Nagoya is absolutely one of my favorite cities in Japan and it’s because of it’s food culture. Nagoya is famous for Miso Katsu, Miso Nikomi Udon, Taiwan ramen, Tebasaki, Hitsumabushi, Tenmusu, Kishimen, Ebi Fry, Morning Sets, and my personal favorite, Ogura Toast. There is so much more to Nagoya then the list above, it really is a food gem that does not get the international recognition it deserves.
Nagoya and Miso
Nagoya is located in Aichi prefecture, the prefecture is famous for a special red miso called Haccho miso (八丁味噌). This miso manufacture dates back to the Edo period, and is a common ingredient in a lot of Nagoya’s regional specialties.
Miso Katsu at Misokatsu Yabaton
Japan, 〒453-0015 Aichi, Nagoya, Nakamura Ward, Meieki, 1 Chome−1−4 JR名古屋駅 (Google Maps)
While many restaurants serve Miso Katsu, this restaurant has been around since 1947 and has put Miso Katsu on the map. They serve both normal tonkatsu and miso tonkatsu so you can try both sauces together and see what you like! Unfortunately they don’t seem to have any non-pork main dishes so if you can’t eat pork, you’re fresh out of luck. I recommend the location at the train station or the castle for sightseeing convenience but they have plenty more!
Miso Nikomi Udon at Yamamotoya
Japan, 〒450-0002 Aichi, Nagoya, Nakamura Ward, Meieki, 1 Chome−1−4 13F (Google Maps)
Miso Nikomi Udon is another use for Aichi’s Haccho miso. Yamamotoya is one of the city’s most popular spots to enjoy it. They have several locations around the city, but the one at Nagoya station is easy to access.
Nagoya Cochin Chickens
Nagoya is famous for Cochin chickens, a type of chicken breed good for eggs and meat. Because of this, some of Nagoya’s famous food incorporate chicken and eggs.
Tebasaki at Yama-chan
1 Chome-1-14 Meieki, Nakamura Ward, Nagoya, Aichi 453-0002, Japan (Google Maps)
Tebasaki is essentially a chicken wing that is heavily associated with Nagoya. There doesn’t appear to be a particular flavor or style of preparation, but you can find it all over the city. Yama-chan is a popular Nagoya chain.
Piyorin
Japan, 〒450-0002 Aichi, Nagoya, Nakamura Ward, Meieki, 1 Chome−1−4 JR名古屋駅 内 (Google Maps)
These desserts are found in Nagoya Station. They are made with eggs from the famous Cochin chickens, and come in cute seasonal flavors! Their to-go stand is super popular. There is also a dine-in cafe but last time I was there, it was under construction and closed for Covid.
Hitsumabushi at Atsuta Horaiken
503 Godocho, Atsuta Ward, Nagoya, Aichi 456-0043, Japan (Google Maps)
Another famous food from Nagoya is Hitsumabushi, eel on rice. For this dish, you try it all individually and then pour green tea onto the eel and rice. The most famous restaurant has been around since the 1800’s. They have multiple locations but this is the head shop:
Nagoya Morning, Coffee, Kissatens, and Ogura Toast
Nagoya’s “Morning” can be found at kissaten all over the city. The city is famous for it’s kissaten coffee culture, and that includes “morning” sets, a quick, western influenced breakfast that often includes a slice of toast and a boiled egg, but every store has their own set. Oftentimes the toast will be Ogura Toast. Ogura Toast is one of my favorite Nagoya dishes. It is a slice of toast with red bean paste on top, usually with butter or whipped cream on the red bean paste. Here are my favorite places to enjoy Ogura toast:
Coffee House Kako
5 Chome-16-17 Meieki, Nakamura Ward, Nagoya, Aichi 450-0002, Japan (Google Maps)
Coffee House Kako opened in 1972 and is my favorite morning set. This set is what converted my partner to red bean, this morning set has toast, whipped cream, and season house made jam. If you want, you can change it anyway you want, exclusions and only one jam are also on the menu.
mill
Japan, 〒460-0011 Aichi, Nagoya, Naka Ward, Osu, 3 Chome−13−9 大須ビル 1B アンドール (Google Maps)
mill is a very nice coffee shop with a more modern menu. It’s an excellent way to start your morning in Osu, they have their own morning set and very nice cakes.
ROWS COFFEE
2 Chome-21-5 Nagono, Nishi Ward, Nagoya, Aichi 451-0042, Japan (Google Maps)
This coffee shop has a modern menu and many different kinds of toasts, including ogura toast and pizza toast!
Nagoya Sweets
Nagoya has a vibrant sweets scene. There are many cafes and sweets shop in the city, selling things from cakes to parfaits. I highly recommend Nagoya to anyone with a sweet tooth!
Wa Kuri
Japan, 〒460-0011 Aichi, Nagoya, Naka Ward, Osu, 3 Chome−37−40 トラスト名古屋ビル 1F (Google Maps)
I absolutely love Nagoya and I think it has a great food culture. My absolute favorite store in Nagoya is Kuri. They serve mont blanc made from domestic Japanese chestnuts, they even have a tasting flight to try different region chestnuts in mont blanc form. Kuri streams the chestnut cream down from the heavens and every time I have been I have never felt happier. As a warning, I recommend going at 9 am to get your name on their list for the day. It is almost impossible to do a walk in and they do not take advanced reservations. There is a counter service where they have more street food like items that are also delicious if you aren’t able to get your name on the list.
