nagoya food guide

Nagoya Meshi is the local Nagoya food. It is unique to Nagoya and its surroundings in Aichi Prefecture and cannot be found anywhere else in Japan in this form. Nagoya Meshi is not the name of a dish but rather the name of the cuisine which can only be found in Nagoya.

In this Nagoya Food Guide you will learn about the different dishes from Nagoya as well as a restaurant recommendation for each dish.

If you want to you can go directly to the sub-categories below. Find posts on specific dishes from Nagoya and at which restaurants to try them in the ‘Dishes from Nagoya‘ category. You can read restaurant reviews of the best restaurants in Nagoya under ‘Restaurant Reviews‘ and you can find out more about Japanese food in general in the ‘Other Japanese Food‘ category. 

Aka Miso

-> Go directly to the Hatcho Miso post

Some kinds of Nagoya Meshi are unique because of the ingredients that are used. For example, the Aka Miso (red Miso paste) that can only be found in Nagoya is such a unique ingredient. If you have ever been to Japan before or to a good Japanese restaurant outside of Japan, you might know Miso from the very famous Miso Soup.

The special Aka Miso from Okazaki in Aichi prefecture is called Hatcho Miso. It is made from the same raw ingredient as any other Miso: soybeans.

The difference is that the Hatcho Miso which is famous in Nagoya only uses soybeans and no other ingredients. To make Hatcho Miso the soybeans are fermented much longer than usual Miso (up to 3 years) which gives the Miso its characteristic flavor and dark red-brown color.

In Okazaki you can try Hatcho Miso soft serve ice cream if you are brave. For more soft serve flavors in Japan click here.

We will tell you a lot more about Aka Miso and its importance for Nagoya during our Nagoya Meshi Food Tour. Find out more about the best way to experience the unique Nagoya cuisine! 

Osu is one of the most popular areas in Nagoya.
Explore it with a guide on a Street Food Tour of Osu.
Try 6 delicious snacks and dive deep into the history and culture of Osu.
Book your tour today!

Miso Katsu

-> Go directly to ‘Where to Eat Miso Katsu in Nagoya

Miso Katsu is a deep-fried pork cutlet served with a rich dark-brown sauce made from Aka Miso. It is usually served with raw cabbage. For lunch, you will often find it in cafes around Nagoya either as a Miso Katsu Teishoku (a set meal served with rice and soup) or as a Miso Katsu Don (a rice bowl topped with Miso Katsu).

The taste of the Aka Miso is very rich and might be an acquired taste, but with the Nagoya locals, it is hugely popular.

Misokatsu Yabaton

-> Read the full Misokatsu Yabaton Restaurant Review

One restaurant in Nagoya that specializes in Miso Katsu is called Misokatsu Yabaton. They have been doing it for 70 years and the secret to their success is the special Miso sauce made from Hatcho Miso that has been fermented for 1.5 years.

You will find multiple outlets all over Nagoya, there are even multiple outlets close to Nagoya station. I visited the one in the Meitetsu department store but there is also one conveniently located at the Esca underground shopping street on the west side of Nagoya station.

As you can see in the picture above Yabaton serves a very delicious Miso Katsu Teishoku. The one in the picture is half-and-half Miso sauce and Tonkatsu sauce, great for Miso first-timers.

Price: around 1700 yen (17 US dollars)
Opening Hours:
11:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Address: 6-9 Esca Underground Shopping Street, Tsubakicho, Nakamura Ward, Nagoya 453-0015
Website
Google Maps

Miso Nikomi Udon

->Go directly to ‘Where to eat the best Miso Nikomi Udon in Nagoya

Another dish which uses Aka Miso is Miso Nikomi Udon, a kind of one-pot Udon noodle dish. Udon noodles are thick white noodles made from wheat flour which can be found in different variations served hot or cold all over the country. I love Udon in all its variations.

What is unique about Miso Nikomi Udon is the way it is prepared. Not only is it served in an earthen pot while it is still hot and bubbling but the flavor is unique due to the Aka Miso used in the soup. Other ingredients include chicken, egg, Shiitake mushrooms and green onions.

