YUMM! This is a ‘fast food’ lunch spot and what can I say, their chicken rice is so good. The chicken and the white sauce reminded me of Chicken Nambam. I highly recommend this for a quick and easy lunch!
Usually I am sceptical about trying Japanese cuisine from new outlets, but this one was too good a try! Located in the QV centre, its a quick service fast food looking eatery. I went for the Famous Kay’s Chicken and rice after reading the reviews. For just 7.5 the quantity you get is amazing! You can further up by making it a large serve as well. Definitely worth a try.
I just cannot understand why this place isn’t doing as well as it should. Very good meals offered at very good prices. Ample and cosy seating. It’s just a winner for quick and tasty Japanese tucker.
Easy to order, the menu is clearly depicted above the counter. The price is reasonable and food is fresh and the waiting time isn't very long. Can be a bit crowded considering the small venue. However satisfied with my experience every visit.
Food 4/5
Service 4/5
Enviroment 4/5
I tried the Miso katsu made by pork belly. Also, you can choose a pork lion that less fat and chicken as well. The service is nice and the food is valuable and taste better. They fried poke tender and juicy. The only thing that not good is the sauce is too salty even mix with the rice still too much sauce. But for 10bucks, it could be your first cheap lunch choice.
Hanaichi is the best value for money. Large serves and the best curry if you wanna emulate the taste of Japanese chain curry. Suitable if you don't mind very casual dining
Service: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Taste: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Ambiance: ⭐️⭐️
Value: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
A great place for a quick Japanese feed. The go-to option for most diners here is the Famous Kay's Chicken rice, which is basically fried chicken with an addictive mayo sauce. I also love the Curry Chicken rice here.
Been coming to Hanaichi for many many years. My go to dish is their kay’s chicken. For under $8, you will be rewarded with fried chicken with tartare sauce on rice. Such a treat if you are looking for cheap delicious quick meal.
Will I be back? Yes
Tastes amazing.we had tofu curry..well cooked +additional spice to top on. Friendly staff and would love to recommend all my frends😅and being part of Melbourne central..its easy to reach as well.
Love the chicken curry with red pickles, every time I go there, that’s the go to dish.
The others are average
Prices are decent
Service is average
Like this place, used to come around when i was in Uni, menu has been changed, luckily they still have my old time fav curry chicken with rice, big serve, reasknable price, good choice for a quick bite
Affordable, tasty and convenient food if you're looking for a quick feed. I never go wrong with Hanaichi.
My only recommendation is with the serving of the takeaway bowls. On many occasions there is a layer of oil around the outside left behind by whoever handled the food, all ready for me to pick up before I get to dig in to my food.
Convenient and quick with great tasting food.I always order the same thing -kay's chicken in regular size with extra tartar sauce.
The rice is soft and fluffy and the chicken is crispy and oozes flavour with every bite. It's topped with creamy tangy tartar sauce that gives the dish an extra oomph and comes with a generous serve of lettuce leaves and tomatoes . It's a great place to stop by in my break time and staff are kind and sweet too!
When I was first at uni I used to come to Hanaichi all the time. I'd tried a few of their menu items but non beats their Chicken Katsu Don. As a struggling uni student, it was a value meal I couldn't see past. Service is alright, abit slow at times but efficient nonetheless. I haven't been back since the renovations but I'd be interested to see if it's still a hit amongst students and if menu items differ much.
The tenderloin Katsu chicken curry was amazing. The home made chilli powder gave a unique taste to the food. It was delicious and filling. I would recommend eating this food with soda.
One of the best places to go for a quick, cheap and tasty Japanese lunch. Very generous portion sizes for the price you’re paying. Got the chicken tender loin curry ($9.5) - the curry was rich and flavourful, and although the chicken was a bit soggy it was still really good! Bonus points for the free miso soup served in a cute coffee takeaway cup!
Healthy Japanese food on the go or for a quick sit down. Located in QV shopping centre near the fitness first gym it’s a great option for an after workout meal. Normally grab the Beef Yakiniku with rice which never disappoints.
Good place for a quick meal.
