Munich, the capital of Bavaria, is the place to be for good japanese cuisine and real Sushi very thin, we agree with many sushi lovers and Japanese chefs. And not because there is so much good competition - but unfortunately a lot of bad.
One of the restaurants we can generally recommend is Haguruma in Munich's Gärtnerplatz district. Here's our take on this small Japanese pub.
Haguruma - Iazakya in the Gärtnerplatz district
Parallel to the Isar River near Frauenhoferstrasse, where one of the two Sushi Zen is where the small Japanese restaurant Haguruma (cogwheel) is hidden.
Haguruma was run for many years by a Japanese lady who was always cheerful - a small rustic restaurant, always worth a visit for the hot food, albeit fluctuating quality sushi. Clearly, these restaurants also depend on whether they are owned by a sushi master or whether the owner manages to ensure consistent sushi quality across several chefs.
Today (as of August 2022), Haguruma is run by the cute Japanese chef Yuzo Hirata, who also worked for us on a temporary basis for a short time, then got some inspiration at the Mizu Sushi Bar in the Hotel Bachmair and now runs Haguruma himself.
Simple ambience, small chairs and tables
As in the past, Haguruma is very simple in ambience, not a fine dining restaurant, but for a chat with your best friend or a little neighborhood meal. The walls are currently very bare, the outdoor area is a bit improvised, but you can sit here in the sun at lunchtime and in the evening on a one-way street that is not too bumpy.
Sushi & hot cuisine at Haguruma Munich
We found the nigiri quality ok, especially for the price! There are also a few creative rolls, but they should be enjoyed with caution, depending on the version. The sakekawa maki loses the crispiness of the grilled salmon skin, while the red hot chili roll looks more like an attempt to tie in with the unspeakable pseudo-sushi, what can be found everywhere in Munich at the momentand the Dragon Green Roll ultimately only works via the sauce.
Even if everyone always wants to try something new, something special: try classic sushi and sashimi at Hagurumathat's not bad, and that's saying something when we say that!
Japan expert Axel Schwab also knew to praise us the Chirashizushi, lovingly arranged and at a fair price.
Retested in 2023: Haguruma is a new insider tip for us!
In August 2023 we were once again in the Haguruma and are thrilled!
The Haguruma has made additions to its kitchen and service and seems to have found a new identity. The restaurant's menu features charming, illustrated descriptions, Japanese sake or other aspects to customers in an uncomplicated, informative and friendly manner. The service speaks German or English and makes a pleasant impression in both cases. Chef Kikuchi, who has previously worked with Master Yagawa at various locations in Munich and also makes very good sushi, is now also on board.
We notice that the quality of the nori in the Haguruma can still be worked on a bit, they are sometimes a bit tough, that can still be better.
All in all, however, the new appearance is so coherent and likeable that we are absolutely thrilled and like to try our way through the menu more often!
The next step would perhaps be the interior, which is still a little bare and was a little more homely and cozy under the previous owner - but all in all we are absolutely thrilled, wish the Haguruma all the best and will be back soon to try the new warm kitchen!
✺ Opening hours ✺
Visitable at noon and in the evening.
Conclusion: Give Haguruma a chance & try it out!
Haguruma is something like an izakaya in the middle of the Gärtnerplatz district. It could do with a little more flair and ambience, but the new impulses in service and cuisine are promising and make you want to pop in for a snack and try some Japanese cuisine.
Contact: Hagaruma | Baaderstraße 62, 80469 Munich | Tel. 089 13939926 | no website | Small terrace on the sidewalk in summer
Attention, the Haguruma is sometimes closed or on vacation without prior notice on Facebook, Google, an answering machine or elsewhere!
Alternatives to Haguruma in Munich
If the Haguruma is closed, too far away or fully booked, we can recommend the following restaurants:
J-Bar - Izakaya in the Glockenbachviertel
JapaTapa Toshibar - near Münchner Freiheit
And of course our own Restaurant sansaro in the Amalienpassage, where we value the best materials, Japanese quality and Japanese tableware.