While Miso Nikomi Udon is not my favorite kind of Udon variation, it is definitely a great dish to warm up your body on a cold winter day and a dish you simply must eat in Nagoya.

Yamamotoya Honten

-> Read the full Yamamotoya Honten Restaurant Review

For your first try of Miso Nikomi Udon visit Yamamotoya a restaurant specialized in the dish. They serve not only the standard Miso Nikomi Udon but also different variations of the dish with different (seasonal) toppings.

Yamamotoya has different outlets all over the city, I again recommend a visit to the Esca underground shopping street for your first fix of Miso Nikomi Udon in Nagoya. There is also a shop at the new Kinshachi Yokocho food town at Nagoya Castle.

Price: about 1300 yen (13 US dollars)
Opening Hours: 10:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Address: 6-9 Esca Underground Shopping Street, Tsubakicho, Nakamura Ward, Nagoya 453-0015
Website (Japanese only) | Google Maps

Dote-ni

Image via Wikimedia Commons by 小太刀

Dote-ni might be one of those dishes westerners aren’t very fond of. The dish is made from pork or beef entrails boiled in an Aka Miso sauce. Other ingredients are Konnyaku (jelly-like food made from the konjac root) and Daikon (Japanese radish).

The dish emerged sometime in the Meiji Period (1868 – 1912) as popular Nagoya street food and today it is enjoyed by many as a take-home souvenir or in the form of Dote-meshi when poured over rice at an Izakaya.

Gomitori Honten

If you want to try some Dote-ni or Dote-meshi you best visit one of the traditional Izakaya in Nagoya. One such place is Gomitori Honten in Sakae District. It has a very old feel to it and Dote-ni has been one of its staple dishes for as long as anyone can remember.

They also serve other typical Nagoya Meshi such as Tebasaki made from Nagoya Cochin chicken.

Opening Hours: 5:00 p.m. – 5:00 a.m.
Address: 3-9-13 Sakae, Naka Ward, Nagoya 460-0008
Google Maps

The best way to experience Nagoya is on a Nagoya Meshi Food Tour.
8 foods and snacks in 3.5 hours with in-depth info will make this one unforgettable experience.
Check out the details!

Miso Oden 

Oden is a kind of winter hot pot food which can be found all over Japan. Ingredients of Oden include eggs, Konnyaku, Daikon and fish cakes which are stewed for a long time.

It is no wonder that in Nagoya and the surrounding Aichi area a Miso based version has emerged. There are two versions of Miso Oden, one where the Miso is used as a broth in which the ingredients are simmered for a long time, and the other where Miso is added to the soy sauce-based broth.

Oden can be found in most convenience stores during the colder months and in Nagoya, it is common to find tubes of Miso next to the Oden to enjoy Miso Oden on the go or at home without the hassle of preparing it yourself.

Moriguchizuke

Image via Wikimedia Commons by Lombroso

While it doesn’t look like the tastiest food from Nagoya, Moriguchizuke, pickles made from Moriguchi Daikon radish, tastes much better than it looks. The radish is pickled using Sake or Mirin (sweet sake) residue and is a very popular gift sold in hundreds of year old gift shops even today.

Yamatoya Moriguchizuke Souhonke

You can find Moriguchizuke at one of the specialty shops such as Yamatoya Moriguchizuke Souhonke. Their main shop is located in Sakae district, where you can have a taste of the famous Moriguchizuke.

Ther is also another outlet in the Esca shopping street next to Nagoya Station.

Opening Hours: 9:00 a.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Address: 6-9 Esca Underground Shopping Street, Tsubakicho, Nakamura Ward, Nagoya 453-0015
Website (Japanese only) | Google Maps

Nagoya Breakfast or Nagoya Morning Service

Image via Wikimedia Commons by 小太刀

Let me tell you about a Nagoya breakfast tradition called Nagoya Morning (or Nagoya Morning Service) which developed only in the region around Nagoya.

When you order a drink in the morning at a cafe in Nagoya, you will get a Morning Service for free. This often includes half a toast and a boiled egg but can include other items such as salad or yogurt or different kinds of spread for your toast.

In effect, for the price of a drink, you get a small breakfast. Isn’t that great?

