1. Miso Katsu (Miso Pork Cutlet)
Nagoya’s signature red miso (Aka Miso) is renowned across Japan for its rich and robust flavor. Miso katsu takes a crispy, freshly fried pork cutlet and tops it with a generous layer of hot miso sauce.
• Taste: The tangy, savory miso perfectly complements the juicy pork, creating a dish that’s hearty and flavorful enough to devour with multiple bowls of rice!
2. Fried Shrimp Rice Balls
Unlike traditional tempura shrimp, Nagoya’s fried shrimp is crafted into bite-sized shrimp balls and wrapped inside rice with seaweed.
Highlights:
• The balance between the crispy shrimp and tender rice is impeccable.
• Japanese seaweed and rice enhance the flavor, making this simple dish an unforgettable treat.
3. Ogura Toast
This iconic Nagoya snack features thick toast slathered with butter and topped with sweet red bean paste (ogura an).
Why it’s special:
• The salty butter and sweet red beans create a delicious contrast.
• Many traditional coffee shops in Nagoya offer free breakfast with a coffee order, often including toast and boiled eggs. Add red bean paste to elevate the experience!
4. Tebasaki (Fried Chicken Wings)
Nagoya’s fried chicken wings are a must-try delicacy, celebrated as a perfect pairing with beer.
Varieties:
• Lightly battered wings seasoned with salt and pepper for a simple yet flavorful bite.
• Glazed wings coated in a sweet and savory sauce for an added punch.
Pro Tip: Get your hands dirty and savor the joy of gnawing every bit of meat off the bone!
5. Miso Udon
Nagoya takes the traditional udon dish to new heights by using a red miso-based broth.
Features:
• The chewy udon noodles pair well with the thick and flavorful miso soup.
• It’s hearty enough to leave you feeling full and satisfied—many people even add rice to soak up the leftover soup!
6. Taiwan Mazesoba (Taiwan-Style Mixed Noodles)
Despite its name, this dish doesn’t have much to do with Taiwan. It originated in Nagoya, inspired by Taiwanese-style meat sauce.
Why it’s popular:
• Thick noodles coated in savory meat sauce are topped with scallions, egg yolk, and seaweed.
• After finishing the noodles, diners typically mix rice into the remaining sauce to ensure no flavor goes to waste!
Other Local Delights to Explore
• Braised Beef Tendon: Slow-cooked to perfection, tender and flavorful.
• Kishimen: A flat and wide noodle dish, smoother and softer than traditional udon.
• 鬼饅頭 (Demon Steamed Buns): Sweet steamed buns with chunky sweet potato pieces.
• Spaghetti Napolitan: A Japanese twist on spaghetti with ketchup-based sauce.
• Curry Udon: Udon served in a thick, mildly spicy curry soup.
Plan Your Nagoya Foodie Adventure!
From hearty mains to mouthwatering snacks, Nagoya’s food scene offers a culinary journey like no other. Start planning your trip now to explore the city’s rich flavors and iconic dishes. Your taste buds will thank you!