A list of the best of Nagoya’s food offerings which you must try!
1. Miso Katsu
About: Nagoya is famous for it’s Miso-katsu which differs from the traditional “Ton-katsu” as the sauce is sweet and miso based. Pork is used and fried in breadcrumbs, finally dipped in hot miso sauce and served with shredded cabbage and rice…fantastic!! Crush up some sesame seeds to sprinkle on top and this is one of the finest dishes in Japan….
Where to try it: It simply has to be Yabaton – The most popular and famous place to try this No.1 dish. Follow this link to the homepage with all outlets in Japanese.
Comments: Try Tonkatsu, then Miso Katsu, then tonkatsu again….there simply is just one winner!
2. Tebasaki
About: Nagoya has traditionally been famous for its chicken and ‘tebasaki’ is just that…marinated fried chicken wings.Absolutely delicious….washed down with an ice cold beer and there’s very little else can beat it!
Where to try it: One name and one name only…YAMACHAN. Other places (Furaibo) serve great tebasaki but Yamachan has the atmosphere, 34 locations around Nagoya and great beer! Homepage
Comments: Yamachan also offer a take-out service which is good as you can grab a box or two and enjoy them at home. We recommend booking at least 2 weeks in advance is you plan to go with a large group pn a weekend..it gets busy!!
3. Ebi Fri / (Shrimp, Prawn) Fry
About: You can get Ebi fry anywhere in Japan but…..as big as the ones in Nagoya…maybe not. Succulent shrimp fried to perfection serves just as there are on [plat with some salad and tartar sauce may sound simple but sometimes its the simplest things that are the best!
Where to try it: Many places..so many places but..if you want really large shrimp then head to Lachic in Sakae. A little more pricey but the Shrimp…they’re big! Click here for Lachic’s homepage for restaurant details.
Comments: Try the cafe / coffee shop “Konparu” which serves an irresistible ebi fry sandwich. Not many foreigners know about this…..one of Nagoya’s little secrets.
4. Uirou (Japanese Sweet)
About: Unique…Uiro (pronounced weelow) is an interesting but like-able Japanese traditional sweet based on either rice power or flour and sugar. With the texture of a slightly soft mochi / Jelly combination and very sweet it goes down well with Japanese green tea. There are now a variety of flavours from the simple sweet beans to pumpkin, watermelon and even chocolate
Where to try it: Personally I like the choice of flavours available at a place called “Toraya Uiro” There is a seasonal flavour every month as well as 7-8 regular flavours to choose from. They use flour, not rice powder but the result is good! Typically, 500 Yen gets you a long slice enough for about 6 people. Click here for the list of Toraya shops. Comments: Great with green tea and nice gift to give Japanese friends from outside the Nagoya area!
5. Hitsumabushi
About: Marinated and barbecued eel, cut into small pieces and served on a bowl of hot rice…. a wonderful dish anytime of the year. Eel is thought to have energetic properties so in the heat of the Japanese summer, people flock to eat Unagi (eel) for the stamina to get them through a summers work schedule. A wonderful flavour and a totally original dish..it must be tried.
Where to try it: Houraiken (in Atsuta) Click here for access details.
Comments: Even just trying the regular unagi (eel) don is good enough. It’s basically the same as hitsumabushi but the pieces haven’t been sliced as small.
6. Miso Nikomi (Boiled miso broth with udon)
About: A rich deep and flavoursome miso broth is cook for hours adding a depth that cannot be created at home. Add to that homemade udon noodles, green onion, chicken and maybe a large ebi fry and this is a wonderful and very “Nagoya-style” dish. As I mentioned before, people of Nagoya love Miso and are proud of the red miso soup and sauces as opposed to the white miso used more in the Kansai region.
Where to try it: Yamamoto-ya, one of their shops is located in Lucent Tower next to Nagoya Station. They have another 7 locations around Nagoya, and 5 just outside. Check the homepage here.
Comments: Advice…try it after you’ve gotten accustomed to Nagoya’s red miso. The miso taste (even in the soups) can be a little overpowering initially but you will soon start to find it a warm and familiar flavour.
7. Oyakodon (Chicken and Egg rice-bowl)
About: Simplicity is in the preparation but been surprised for a nice surprise. Simmered chicken thigh with onions in a soy sauce based sweet sauce with a egg added at the last and served on a bowl of Japanese rice. Totally satisfying and with the quality of the ingredients being important to the Japanese, the dish is though of as anything but regular.
Where to try it: Again, the dish can be found in many restaurants and cafes throughout the region but if you want to try the Nagoya Kochin Chicken then head to Lachic on the 7th floor to Torikai Souhonnke. Click here for access.
Comments: Try the Nagoya Kochin chicken – A famously reared,and bred organic chicken that is about 5 times more expensive than regular chicken.
8. Tenmusu (Tempura Shrimp riceball)
About: Why this is traditionally a Nagoya food is a question I can’t answer but it is as people will tell you…from Nagoya. Still, a great alternative version of the “onigiri” with a whole tempura prawn inside seaweed wrapped rice.
Where to try it: One of the most talked about places is Tenmusu Senju Honten close to Kamimaezu Station (Meijo Line). Click here for a map.
Comments:We recommend sitting in and trying them just made (warm). A great snack for lunch and lets be honest, who can dislike them?