Komeda's Coffee

-> Read the full Komeda’s Coffee Restaurant Review

One of the cafes where you can get a Nagoya Morning with your morning coffee is Komeda’s Coffee, which can be found all over the country now but had its origin in Nagoya. It is a really down to earth kind of place with delicious lunch options as well. I love the Pizza Toast as well as the Ebikatsu Pan.

The Morning Service at Komeda’s has three options to choose from, 1. half a toast with a hardboiled egg, 2. half a toast with an egg salad spread or 3. half a toast with Ogura sweet bean paste spread. I recommend you try number three because Ogura toast is another specialty that can be only found in Nagoya.

Because there are Komeda’s at every corner in Nagoya I recommend you simply input ‘Komeda’s Coffee’ into your Google Maps and see where the closest shop is.

Alternatively, you can also visit Komeda’s Coffee at the Esca underground shopping street right next to Nagoya Station.

Price: around 500 yen (5 US dollars)
Opening Hours:
7:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Address: 6-9 Esca Underground Shopping Street, Tsubakicho, Nakamura Ward, Nagoya 453-0015
WebsiteGoogle Maps

Ogura Toast

-> Go directly to ‘Where to eat Ogura Toast in Nagoya

Ogura toast is a slice of golden-brown freshly toasted toast topped with butter or margarine and Anko, sweet red bean paste. This dish can be found in coffee houses all over Nagoya and is especially popular as a breakfast dish with a cup of coffee.

The dish, a mix of western and Japanese cuisine originated in the Taisho Period, at the beginning of the 20th century in a small coffee shop in Sakae district in Nagoya. From there it gained fame and popularity and today it can be found in many coffee shops all over the city.

If you are looking for a Nagoya-style souvenir you might want to buy some cookies or other sweets based on the flavor of Ogura toast which you can find in many souvenir stores in Nagoya.

Coffee Shop Bolsa

Coffee Shop Bolsa is one of those cozy coffee shops sprinkled all over Nagoya. Bolsa serves delicious sandwiches as well as a variety of coffee beverages. Their Ogura toast is a thick slice of golden toast already spread with butter. A generous portion of Ogua-an is served on the side for you to spread on your toast.

Bolsa has six shops in Nagoya, the one I visited is in Osu district. The perfect place to have a delicious Ogura toast breakfast before exploring the surrounding shopping streets.

Price: 210 yen (2 US dollars)
Opening Hours:
7:30 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Address: 3-31-16 Osu, Naka Ward, Nagoya 460-0011
Website | Google Maps

Osu is one of the most popular areas in Nagoya.
Explore it with a guide on a Street Food Tour of Osu.
Try 6 delicious snacks and dive deep into the history and culture of Osu.
Book your tour today!

Hitsumabushi

-> Go directly to ‘Where to Eat Hitsumabushi in Nagoya‘ post

My all-time favorite Nagoya Meshi is Hitsumabushi. It might also be the most expensive dish to be found on this list because eel is a real delicacy in Japan. Hitsumabushi is Japanese eel prepared in the unique Nagoya style. The whole eel is split open at the belly, the bones are removed and the eel is grilled whole without steaming.

Hitsumabushi is said to have originated around the Meiji Period (1603 – 1867) when waitresses dished out each serving of sliced eel from a sizeable wooden tup for keeping cooked rice called Ohitsu into individual bowls for each customer.

Hitsumabushi is often the highlight of our Nagoya Meshi Food Tour. If you want to learn how to eat it properly and what makes Hitsumabushi so special participate in the Nagoya Meshi Food Tour. We have daily tours. Find out more and book your spot today!

Hitsumabushi Inou

Hitsumabushi Inou is a traditional little restaurant specialized in Hitsumabushi. The Hitsumabushi at Hitsumabushi Inou is perfectly crisp on the outside and juicy and tender on the inside. The amount of sauce on the eel is just right which gives the dish a perfect rounded flavor.

Hitsumabushi is served in different sizes here. The normal portion costs around 2700 yen, while a mini Hitsumabushi is much more economical at 1800 yen.

Hitsumabushi Inou has three shops in Nagoya, one in Sakae district, one in the Esca underground shopping street and one at the Mitsui outlet shopping mall.