Definitely come back and try something differet even if the variety is limited. Generous on the rice but not on the protein.
Tasty curry hands down. Friendly staff.
Super fast and very cheap. The chicken curry is awesome. I would visit this place once a month for sure. Yummy and friendly. I cannot go past the curry and now there is more of a selection as far as what sort of meat/tofu you can get in there. I love it. Tasty and good. 9 dolllars for a great lunch.
Usually would come here for the udon noodle soup with beef. Soup is sweet and the udon is soft with the beef thinly sliced. The miso soup comes with seaweed and soft tofu pieces. Overall a good place for food that comes out quick and service is decent too.
Has always been a really nice japanese takeout place with nice quality food. The ratio of meat to rice can be a bit off, especially when you order larger sizes, leaving you with a lot of leftover rice.
I have been coming to this place since 2012 and it never fails me. I usually order the chicken japanese curry with rice and it tastes as good as the first time i tried it out. Service is great and its new ambiance has given it a fresher look. Highly reccommended
Nothing can beat their Kay’s chicken. Chicken karaage like but more rich in flavour with mayonnaise. The price was very cheap, no doubt for coming back.
I’ve been to Hanaichi many times before, mainly for their curry katsu and the Kay’s chicken, both about $8.90 for one. Simple, no frills but tasty meals are served here and the prices are reasonable as well. Recently they were closed for renovation and have reopened.
They now serve on proper plates when dining in and the seating areas are more comfortable but slightly fewer as the chairs are wider.
You can no longer choose the sizes for your meals, (you used to be able to choose from small, regular and large) so the standard size is about a regular now. And they started charging for extra pickles >
So nice and fresh food! I like it and impressed for the first time here. I came for lunch time with friends today, we have ate Miso Katsudon Chicken with rice, Beef Udon and Beef Yakiniku with rice - Yummy, cheap and a lot! Thank you.
Excellent curry for an excellent price. Probably my new favourite Japanese chicken curry, and I’m fairly picky as I often find Japanese curry too sweet. Very quick service, although the line and waiting are a bit cramped.
Been here once, had Japanese curry chicken with rice. Was well cooked and spice level was good. Curry quantity could be increased a little as rice quantity is good and it becomed dry at some point.
I lived off this place when I went to uni and constantly find myself craving hanaichi. My favorite is the chicken curry and the Kay's Chicken... so good, so cheap, so quick .
If you are in need fot quick lunch in the city, hanaichi might be the choice. Its a japanese fast food restaurant where you are required to lay uprfront. You only need to wait dor 3 mins tops at lunch time. The food here is quite cheap and the portion is large. I personally recommend the kay’s chicken and pork curry. Its the two dishes that outperform others. The service here was ok, sadly hanaichi has increased their price from last month.
Fast service, cheap, yummy and NO MSG, What else do I need?
The curry is very nice, haven't found any cheap japan curry better than hanaichi. Kay's Chicken is also very nice. Combo packet chicken curry and kay's chicken will never go wrong
Been here a lot of times, and will keep coming back here.
Cheap place to eat especially for students! Prefer this place over Don Dons. Menu is limited but my favourite dish is the curry beef bowl. Perfect for a quick lunch
This is a great place for a quick good value Japanese meal. It's always popular at lunch time for good reason - good service and very quick. Located in the QV building it mainly caters for take-away but has seating as well. I've tried a range of meals from the Japanese curry, ramen and miso don menu. They are all good value and compare favourably to similar quick-serve places in Japan. I've been a customer for about 5 years and the quality of the food is consistent. What is really noticeable is the quality of the rice - it is never over-cooked or soggy - always just right. Highly recommended for service and quality.
Had the curry pork and the Kay's chicken and it was enjoyable as JLo's 2011 hit on the floor!
"If you go hard you gotta get on the floor
If you're a party freak then step on the floor
If you're an animal then tear up the floor
Break a sweat on the floor
Yeah we work on the floor "
He's gonna get tha floor💕
Evening mealtime is often busy at Hanaichi and it was no different on this visit. Menu is quite extensive, with different sizes to appease all hunger levels. Beef yakuniku rice bowl was the order this time, and the food came out very quick. The staff were pleasant and friendly, the seating area clean and good for conversation. Meal was tasty, good ratio of rice to meat and sauce.
