ashushu 
Top 10 Must-Try Foods
in Nagoya
Introduction: Nagoya – Japan’s Hidden Foodie Destination
Often overlooked by tourists heading to Tokyo, Kyoto, or Osaka, Nagoya is a treasure trove of bold and hearty local dishes. As the capital of Aichi Prefecture, Nagoya’s food culture blends tradition and innovation—with a strong focus on miso, grilled eel, and unique regional comfort food.
If you’re a foodie traveling through central Japan, don’t miss these iconic dishes from Nagoya.
1. Miso Katsu – Pork Cutlet with Rich Red Miso Sauce
Nagoya’s twist on tonkatsu features a juicy pork cutlet smothered in thick, umami-packed hatcho miso sauce. Rich, savory, and deeply satisfying.
🟢 Where to Try: Yabaton (famous miso katsu chain)
2. Hitsumabushi – Grilled Eel, Nagoya-Style
Unlike regular unagi dishes, hitsumabushi is served with condiments and broth, letting you enjoy eel in three delicious ways:
- Plain
- With toppings
- Ochazuke-style (with tea or broth)
🟢 Recommended Spot: Atsuta Horaiken or Unagi Shirakawa
3. Tebasaki – Crispy Japanese Fried Chicken Wings
These seasoned and peppery chicken wings are crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and totally addictive. Often served with beer!
🟢 Top Chains: Sekai no Yamachan, Furaibo
4. Kishimen – Flat Udon Noodles with Dashi Broth
A Nagoya specialty noodle: thin, flat udon in a soy-based broth, often topped with tempura, green onion, or kamaboko.
🟢 Try It At: JR Nagoya Station’s Kishimen Square
5. Tenmusu – Tempura Shrimp Rice Balls
Tenmusu combines two favorites: onigiri and tempura shrimp. It’s a convenient and tasty snack perfect for picnics or train rides.
6. Ankake Spaghetti – Thick Sauce Pasta, Nagoya-Style
Spaghetti topped with a thick, peppery sauce, sausage, and stir-fried veggies. A fusion dish invented in Nagoya with a cult following.
🟢 Popular Place: Spaghetti House Yokoi
7. Ogura Toast – Sweet Red Bean on Buttered Toast
A favorite Nagoya breakfast or café snack: toast topped with butter and sweet red bean paste (ogura-an). Often served in “morning sets” at local cafes.
🟢 Try It At: Komeda’s Coffee (Nagoya’s famous café chain)
8. Miso Nikomi Udon – Udon Noodles in Rich Miso Broth
A clay pot dish of thick udon noodles simmered in a dark, savory miso broth, with chicken, egg, and green onion.
🟢 Where to Eat: Yamamotoya Honten
9. Doteni – Stewed Beef Tendon and Offal
A simmered dish of beef tendon and offal cooked slowly in hatcho miso sauce until tender. Often eaten with rice or as a snack with beer.
10. Nagoya Cochin – Premium Local Chicken
This high-quality chicken breed from Aichi is prized for its rich flavor and firm texture. Enjoy it as yakitori, sashimi, or hot pot.
🟢 Specialty Restaurants: Torikai Sohonke, Nagoya Cochin no Maruya
Best Places to Enjoy Nagoya Food
- Sakae Area: Great for izakaya and miso katsu spots
- JR Nagoya Station: Kishimen and hitsumabushi restaurants
- Osu Shopping Street: Local snacks and tenmusu
- Nagoya Cafes: Ogura toast and breakfast sets
Conclusion: Nagoya’s Bold Flavors Deserve Global Attention
Nagoya may be lesser-known than Tokyo or Osaka, but its food scene is bold, rich, and completely unique. Whether you’re diving into a bowl of miso nikomi udon or trying crispy tebasaki wings, Nagoya’s local specialties offer an unforgettable culinary experience.
If you want to taste Japan beyond the tourist path, make sure Nagoya is on your foodie itinerary!