Price: 2700 yen (27 US dollars)
Opening Hours:
11:00 a.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Address: 6-9 Esca Underground Shopping Street, Tsubakicho, Nakamura Ward, Nagoya 453-0015
Website (Japanese only) Google Maps

Ebi Furai 

->Go directly to ‘Where to Try the Best Ebi Furai in Nagoya‘ post

Ebi Furai, deep-fried shrimp, didn’t originate in Nagoya. Still, it is worth mentioning in this Nagoya food guide.

Fried shrimp are often used in Nagoya as topping for noodles, rice dishes or Japanese style curry dishes and they are a real Nagoya specialty.

Many shops in Nagoya serve Ebi Furai with the same Aka Miso sauce as Miso Katsu, making it true Nagoya cuisine.

Aichi Prefecture has one of the highest consumption of shrimp in Japan, so it is really no wonder that there would be restaurants offering shrimp prepared in all kinds of different ways in Nagoya.

Maruha Shokudo

At Maruha Shokudo you will not only find their staple Ebi Furai but also shrimp Sashimi and boiled shrimp Sushi.

There are four Maruha Shokudo in Nagoya and if you are staying in Sakae district head to the Lachic shopping center for your fix of delicious shrimp.

Opening Hours: Mon – Fri 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.
Sat + Sun 11:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m.
Address: 3-6-1 Sakae, Naka Ward, Nagoya 460-0008
Website (Japanese only) | Google Maps 

Ebidote Shokudo

->Read the full Ebidote Shokudo Restaurant Review

Ebidote Shokudo is as the name suggests all about shrimp (Ebi in Japanese. Their staple is a gigantic 35 centimeters long deep-fried shrimp.

The restaurant is located inside the ESCA Underground Shopping Street next to Nagoya Station.

Opening Hours: 11:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. 
Address: Esca Underground Shopping Street 6-9 Tsubakicho, Nakamura Ward, Nagoya, Aichi 453-0015
Website (Japanese only) | Google Maps

Tenmusu 

-> Go directly to ‘Where to try Tenmusu in Nagoya

As a visitor to Japan, you will have probably heard about Onigiri, the rice balls filled with all kinds of ingredients such as tuna/mayo, salmon, fish eggs, and wrapped in seaweed.

In Nagoya, you can find something similar to an Onigiri, called Tenmusu. Half the size of a normal Onigiri and filled with small shrimp tempura it is a popular snack or souvenir in Nagoya.

You can find Tenmusu in specialty stores and department stores and even train stations in Nagoya.

The best way to experience Nagoya is on a Nagoya Meshi Food Tour.
8 foods and snacks in 3.5 hours with in-depth info will make this one unforgettable experience.
Check out the details!

Ganso Tenmusu Senju

->Read the full Ganso Tenmusu Senju Restaurant Review

Ganso Tenmusu Senju might be the birthplace of Tenmusu. The owners have been preparing this delicious dish with the same recipe since the 1950s.

You can either buy a set to go or sit down at the little restaurant and have a set of five Tenmusu with some Tsukemono (Japanese pickles).

The original shop can be found in Tsu City the capital of Mie Prefecture but they have opened a convenient shop directly in Nagoya Station. So every traveler who comes through Nagoya can try the original Tenmusu at Ganso Tenmusu Senju. There is also a shop close to the Osu shopping arcades.

Price: 750 yen (7.5 US dollars)
Opening Hours:
9:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. (closes when stock runs out)
Address: 1-2-2, Meieki, Nakamura Ward, Nagoya 450-0002
Google Maps

Ebi Senbei 

-> Go directly to ‘Where to buy the best Ebi Senbei in Nagoya

Senbei are rice crackers that can be found all over Japan. They come in different flavors and with different ingredients depending on the region.

Aichi is the biggest producer of Senbei made from shrimp which can be found in abundance in the area. These shrimp rice crackers are called Ebi Senbei.

Ebi Senbei are a popular snack or souvenir and there are different types from the cheap supermarket kind to expensive luxury Senbei made in the shape of whole prawns.

