Nagoya

Signature Local Dishes in Nagoya

Nagoya is famous for its distinct food culture, often referred to as "Nagoya-meshi" (Nagoya cuisine). Here are some must-try dishes:

1. Hitsumabushi (ひつまぶし)

   • A local take on unagi (grilled eel), served over rice. Hitsumabushi is unique because it is eaten in three stages:
     1. Enjoy it as is.
     2. Add condiments like green onions, wasabi, and nori (seaweed).
     3. Pour dashi (broth) over it to create a comforting soup-like dish.
   • Where to try: Atsuta Horaiken is a renowned restaurant specializing in hitsumabushi.

2. Miso Katsu (味噌カツ)

   • A breaded and deep-fried pork cutlet topped with a rich, sweet, and savory red miso sauce (made from Hatcho miso, a local specialty).
   • Where to try: Yabaton is a famous chain that serves excellent miso katsu.

3. Tebasaki (手羽先)

   • Nagoya-style chicken wings, seasoned with a sweet and spicy glaze, then grilled or fried. They are typically served with a sprinkle of sesame seeds.
   • Where to try: Sekai no Yamachan and Furaibo are popular chains for tebasaki.

4. Kishimen (きしめん)

   • Flat, wide udon noodles served in a light soy-based broth, often topped with green onions, tempura, or kamaboko (fish cake).
   • Where to try: Kishimen Sumiyoshi, located in Nagoya Station, is a convenient and authentic spot.

5. Tenmusu (天むす)

   • A hybrid of tempura and onigiri (rice ball), tenmusu is a rice ball filled with shrimp tempura and wrapped in nori.
   • Where to try: Senju is a well-known shop for tenmusu.

6. Nagoya Cochin (名古屋コーチン)

   • A premium local breed of chicken known for its rich flavor and firm texture. It is often served as yakitori (grilled skewers), in hot pots, or as oyakodon (chicken and egg over rice).
   • Where to try: Torikai Sohonke specializes in dishes featuring Nagoya Cochin.

7. Ankake Spaghetti (あんかけスパゲッティ)

   • A unique Nagoya twist on pasta, featuring thick spaghetti topped with a rich, peppery, and slightly sweet sauce.
   • Where to try: Spaghetti House Yokoi is a popular spot for this dish.

---

Dining Etiquette in Nagoya

Japanese dining etiquette is generally consistent across the country, but here are some key points to keep in mind when dining in Nagoya:

1. Chopstick Etiquette:

   • Do not stick chopsticks upright into a bowl of rice, as this resembles a funeral ritual.
   • Avoid passing food from chopstick to chopstick, as this is also associated with funerals.

2. Slurping Noodles:

   • It is perfectly acceptable (and even encouraged) to slurp noodles like kishimen. This is seen as a sign of enjoying the meal.

3. Sharing Dishes:

   • If sharing dishes, use the opposite end of your chopsticks (the end that hasn’t touched your mouth) to pick up food.

4. Tipping:

   • Tipping is not customary in Japan. Instead, show your appreciation by saying "Gochisousama deshita" (Thank you for the meal) after eating.

5. Reservations:

   • Many high-end restaurants, especially those specializing in hitsumabushi or Nagoya Cochin, require reservations. Plan ahead to secure a spot.

6. Payment:

   • Most restaurants accept cash, and increasingly, credit cards and digital payments are also accepted. However, it’s always a good idea to carry cash, especially for smaller establishments.

---

Typical Costs of Meals in Nagoya

Nagoya offers a wide range of dining options to suit different budgets:

• Budget Meals:

  • Casual eateries, ramen shops, and conveyor-belt sushi restaurants offer meals for around ¥800–¥1,500.
  • Convenience stores like Lawson, FamilyMart, and 7-Eleven also provide affordable and tasty options, such as bento boxes and onigiri.

• Mid-Range Dining:

  • Expect to pay ¥2,000–¥4,000 per person at mid-range restaurants serving hitsumabushi, miso katsu, or tebasaki.

• High-End Dining:

  • Fine dining establishments, especially those specializing in Nagoya Cochin or kaiseki (multi-course Japanese meals), can cost ¥8,000–¥15,000 or more per person.

---

Notable Food Areas and Restaurants in Nagoya

Nagoya has several neighborhoods and establishments known for their culinary offerings:

1. Osu Shopping District (大須商店街):

   • A vibrant area with street food stalls and casual eateries. Try taiyaki (fish-shaped pastries filled with red bean paste) or karaage (fried chicken).

2. Nagoya Station Area:

   • The station itself houses numerous restaurants, including hitsumabushi and kishimen specialists. The underground shopping malls, such as Esca and Meieki, are also great for casual dining.

3. Sakae District:

   • A bustling commercial area with a mix of izakayas (Japanese pubs), upscale restaurants, and international cuisine.

4. Endoji Shotengai (円頓寺商店街):

   • A retro shopping street with a growing number of trendy cafes and restaurants offering both traditional and modern dishes.

5. Atsuta Horaiken:

   • A must-visit for hitsumabushi lovers. The main branch near Atsuta Shrine is particularly atmospheric.

6. Yabaton:

   • The go-to spot for miso katsu, with several branches across the city.

7. Nagoya Meshi Specialty Restaurants:

   • Many restaurants in Nagoya explicitly focus on serving the city’s signature dishes. Look for places with "名古屋めし" (Nagoya-meshi) on their signage.

---

Unique Customs Surrounding Dining in Nagoya

1. Regional Pride:

   • Nagoya locals take great pride in their cuisine. Don’t hesitate to ask for recommendations or express your interest in trying Nagoya-meshi—it’s a great way to connect with locals.

2. Seasonal Ingredients:

   • Like the rest of Japan, Nagoya’s cuisine emphasizes seasonality. Be sure to try dishes featuring seasonal ingredients, such as fresh seafood or vegetables.

3. Omotenashi (Hospitality):

   • Japanese hospitality is deeply ingrained in the dining experience. Staff will often go out of their way to ensure you have a pleasant meal. Be polite and express gratitude for their service.

4. Take Your Time:

   • Dining in Nagoya, especially at traditional restaurants, is often a leisurely experience. Savor the flavors and enjoy the ambiance.

---

Conclusion

Nagoya’s cuisine is a delightful blend of bold flavors, hearty dishes, and unique culinary traditions. From the iconic hitsumabushi to the comforting miso katsu, the city offers a wide range of options for food lovers. By familiarizing yourself with local dining etiquette and exploring the city’s food districts, you’ll be able to fully immerse yourself in Nagoya’s rich culinary culture. Whether you’re dining at a high-end restaurant or enjoying street food in Osu, Nagoya promises a memorable gastronomic adventure!