Located in central Japan, Nagoya, the capital of Aichi Prefecture, is easy to reach from both Tokyo and Osaka. Beginning on September 19, 2026, the city will welcome visitors from across Asia as it hosts the Asian Games, creating an exciting atmosphere throughout the region. No visit to Nagoya is complete without trying Nagoya Meshi, the city’s beloved local cuisine. These regional specialties have been enjoyed by generations of local residents and are an essential part of Nagoya’s unique food culture. In this guide, we introduce the local dishes every first-time visitor should try.
Miso Nikomi Udon
Miso Nikomi Udon is a hearty noodle dish simmered in a rich miso-based broth and served in a traditional earthenware pot. For an authentic taste, visit the long-established restaurants Yamamotoya Honten or Yamamotoya Sohonke. In Nagoya, it is customary to use the pot lid as a small plate to cool the piping hot noodles before eating them.
Miso Katsu
Miso Katsu features a crispy pork cutlet topped with a generous serving of sweet and savory miso sauce. For a classic taste, visit Yabaton, a popular specialty restaurant chain with more than 15 locations across Aichi Prefecture.
Why Is Miso So Important in Nagoya?
Miso is one of Japan’s traditional fermented seasonings. The most common variety is rice miso, which is made with rice koji. In Nagoya, however, the local favorite has long been soybean miso, made from only soybeans and salt. Aged over a long period, it is known for its reddish-brown color, rich umami, and deep, full-bodied flavor. Miso is such an essential part of everyday life in Nagoya that even oden from convenience stores is often served with a packet of miso sauce.
🖊Editor’s Tip
Many households in Nagoya keep Tsukete Miso Kakete Miso, a popular all-purpose miso sauce, on hand. It’s delicious with chilled tofu, eggplant, cucumber, and many other dishes. If you’d like to recreate the flavors of Nagoya after you return home, look for it at supermarkets or convenience stores before you leave Japan.
Tebasaki Karaage
Tebasaki Karaage is made with deep-fried chicken wings coated in a flavorful sauce. Crispy, savory, and perfect with beer, it is one of Nagoya’s most popular izakaya dishes. You can find it at many izakaya across the city, with each restaurant offering its own style of seasoning. Furaibo is known for its sweet and savory flavor accented with fragrant white sesame. Sekai no Yamachan, on the other hand, is famous for its addictive peppery kick.
Hitsumabushi
Hitsumabushi features finely chopped grilled eel glazed with a savory-sweet sauce and served over rice. One of its unique attractions is that you can enjoy the dish in three different ways. Atsuta Horaiken has been delighting diners for more than 150 years with its secret sauce, carefully maintained since the restaurant was founded, and the craftsmanship of its skilled chefs. Near the main restaurant and the Jingu Branch is Atsuta Jingu, a historic and highly revered Shinto shrine with a history of more than 1,900 years.
🥢How to Enjoy Hitsumabushi
First, enjoy it as it is.
Add toppings such as green onions, wasabi, Japanese pepper, and shredded nori.
Pour dashi broth over the remaining eel and rice to enjoy it as a comforting rice soup.
🖊Editor’s Tip
Before you start eating, divide the hitsumabushi into four equal portions in the serving bowl. Serve yourself one portion at a time. Enjoy the first three portions using the three different styles above, then savor the final portion your favorite way.
Taiwan Ramen
Despite its name, Taiwan Ramen actually originated in Nagoya, not Taiwan. It was created by Misen, a Taiwanese restaurant based in Nagoya, and is now one of the city’s signature dishes. The noodles are topped with minced pork and garlic chives stir-fried with garlic and chili peppers. The rich, reddish broth delivers not only a fiery kick but also plenty of umami, making it a dish you’ll want to come back to again and again.
🖊Editor’s Tip
For me, the spice level of Korea’s instant Shin Ramyun is just about perfect. Misen’s Taiwan Ramen struck the ideal balance of heat and umami, making it one of my favorite bowls of ramen. If you’re a true spice lover and the regular version isn’t enough, challenge yourself with Alien, a secret menu item said to be eight times spicier than the original. If you prefer something milder, American offers all the flavor with much less heat.
As someone who was born and raised in Taiwan, I can honestly say this is definitely not a dish you’ll find there. Even so, I love its addictive flavor so much that I keep Misen’s instant Taiwan Ramen at home so I can enjoy it whenever the craving hits.
Don’t Miss Nagoya’s Traditional Sweets
Nagoya is also home to many long-established wagashi shops. Popular local treats include Uiro, a steamed sweet made from rice flour and sugar, and Kaeru Manju, a soft bun filled with plenty of smooth red bean paste. Both are classic souvenirs from Nagoya.
The Best Place to Enjoy Nagoya’s Signature Dishes All in One Place
If you’re short on time or everyone in your group wants something different to eat, Nagoya Meshi Shokudo Maruhachi is the perfect choice. The restaurant brings together many of Nagoya’s best-loved local specialties, including Miso Katsu, Hitsumabushi, Oyako-don made with Nagoya Cochin, the region’s famous premium chicken, and Tebasaki Karaage.
Access
Nagoya Sta. (JR, Subway, Aonami Line), Meitetsu Nagoya Sta., Kintetsu Nagoya Sta. → 5 min walk
If your sightseeing schedule is packed and you don’t have time to wait in line at Nagoya’s famous restaurants, stop by a local supermarket instead. For example, the deli section at Shokuseikatsu Ropia Nagoya Takinomizu Store, one of five Ropia locations in Nagoya, features a dedicated Nagoya Meshi corner.
You’ll find a variety of local favorites, including Tebasaki Karaage, Miso Kushikatsu coated in a rich miso sauce, and Teppan-style Napolitan, a Japanese ketchup-based spaghetti served Nagoya-style over a layer of egg. It’s an easy way to enjoy Nagoya Meshi, even on a busy schedule.
*Miso Kushikatsu and Teppan-style Napolitan are also available at selected Ropia locations in Aichi, Gifu, and Mie prefectures, as well as parts of Shizuoka Prefecture.
*Prices and product availability vary by location and stock.
I am from Taiwan and currently living in Japan. I started listening to the radio for language study and this habit has become part of my life. Now my hobby is learning about lesser-known great places and information on local food all over Japan via the radio. On my days off, I visit places mainly in the Kanto area to look for seasonal views, such as those with cherry blossoms and hydrangea. I am a big fan of Arashi, a popular Japanese boy band.