Bankaku

 

Bankaku is probably the most popular producer of Ebi Senbei in the region. They have been producing their shrimp rice crackers for more than 160 years.

The most popular items is their Yukari crackers. A simple round rice cracker made from real shrimp. You can taste the salty shrimpy aroma when you bite into the very thin and crispy Senbei.

Yukari is also a very popular souvenir because it is not too expensive.

You can find Yukari almost at every souvenir shop in the city. Bankaku also has stalls at all major department stores in the city as well as stand-alone shops.

Price: 691 yen (7 US dollars) for 8 Yukari

Tebasaki

Image via Flickr by kawanet

-> Go directly to ‘Where to find the best Japanese Chicken Wings (Tebasaki) in Nagoya?

Tebasaki are Nagoya chicken wings. And if you love chicken wings, in general, you will love Tebasaki. The chicken wings are flavored with different spices and deep-fried twice without any batter to delicious and crispy perfection.

Tebasaki in Nagoya are hugely popular to enjoy with a beer or even Sake.

Sekai no Yamachan

-> Read the full Sekai no Yamachan Restaurant Review

The most easily accessible place to try some delicious Tebasaki in Nagoya (or actually all over the country) is Sekai no Yamachan; a restaurant chain specialized in Nagoya style Tebasaki. Yamachan is a relatively cheap place to eat and drink and very popular with locals to go drinking with friends or colleagues after work.

There is a Yamachan close to Nagoya Station, but you will have to walk a little bit to the east of the station. I recommend you simply type in ‘Yamachan’ in Google Maps and see which restaurant is closest to you.

Price: about 500 yen (5 US dollars)
Opening Hours:
5:00 p.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Address: 4-16-27 Meieki, Nakamura Ward, Nagoya 450-0002
WebsiteGoogle Maps

Osu is one of the most popular areas in Nagoya.
Explore it with a guide on a Street Food Tour of Osu.
Try 6 delicious snacks and dive deep into the history and culture of Osu.
Book your tour today!

Nagoya Cochin Chicken

-> Go directly to ‘Where to try Nagoya Cochin in Nagoya

Nagoya Cochin is a local brand of chicken. In the Meiji Period two brothers from the Owari clan bread local and Chinese Baifu Cochin chicken to develop a new food culture based on chicken. Even though cheap imports from foreign countries endangered local poultry production Nagoya Cochin has a strong brand power and is very popular with locals.

There are specialty shops and restaurants using the local chicken meat in traditional Japanese foods such as Nabe (Japanese hot pot) but also in chicken Sashimi and Karaage fried chicken.

Kululu

For a wide variety of Nagoya Cochin dishes, visit Kululu. This atmospheric restaurant specializes in the chicken brand and offers dishes like chicken Sashimi and Hikizuri, Japanese hot pot made with chicken and vegetables.

Opening Hours: Mon – Fri 11:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. – 12:00 a.m.
Sat + Sun 5:00 p.m. – 12:00 a.m.
Address: 4-3-11 Meieki, Nakamura Ward, Nagoya 450-0002
Google Maps

Torigin

->Read the full Torigin Restaurant Review

One of the best restaurants to try a wide variety of Nagoya Cochin dishes including Nagoya Cochin Nabe, Sashimi, and Tebasaki is Torigin.

With three restaurants all clustered around the Sakae area of Nagoya, it is one of the first Nagoya Cochin restaurants in Nagoya and responsible for the popularity of this chicken breed.

Opening Hours: 5:00 p.m. – 12:00 a.m.
Address:3−14−14-22 Nishiki, Naka Ward, Nagoya, Aichi 460-0003
Website (Japanese only)| Google Maps

Kishimen

Image via Wikimedia Commons by toshinori baba

-> Go directly to ‘Where to eat the best Kishimen in Nagoya‘ post

Kishimen are flat, and broad noodles served in a hot tamari soy sauce broth. Other common ingredients include dried bonito flakes, Kamaboko (steamed fish paste), boiled spinach and spring onions. Kishimen are a type of Udon, just flatter and broader with shorter cooking time; this makes the noodles more tender and easier to swallow. I have to admit that I still prefer traditional Udon noodles over Kishimen. 

