Nagoya Food Guide: Must-Try Local Dishes & Where to Find Them
Nagoya is a city in Japan known for its special local dishes. From savory meals to sweet snacks, there’s a lot to enjoy. This guide will show you some of the best Nagoya food and where to find it. Whether you love trying new foods or want to taste something different, food in Nagoya will surely be a highlight of your visit.
Hitsumabushi (Grilled Eel)
Hitsumabushi is a famous Nagoya dish featuring grilled eel served over rice. What makes it special is how you eat it. The meal is divided into four parts. First, you eat the eel and rice as it is. For the second portion, you add green onions, wasabi, and nori (seaweed) to enhance the flavor.
The third part is eaten with a light dashi broth poured over the eel and rice. The last portion can be enjoyed in any of the previous styles you liked best.
Where to Try Hitsumabushi:
Atsuta Horaiken: Known as the birthplace of Hitsumabushi, this restaurant has been serving it for over 140 years. It's located near Atsuta Shrine, making it a popular spot for both locals and tourists.
Maruya Honten: A well-known restaurant chain in Nagoya that specializes in Hitsumabushi. The eel here is grilled to perfection, with a crispy outside and tender inside.
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Miso Katsu (Pork Cutlet with Miso Sauce)
Miso Katsu is Nagoya’s take on the traditional pork cutlet. Instead of the usual tonkatsu sauce, the cutlet is topped with a thick, rich miso sauce made from fermented soybeans. The strong flavor of the miso sauce pairs perfectly with the crispy fried pork.
Where to Try Miso Katsu:
Yabaton: This restaurant is the most famous place for Miso Katsu in Nagoya. They serve a generous portion of crispy pork covered in their signature miso sauce. With multiple locations around the city, it's easy to find one nearby.
Misokatsu Yabaton Honten: Located in Sakae, this is the original Yabaton location. You can enjoy the authentic taste of Miso Katsu in the heart of Nagoya.
Tebasaki (Chicken Wings)
Nagoya is well-known for its seasoned chicken wings, known as Tebasaki. These crispy wings are seasoned with a mix of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors, and they’re often topped with sesame seeds. Unlike regular fried chicken, Tebasaki is not battered but fried directly, giving it a unique texture.
Where to Try Tebasaki:
Sekai no Yamachan: This chain is famous for its Tebasaki and has become a Nagoya icon. Their wings are spicy, crispy, and perfectly seasoned. You can find multiple locations throughout the city.
Furaibo: Another popular restaurant for Tebasaki, Furaibo offers a milder version than Yamachan but is equally delicious. The wings are crisp, juicy, and flavorful.
Kishimen (Flat Noodles)
Kishimen is a type of flat udon noodle that’s a Nagoya specialty. The noodles are served in a light, dashi-based broth, and the dish is often topped with tempura, green onions, and dried bonito flakes. It’s a simple yet comforting meal, perfect for any time of the year.
Where to Try Kishimen:
Yamamotoya: This restaurant is known for its Kishimen and has been a local favorite for years. They offer various toppings, including tempura, beef, and vegetables, to suit all tastes.
Miya Kishimen: Located near Atsuta Shrine, this small shop is a great place to try Kishimen while exploring Nagoya’s cultural sites. Their broth is light and flavorful, complementing the flat noodles perfectly.
Nagoya Cochin (Local Chicken)
Nagoya Cochin is a type of local chicken breed known for its rich flavor and firm texture. The chicken can be prepared in many ways, including yakitori (grilled skewers), hot pot, and even raw as sashimi. Its quality and taste are well-recognized across Japan.
Where to Try Nagoya Cochin:
Torikai Sohonten: This restaurant specializes in Nagoya Cochin and offers a variety of dishes featuring the famous chicken, from grilled skewers to hot pots.
Maruya Honten: Besides serving Hitsumabushi, this restaurant also offers Nagoya Cochin dishes. Their chicken hot pot is especially popular among locals.
Tenmusu (Rice Balls with Tempura)
Tenmusu is a hybrid of two beloved Japanese foods: onigiri (rice balls) and tempura. The dish consists of a shrimp tempura placed inside a rice ball and wrapped in nori. It’s a convenient snack that’s both filling and flavorful.
Where to Try Tenmusu:
Senju: Located in the Osu Shopping District, this small shop serves some of the best Tenmusu in the city. Their rice balls are freshly made and perfect for a quick bite while shopping.
Tsubaki: This shop offers a variety of rice balls, but their Tenmusu is a standout. The tempura is crispy, and the rice is seasoned just right.
