6 Must-Try Dishes in Nagoya
One of the great pleasures of any trip is food and Nagoya is a city that definitely won’t disappoint. Nagoya’s cuisine, or as the locals call it, “Nagoya Meshi,” follows its own unique style of familiar feeling, hearty, comfort foods and includes specialties such as miso-katsu (deep fried pork cutlets covered in rich red miso sauce), tebasaki (crispy fried chicken wings), tenmusu (miniature rice balls filled with crunchy shrimp tempura), and so much more.
Traditional Foods to Eat in Nagoya:
— Tebasaki
— Tenmusu
— Kishimen
A Guide to Nagoya’s Famous Dishes:
1 Day Tour
| 1-Day Tour: Eat Like a Local in Nagoya | |
|
| |
| Period | All Year Round |
| Time | 8:00-16:30 |
| Meeting Place | JR Nagoya Station |
| Adult Rate | ¥17,800 |
| Child Rate | ¥11,000 |
For those who prefer to eat their way through Japan, there probably aren’t many cities more “foodie-friendly” than Nagoya. With a large port and fertile plains, along with the wealth and resources of the powerful city of Samuri, Nagoya has long had access to a wide variety of foods distinctive from other regions of Japan.
Miso-Katsu
A miso-based Nagoya favorite, miso-katsu is a deep fried pork cutlet topped with a special miso sauce. Known for its indulgent and earthy flavor, miso-katsu makes a great ‘bento’ (lunch box) to take on the train when heading out of Nagoya Station.
Where to Try: Yabaton is the most famous Miso Katsu restaurant in Japan and perhaps the world.
Hitsumabushi
As Japan’s largest producer of ‘unagi’ (freshwater eel), hitsumabushi is a must while staying in Nagoya. Typically grilled, coated in a savory sauce, and grilled whole over charcoal, the eel is served over rice accompanied with pickles and a broth.
Where to Try: Atsuta Horaiken and Maruya Honten are famous spots for Hitsumabushi.
Tebasaki
Otherwise known as Nagoya chicken wings, tebasaki are deep fried, coated in a salty-sweet sauce, and sprinkled with sesame seeds and lots of pepper. These mouth-watering wings are a specialty of Nagoya and will often be ordered by friends and coworkers enjoying a night out at an izakaya.
Where to Try: Torikai Nagoya Cochin is a popular spot for Tebasaki and a stop on our Nagoya Food Tour!.
Tenmusu
A fusion of tempura and onigiri (rice ball), Tenmusu features a shrimp tempura wrapped inside a rice ball and usually coated with a light soy glaze.
Where to Try: Oniten is known for its Tenmusu and is located in the bustling covered shopping district of Osu.
Kishimen
Flat, wide noodles served in a soy-based broth, often with ingredients like tempura, green onions, and kamaboko (fish cake).
Where to Try: Kishimen-tei allows you to slurp up these delicious noodles on the grounds of Nagoya Castle.
Misonikomi Udon
Utilizing extra thick udon noodles and a rich red miso broth, misonikomi udon is served in an earthen pot and garnished with spring onions, chicken, mushroom, raw egg and ‘mochi’ (rice cakes). It’s a filling dish perfect for travelers looking to warm up after a long day of sightseeing.
Where to Try: Located inside Nagoya Station, Yamamotoya allows you to try this savory dish without ever having to leave the train station.
How to Navigate Nagoya’s Food Scene Like a Local:
Consider joining our food tour to sample various local dishes and learn more about the city’s culinary culture.
As we eat our way through Nagoya, you will also be able to marvel at the gilded artwork and golden screens in Honmaru Palace, relax as you gaze upon the reflecting pond of Mirai Tower, and learn about the day’s fresh catch at a bustling fish market as you are led by an experienced, English-speaking guide through Nagoya on this full-day tour.
1 Day Tour
| 1-Day Tour: Eat Like a Local in Nagoya | |
|
| |
| Period | All Year Round |
| Time | 8:00-16:30 |
| Meeting Place | JR Nagoya Station |
| Adult Rate | ¥17,800 |
| Child Rate | ¥11,000 |
This tour will not only give you a taste of the wonderful flavors of the region and introduce you to some of the most notable landmarks in the city, but also provide you with the confidence to go out and try more Nagoya Meshi on your own.