Frequented by the youthful city folk, it's good to see that Hanaichi has only changed for the better after all these years. Good value tasty meal.
Food is value for money. I have tried Kay's chicken and their prawn tempura udon. Portions are decent and fills you up. A good spot for a quick lunch.
Amazing food, lovely service every time! Do recommend the Karaage Chicken Ramen and wish they'd bring back the free drink deal haha
The chefs are fantastic
Quick spot for Japanese comfort food. I usually get the Japanese curry with crispy pork cutlets and sprinkle some shichimi for an extra kick. The pork cutlets can get soggy if not eaten straight away (I usually get it takeaway).
Ordered a small waygu beef curry for $8. The price feels expensive at first but once you receive your small bowl. The smell of beef curry overwhelms you with joy. That one bite makes that $8 worth it! Probably just me because it's my first meal for the day and starving so I appreciate the food more... Hahha. I definitely like this dish. Has a spicy not so spicy tingly after taste. Awesome.
Fave place for quick takeaway. Delicious food: fresh and tasty. Quick service. Cheap price. No msg. all you can get chili. What else do u need?
Coffee And Food Enthusiast.
+4.5
I had the regular size Japanese Curry (which is pretty much a Katsu Carry) the serving size, amount of chicken and amount of curry did suffice. Japanese food in essence is simple food with pleny of flavour, and today was no exception. What impressed me most with the flavour of the chicken crumb, and the texture. Will definitely go back.
Simple fuss-free Japanese cuisine at a great price! I usually get the pork cutlet katsu-don. So flavourful and filling 👍🏽 the pork cutlet was crispy on the outside yet tender on the inside. The tables outside are usually taken and dirty though so I'd take away and eat it elsewhere.
Overall, worth the price and good taste!
For the price value and the food, I would rate it a 5/5 :)
Kay's Chicken is my favourite and always leaves me satisfied, don't let the small size fool you, it still serves quite a bit of nutrition value!
Not to mention that the service has always been quick and friendly!
Update: oh wow!!! They look stunning renovated and they have a mini bar now??!? Oh my God hahahahahahaha I moved away from the city and have just recently moved back and ate here and I think they taste even better now!!!! Wow! Would highly! Recommend! 10/10!!!
Fast service, tasty food and cheap. The chicken curry is my goto dish here. A much better alternative than maccas if you're after a quick and affordable lunch.
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I've ordered every meal here many times and now is the time for me to level my thoughts on a few of my favourite dishes.
Udon noodles: these are thick and Chewy noodles in a yummy broth. Not much more to say. Great meal if you get the craving.
Chicken curry: this is delicious chicken crumbed cutlet served with a totally smooth curry sauce atop tender white rice. I must reccomend getting extra meat and extra pickles if you are feeling hungry or feel like sharing. A chicken curry with extra meat and pickles is a very affordable meal for two, but really satisfies. Always make use of the chilli sprinkle at the counter too.
Iced teas, specifically green: these sell a very delicious unsweetened Green tea, as well as other sweeter flavoured teas, my favourite of which is the Peach. Also available is a tasty matcha frappe which is great for a sunny day. It seems a bit milky for some tastes but for mine, it's just right.
As for the atmosphere and service I cannot fault it. Meals get sserved very fast and are always of a high and consistent standard.
One final addition: Hanaichi now serve combo meals where you can get two different meals in one serving. I cannot reccomend this option highly enough.
Very good meal, had the japanese chicken curry which is similar to obentos curry katsudon but bigger and cheaper. Very tasty, a big meal for regular size, it had way too much rice though, overall fast efficient service and a very good value meal.
Incredibly cheap, great for students, yum food. Generally very fast service. Cash only can be a hassle though.
Favourites: Japanese chicken curry or tempura udon. They also do their own drinks line which is also cheaper than other generic drinks.
One of my friends recommended Hanaichi to me, and then I fell in love with it. Very high quality and reasonable price, worth to have a try! Portion was good for me, even with small size.
