Top Local Dishes & Where to Try Them in Nagoya, Japan

Nagoya, Japan, Nagoya, Food & Drink, Top Local Dishes & Where to Try Them

Top Local Dishes & Where to Try Them in Nagoya, Japan

1. Miso Katsu at Misono

Crispy breaded pork cutlet served in a rich miso sauce. A Nagoya specialty that combines flavors of sweet and savory.
  • Unique Ingredient: The use of local Haccho miso, a sweet and salty miso paste.
  • Culinary Tradition: Miso Katsu is a traditional dish that has been enjoyed in Nagoya for centuries.
  • Dining Experience: Dine at Misono, the birthplace of this iconic dish.

2. Hitsumabushi at Mizuno

Grilled eel served on rice in a shallow boat. The eel is first enjoyed separately, then mixed with other seasonings and toppings.
  • Regional Specialty: Hitsumabushi is a unique dish that originates from Nagoya.
  • Culinary Experience: Experience the traditional way of eating Hitsumabushi, following the customary steps to enjoy it.
  • Fresh Ingredients: The eel is freshly grilled and served at Mizuno.

3. Tebasaki at Yabaton

Crispy fried chicken wings glazed with a special sauce. A popular street food in Nagoya.
  • Unique Flavor: The distinctive taste comes from the secret sauce used at Yabaton.
  • Street Food Experience: Enjoy Tebasaki while exploring Nagoya's bustling streets.
  • Portion Sizes: Generous portions make Yabaton a popular choice among locals and visitors.

4. Yakimochi at Kishukawa Yakimochi Shop

Grilled sweet potato dumplings filled with red bean paste. A sweet treat perfect for snacking.
  • Traditional Snack: Yakimochi is a traditional Nagoya snack, dating back to the Edo period.
  • Fresh Ingredients: The sweet potatoes used at Kishukawa Yakimochi Shop are fresh and locally sourced.
  • Cultural Experience: Visit the Kishukawa Yakimochi Shop, a historic store that has been in operation for over 300 years.

5. Tebasaki Don at Nagoya Cochin

Fried chicken over rice served with a special sauce. A popular dish in Nagoya that combines flavors of savory and spicy.
  • Unique Sauce: The sauce used at Nagoya Cochin adds a unique flavor to the dish.
  • Local Chicken Breed: Nagoya Cochin uses local Cochin chickens, known for their tender meat and rich flavor.
  • Dining Experience: Enjoy the dish at Nagoya Cochin, a popular restaurant chain in the city.

6. Nagoya Ramen at Ichiran

A unique style of ramen featuring thin noodles, a rich pork broth, and a slightly sweet flavor.
  • Distinctive Broth: The broth is made from simmering pork bones for an extended period, creating its distinctive taste.
  • Personalized Experience: Customize your ramen to suit your preferences at Ichiran's individual booths.
  • Iconic Brand: Ichiran is a globally recognized brand, known for its Nagoya-style ramen.

7. Nagoya Manju at Kawashimaya

Soft steamed buns filled with sweet red bean paste. A popular snack in Nagoya.
  • Traditional Snack: Nagoya Manju is a traditional Nagoya snack, dating back to the Edo period.
  • Fresh Ingredients: The red bean paste used at Kawashimaya is freshly made daily.
  • Cultural Experience: Visit Kawashimaya, a historic store that has been in operation for over 150 years.

8. Kishimen at Menya Mappen

Thick, wide noodles served in a savory broth with various toppings. A popular dish in Nagoya.
  • Unique Noodle Shape: The thick, wide noodles are unique to Kishimen.
  • Customizable Options: Choose from various toppings and spice levels at Menya Mappen.
  • Iconic Brand: Menya Mappen is a globally recognized brand, known for its Nagoya-style Kishimen.

9. Kishiwafu at Iseya

Grilled fish on a bed of rice with simmered vegetables. A traditional dish from the neighboring city of Ise.
  • Regional Specialty: Kishiwafu is a traditional dish that originates from the neighboring city of Ise.
  • Fresh Ingredients: The fish used at Iseya is fresh and locally sourced.
  • Cultural Experience: Visit Iseya, a restaurant that offers a taste of the Ise region's culinary traditions.

10. Oden at Nagoya Odenguyen

A hot pot dish consisting of various ingredients such as fish cakes, tofu, and seafood, simmered in a light dashi broth.
  • Seasonal Ingredients: The ingredients used at Nagoya Odenguyen change with the seasons.
  • Cultural Experience: Oden is a traditional winter dish that offers a taste of local flavors and traditions.
  • Social Activity: Oden is often enjoyed as a social activity, perfect for gathering with friends or family.

11. Shokupan at Nagoya Baking Center

A soft and fluffy white bread loaf, popular in Nagoya.
  • Unique Texture: The texture of Shokupan is softer and more delicate than standard bread loaves.
  • Freshness: Nagoya Baking Center offers freshly baked Shokupan daily.
  • Cultural Experience: Visit Nagoya Baking Center, a local institution that has been producing Shokupan since 1952.

12. Yaki Soba at Yamachan

Stir-fried noodles served with various toppings such as cabbage, bean sprouts, and pork. A popular street food in Nagoya.
  • Unique Noodle Type: The thin, flat noodles used for Yaki Soba are unique to the dish.
  • Street Food Experience: Enjoy Yaki Soba while exploring Nagoya's bustling streets.
  • Customizable Options: Choose from various toppings and spice levels at Yamachan.

13. Nagoya Cochin Soba at Soba Kohso

Buckwheat noodles served in a light dashi broth with local Cochin chicken. A popular dish in Nagoya.
  • Unique Ingredient: The use of local Cochin chickens adds a unique flavor to the dish.
  • Culinary Tradition: Nagoya Cochin Soba is a traditional dish that has been enjoyed in Nagoya for centuries.
  • Dining Experience: Savor the dish at Soba Kohso, a popular restaurant specializing in Nagoya Cochin Soba.

14. Cha Soba at Iseya

Cold buckwheat noodles served with a dipping sauce made from soy sauce and vinegar. A popular summer dish in Nagoya.
  • Seasonal Dish: Cha Soba is a traditional summer dish that offers a refreshing break from the heat.
  • Fresh Ingredients: The buckwheat noodles used at Iseya are freshly made daily.
  • Cultural Experience: Visit Iseya, a restaurant that offers a taste of the Ise region's culinary traditions.

15. Tebasaki at Yabaton (Takabatake Store)

Fried chicken wings glazed with a special sauce. A popular street food in Nagoya with a spicy twist.
  • Unique Flavor: The use of a spicy sauce gives Yabaton's Tebasaki a unique flavor.
  • Street Food Experience: Enjoy Tebasaki while exploring Nagoya's bustling streets.
  • Portion Sizes: Generous portions make Yabaton a popular choice among locals and visitors.