Nagoya has a reputation for being one of the most boring large cities.
It kind of deserves it, but also doesn’t.
The main issue is that Nagoya has less of everything.
Except that is, amazing food.
After 24 plus years of living here, I stand by it when i say Nagoya has the best food in the whole of Japan.
Sure, the less informed might say Osaka, but I say no!
Nagoya’s unique cuisine, which includes a variety of dishes that you simply must try.
Iconic Dishes of Nagoya
If you’re a foodie looking for a new culinary adventure, Nagoya is the place to be.
The city’s unique cuisine, often called Nagoya Meshi, is well-known.
Here are is the best food in Nagoya you should try while visiting.
Hitsumabushi: Grilled Eel Delight
Hitsumabushi is a must-try dish when you’re in Nagoya.
It’s a dish with grilled eel served in a wooden bowl, accompanied by a rice bowl, a plate of condiments, and a pot of broth.
You eat it in three different ways, each with its unique flavour.
First, you eat it as is.
Second, you add the toppings like nori (seaweed flakes), green onions, and wasabi.
Finally, you pour the broth over the remaining eel and rice, turning it into a delicious soup.
Tebasaki: Savory Chicken Wings
Tebasaki is a popular dish in Nagoya, and for good reason.
This sweet and spicy miso sauce coats these savoury chicken wings, making them delicious.
They’re often served as an appetiser or snack and pair well with a cold beer.
Miso Katsu: A Nagoya Classic
Miso Katsu is a classic Nagoya dish that you can’t miss.
It’s a deep-fried pork cutlet with rich and flavorful miso sauce.
The sauce is made with red miso, which gives it a deep, savoury flavour.
It’s often served with rice, miso soup, and pickles.
Kishimen: Flat Udon Noodles
Kishimen is a type of flat udon noodle popular in Nagoya.
It’s often served in a hot broth with vegetables and meat or a cold salad with a soy sauce-based dressing.
The noodles have a soft and chewy texture, and to me, they are a bit bland.
Miso Nikomi Udon
I much prefer these noodles myself.
They are thick chewy noodles simmered in a savoury miso-based broth with vegetables and chicken.
I like the strong red miso taste.
A perfect winter food.
Taiwan Ramen
Weirdly named, they have nothing do with Taiwan.
In fact, it is said Taiwanese folk call these Nagoya Ramen.
Anyway, they are pretty spicy.
So if you like that kind of thing, as I do, you’ll love them.
The noodles have a unique spicy minced pork topping.
Ankake Spaghetti
Another odd dish that is from Nagoya, and not elswehere as the name might suggest.
These are thick spaghetti noodles stir-fried with vegetables, seafood, and a rich, savoury sauce with a hint of sweetness.
Not Italian but delicious nonetheless
Unique Fusion and Sweets
Some must-try dishes include Tenmusu, a rice ball filled with deep-fried tempura shrimp wrapped in nori.
There is also Ogura toast, a thick toast topped with sweet red bean paste.
For a tasty snack, try Doteni.
It’s a stew with beef tripe and miso sauce, a hot udon noodle dish with a rich miso broth.
It tastes much better than it sounds, trust me.
Where to Eat in Nagoya
Nagoya has plenty of options if you’re looking for a casual dining experience.
Here are some of the best places to eat in the city:
Izakaya and Bars: Casual Dining
Izakayas are Japanese-style pubs that serve a variety of small dishes and drinks.
They are a great place to relax and socialise with friends.
Some of the best izakayas in Nagoya for people on a budget include Yamamotoya, Furaibo, and Yamachan.
These places offer many dishes.
They include yakitori (grilled chicken skewers), karaage (fried chicken), and edamame (boiled soybeans).
Bars are also a popular choice for casual dining in Nagoya.
Komeda Coffee is a coffee shop chain that serves light meals and drinks.
Its shironoir coffee, a blend of coffee and milk, is well-known.
Another popular bar is Yabaton, famous for its miso katsu, a deep-fried pork cutlet with miso sauce.
Department Stores and Food Courts
If you’re looking for a quick and convenient meal, department store food courts are a good option.
Atsuta Horaiken is a famous restaurant chain that serves hitsumabushi and grilled rice eel.
Its branch is in the Matsuzakaya department store in Nagoya.
Other department stores that have food courts include Takashimaya and Meitetsu.
Local Favourites and Street Food
On of the best areas for street food is the Osu shopping district.
There are many trendy cafes, hip restaurants, and local bars to explore.
Osu Kannon Temple is also a great place to try street food.
Several food stalls sell snacks such as takoyaki (octopus balls) and taiyaki (fish-shaped cakes filled with sweet bean paste).
The Final Word
The fact that Nagoya usesw red miso means it has a lot of dishes with quite a strong taste.
And to me, this is what makes the food so appealing.
Tofu might be healthy, but it is very bland.
So if you like your food to taste of something, come to Nagoya.
It has the best food in Japan.
