
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.