Ankake Spaghetti
Ankake Spaghetti is a unique Nagoya dish that combines Western-style pasta with a thick, starchy sauce made from vegetables and spices. The sauce has a slightly sweet and spicy flavor, and it’s poured generously over the spaghetti, creating a filling meal that’s unlike any other pasta dish.
Where to Try Ankake Spaghetti:
Spaghetti House Yokoi: This is one of the most famous places to try Ankake Spaghetti. The restaurant has been serving this unique dish for decades, and it’s a must-visit for anyone wanting to taste Nagoya’s take on spaghetti.
Cha Cha An: Located near Nagoya Station, this restaurant offers a variety of Ankake Spaghetti dishes, including ones with sausage, vegetables, and seafood.
Doteni (Stewed Beef Tendon)
Doteni is a comforting stew made with beef tendon, konjac (a type of yam cake), and vegetables simmered in a rich miso-based broth. The long cooking process makes the beef tender, and the flavor of the miso gives the stew a deep, satisfying taste.
Where to Try Doteni:
Kishimen Sumiyoshi: Known for their Kishimen, this restaurant also offers Doteni as a side dish. Their version of the stew is rich and flavorful, making it a great accompaniment to their noodles.
Doteniya: This small eatery specializes in Doteni and serves it as both a main dish and a side. Their stew is cooked to perfection, with the beef tendon melting in your mouth.
Ogura Toast
Ogura Toast is a breakfast dish that has become a Nagoya classic. It’s made with thick slices of toast, topped with sweet red bean paste, and often served with butter or whipped cream. This dish is a perfect combination of sweet and savory flavors, making it a popular choice for breakfast or a snack.
Where to Try Ogura Toast:
Komeda’s Coffee: A famous Nagoya café chain, Komeda’s Coffee is the go-to spot for Ogura Toast. Their thick slices of toast are perfectly crisp on the outside and soft on the inside, topped with just the right amount of sweet red bean paste.
Café Gentiane: Located in Nagoya Station, this café serves a variety of breakfast dishes, including their popular Ogura Toast. It’s a great place to start your day before exploring the city.
Uiro (Sweet Rice Cake)
Uiro is a traditional Japanese sweet made from rice flour and sugar, with a soft, chewy texture. It comes in a variety of flavors, including matcha, red bean, and yuzu (Japanese citrus). Uiro has been a popular sweet in Nagoya for centuries and is often enjoyed with tea.
Where to Try Uiro:
Aoyagi Uiro: This shop has been making Uiro for over 150 years and is one of the best places to try this traditional sweet. They offer a wide variety of flavors, and you can even watch how the Uiro is made.
Osu Uiro: Located in the Osu Shopping District, this shop is known for its freshly made Uiro. The flavors are rich, and the texture is soft, making it a delightful treat.
Final Thoughts on Nagoya’s Must-Try Dishes
Nagoya’s local dishes offer a wide variety of flavors, from savory to sweet, giving visitors plenty of delicious options to explore. Each dish has its own story and place in the city’s culture, making it more than just a meal but an experience of Nagoya’s food heritage. When you visit, trying these local foods is a great way to connect with the city's unique culinary traditions.
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FAQs
What food is Nagoya famous for?
Nagoya is known for several unique dishes, including Hitsumabushi (grilled eel served over rice), Miso Katsu (pork cutlet with miso sauce), Tebasaki (crispy chicken wings), Kishimen (flat udon noodles), and Tenmusu (shrimp tempura rice balls). These dishes are deeply tied to the city's food culture and offer a distinctive taste that sets them apart from other regional Japanese cuisines.
What is the difference between unagi and Hitsumabushi?
Unagi refers to grilled eel in general, while Hitsumabushi is a specific way of serving grilled eel in Nagoya. In Hitsumabushi, the eel is served over rice and eaten in stages: plain, with toppings, and with broth poured over it. This method of enjoying eel is a specialty in Nagoya, adding layers of flavor and texture to the meal.
What is the flavor of Ogura toast?
Ogura toast combines the sweetness of red bean paste (ogura) with the savory richness of butter on thick slices of toasted bread. The balance between the soft sweetness of the beans and the crispy, buttery toast creates a delicious mix of flavors, making it a popular breakfast choice in Nagoya.
Is Kishimen hot or cold?
Kishimen can be served both hot and cold. Hot Kishimen is served in a light broth, often with tempura, green onions, or other toppings. Cold Kishimen is typically served with a dipping sauce and eaten as a refreshing dish, especially in summer. Both versions are popular in Nagoya.