Aside from the traditional variation of Kishimen served in the hot broth there are other very delicious variations, including curry Kishimen, cold Zaru Kishimen, which are dipped into a cold soup before eating or salad Kishimen.

Miya Kishimen

-> Read the full Miya Kishimen Restaurant Review

One of the best opportunities to try some authentic Kishimen is at Miya Kishimen Jingu Shop at the Atsuta Jingu, one of the most interesting places in Nagoya which I highly recommend you to visit.

Miya Kishimen is a simple shop directly on the grounds of the old shrine and it has been serving great Kishimen for many years.

Their staple dish is called Miya Kishimen, the typical Kishimen dish with hot broth and simple toppings.

Other dishes like seasonal salad Kishimen and Ebiten Kishimen are also available.

Miya Kishimen are so popular that they sell fresh noodles to take home with you as a souvenir all over the city at any souvenir shop.

Price: around 1000 yen (10 US dollars)
Opening Hours:
9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Address: 1-1-1 Atsuta Jingu Grounds, Atsuta Ward, Jingu, Nagoya 456-8585
Website (Japanese only) | Google Maps

Ankake Spaghetti

-> Go directly to ‘Where to eat the best Ankake Spaghetti in Nagoya

Ankake spaghetti doesn’t have much to do with Japanese cuisine, but still, it is very popular in the Aichi region and therefore worth mentioning in this Nagoya food blog. Ankake spaghetti is made from a rich spicey, peppery sauce which is topped with either ham (called Miraneze) or vegetables (called Kantori) or a combination of both (Mira-kan).

Spaghetti House Yokoi

In the 60s the founder of Spaghetti House Yokoi invented the Ankake spaghetti which has been adopted since by many coffee shops and Western-style restaurants across Aichi.

You can try the original Ankake spaghetti at Spaghetti House Yokoi close to Sakae Station.

Price: around 900 yen (9 US dollars)
Opening Hours: Tue – Sat 11
:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Sun + Mon 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Address: 2F Santou Building 3-10-11 Sakae, Naka Ward, Nagoya 460-0008
Website (Japanese only) | Google Maps

Teppan Spaghetti

If you have ever been upset by the fact that spaghetti tends to get cold before you are finished eating then Teppan spaghetti is the perfect dish for you. Spaghetti with a ketchup-based sauce is served on a hot plate (called a Teppan Zara). Toppings include paprika, onions, small sausages, mushrooms, and peas and to top everything off a beaten egg is poured over the spaghetti.

When the dish was first created Teppan spaghetti could mainly be found in Nagoya’s coffee shops but in recent years the dish has gained in popularity all across Japan and nowadays it is also served in spaghetti houses. A true Nagoya must eat dish!

The best way to experience Nagoya is on a Nagoya Meshi Food Tour.
8 foods and snacks in 3.5 hours with in-depth info will make this one unforgettable experience.
Check out the details!

Taiwan Ramen

Taiwan Ramen are not like the name suggest from Taiwan, but a Nagoya creation. Spicy peppers and garlic are added to minced meat together with leak and bean sprouts. The ramen soup is based on a chicken broth with soy sauce. And the contrast between spicy topping and the refreshing broth is the secret to the popularity of Taiwan Ramen.

Nowadays Taiwan Ramen can be found in almost 50 percent of the local Chinese and Ramen restaurants in Nagoya, but you can also find them as instant cup noodles in supermarkets or in souvenir shops.

Misen

-> Read the full Misen Restaurant Review

One of the best restaurants to try Taiwan Ramen is Misen a bright and lively restaurant frequented by families, couples and groups alike.

They are the inventors of Taiwan Ramen and for this reason alone worth checking out.

Aside from delicious Taiwan Ramen they also sell all kinds of other Chinese and Taiwanese dishes.

Misen has 9 restaurants in Nagoya as well as one at Nagoya Airport. I recommend the original shop at Imaike Station or the Yaba shop.

Price: 630 yen (6 US dollars)
Opening Hours:
5:30 p.m. – 1:30 a.m.
Address: Yaba Building 3-6-3 Osu, Naka Ward, Nagoya 460-0011
Website (Japanese only) | Google Maps

Oni Manju

-> Go directly to ‘Where to try Oni Manju in Nagoya

Oni Manju (devils rice cake) is a simple dessert that can be only found in Aichi. The Manju is made from rice flour with sweet potato cubes sticking out of the surface like the horns of the devil.