I eat food here almost everyday because the price is obviously affordable. I just wait about 5 minutes to have food. Actually, some of dishes are not good but the remaining is awesome to me. Theses staff there are very happy to serve. Good one!
I’ve spent many a lunch or dinner time wandering around Melbourne CBD aimlessly, looking for a food option that’s light, light on the wallet and at least student-quality good. As such I’ve found myself at Hanaichi on many of those occasions and they reliably do all of the above pretty well. Cheap, Japanese fast food that’s asking to be taken away.
The service is prompt and quick. 👌
The food proportion is just perfect for just under $10.00. 🙌
The restrurant itself is notedly quite clean. 👍
Literally, such a hotspot for cheap and to-go meals. 👏
My go-to's are Kai's Chicken and the Tempura Udon Soup. They just both taste so good and are bloody amazing. They're also quite filling meals until your next meal.
PSA: You might see the odd sparrow or two.
The tofu curry rice is good, I like how the tofu is fried and has a crispy skin. Even though I ordered a small portion, it was enough for a quick lunch.
This place is cheap and cheerful. The serve decent japanese food bowls for a great price. I usually come here when i want a snack or looking to be frugal.
By far the best and most consistant curry chicken ive had here at hanachi. After 5 years and coming back to it still tastes the same, very good texture and flavour. Good to see a business that still up holds there good quality after many years and sadly some business drop their quality in dishes but not hanachi! And oh did i mention its cheap, its quick! And tastes fkn awesome. Love this place at qv in the cbd.
When I feel hungry and need sth quick, cheap, and delicious, I come here and get my all time favorite Kay's chicken. Just cant get over the fried chicken salad on rice, so yum!
Are you on a tight budget?
Are you a stickler for chicken?
Do you like Japanese?
If you said Yes to all three (or even just 1) then look no further than Hanaichi at QV!
This seriously has to be the cheapest Japanese place in Australia (a meal costs you less than $10!). And it's bang in the heart of the city! And it's BUSY! Only cash payments accepted.
You really don't see this every day. While most fast food joints dish out grease and empty calories, Hanaichi has swapped all that greasy stuff with somewhat healthier Japanese food. It could be exactly what fast food needs.
It's a bit unnerving to see all your favourite Japanese eats served like fast food, and especially at fast food prices. There's no sushi, but you'll find all the hearty stuff like Japanese curry, teriyaki, and good ol' ramen.
My favourite place to have a quick nice Japanese meal.
First time I tried it was in Brisbane, I had like 4 meals for a week period. This was no different either. The wagyu beef curry rice is highly highly recommended. The curry sauce is a lot more compared to the other curry. The udon is also a good selection if you are not a curry rice person. There are plenty of seating available inside or outside the shop.
This is my go to for a cheap feed in Melbourne. Food is great for the price and portions are generous. Hanaichi is most like Don Don and is a critical eat for the university student or cube warrior. The often crowded venue has a speedy turn around on take out. Favourite meal choice is the Kay's chicken - it's a simple, tasty, and economical dish that won't offend anyone. Give it a crack if you're near Melbourne Central or QV.
The place was crowded on lunch time.. which is totally unserstandable as the foods are decent and price is affordable. Interesting you can opt for smaller meal, or combine two flavors in one order. My kay's chicken was very tasty, love the mayo dressing and side salad!
This is such amazing value set amongst expensive real estate that it is truly hard to go past. With their plain curry as a recommendation, I was delighted by not only great taste and generous portions, but the $4.20 price tag including a 500ml iced tea (different flavors available) this simply cannot be beaten.
Fresh broccoli perfectly steamed to retain an attractive crunch, full flavoured curry and a sprinkling of red pepper this is a bargain basement with premium taste ultimate threat.
Cannot wait to try out the other options.
A quick review: it's been opened for years and their chicken katsu curry don is one of the best cheap eat in the city👍. The chicken one is much better because the pork one has too much fat. They are doing a special this month ( March 2016) , Free drink with any curry purchase. So a small chicken curry don is only $5.5 with the free drink. The service is always efficient! Nearly forgot to mention, the rice quality is actually pretty good👌
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