The simple snack can be found in department stores as well as specialty stores all over Nagoya and is a great little bite in between.

You can taste an Oni Manju during our Nagoya Meshi Food Tour which takes places daily in Sakae district in Nagoya. Find out more and sign up to an unforgettable food experience in Nagoya!

Baikado

One of the best places to try freshly made Oni Manju is Baikado. The Oni Manju are chunky, yellow and have a natural sweetness that makes them popular with the locals. They sell out quickly so make sure to come early.

Price: around 100 yen (1 US dollar)
Opening Hours:
8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Address: 1-6-2 Suemoritori, Chikusa Ward, Nagoya 464-0821
Google Maps

Osu is one of the most popular areas in Nagoya.
Explore it with a guide on a Street Food Tour of Osu.
Try 6 delicious snacks and dive deep into the history and culture of Osu.
Book your tour today!

Uiro

-> Go directly to ‘What is Uiro? And where to try Uiro in Nagoya?

Uiro is not limited to Nagoya and can be found all over the country. The confectionary is made from steam, rice flour, and sugar to which other flavors are added such as brown sugar, green tea, red bean or yuzu citrus.

90% of the sweet is produced in the area which makes it a true Nagoya specialty. It is a very popular souvenir to bring home to friends and family after a visit to Nagoya and can be found in department stores and souvenir shops.

Osu Uiro

Inside the Meitetsu underground shopping street of Nagoya station, you can find Osu Uiro, an Uiro shop with an almost 70-year-old tradition of making Uiro. They have different varieties of Uiro for every taste.

Price: 540 yen (5 US dollars) for 5 pieces
Opening Hours:
8:30 a.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Address: 1-2 Meieki, Nakamura Ward, Nagoya 450-0002
Website (Japanese only) | Google Maps

Nagoya Meshi Food Tour

Many of the dishes introduced above are part of the Nagoya Meshi Food Tour.

The tour runs daily from 2:30 p.m. for 3 to 3.5 hours. With stops at some of the restaurants mentioned above. You will get an amazing overview of the local Nagoya cuisine in a short time with information otherwise very hard to find.

Some of the highlights are the bubbling hot Miso Nikomi Udon, and also the local special Hitsumabushi.

Click here for more details on the Nagoya Meshi Food Tour.

If you would rather have a private tour just for you, your friends and family we can do that as well. You can choose what kind of dishes you want to try and at what time you would like the tour to start. It is fully customizable to your needs!

Find the details for a private Nagoya food tour here.

Souvenirs from Nagoya

If you want to take some of the delicious food found in Nagoya home with you, you have multiple options.

You could buy some Miso paste so you can put it on your meat dishes at home and remember your trip to Nagoya through this unique flavor.

You could also buy cooking kits for Kishimen, or Miso Nikomi Udon.

Typical Nagoya snacks and sweets can also be found at souvenir shops all over the city.

For more information check out the Nagoya Souvenir Guide.

Other Things to Try in Nagoya

The list above only mentions the unique Nagoya Meshi to be found almost exclusively in Nagoya and the surrounding areas. Of course, there are delicious dished that can be found all over Japan, including in Nagoya, and for that reason, it is time to list up just a couple of the best Japanese dishes not to miss in my post ‘What to eat in Japan‘.

However there are also some very strange Japanese foods out there. I encourage everyone (including myself) to be advenurous and try things even when they seem weird.

Did you realize that not only the food but also the drinks in Japan are unique? I suggest you find the time and explore a supermarket, convenience store or you raid a vending machine to try some of the most interesting Japanese drinks while you are in the country.

If you want to read this post again when you are in Japan, pin it to your ‘Food in Japan’ or ‘Japan Travel’ Pinterest board. It would also mean a lot to me if you shared this post on Facebook or Twitter and with anyone planning a trip to Japan!

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I'm Lena the founder of Nagoya Foodie. I recently moved to Nagoya and want to share its food and culture with you!
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