5 must-try iconic dishes in Nagoya, Japan that every traveler should experience

When discussing the best dishes of Nagoya's cuisine, Hitsumabushi grilled eel rice is an absolute must. Served in a large wooden bowl with steaming hot rice at the bottom, the dish is topped with delicately grilled eel pieces arranged in a neat, golden display. A generous pour of rich sauce is added over the top, and to enhance the flavor, diners can sprinkle finely chopped green onions, dried seaweed, or even a hint of wasabi if desired. The flavor experience is simply exceptional.

This is one of the most renowned chicken breeds in Nagoya, prized for both its eggs and meat. The Nagoya chicken, with its distinctive reddish-brown feathers, has been raised in the region for over 150 years. What makes this chicken stand out is its incredibly tender, flavorful, and firm meat, which can be prepared in a variety of ways such as sashimi, skewered yakitori, hot pot ingredients, or simply served with rice.

Japan is renowned for its udon noodles and miso soup, both quintessential dishes of Japanese cuisine. However, Nagoya offers a unique twist with its firm udon noodles served in a soybean miso broth, a dish that’s hard to find outside the region. This specialty, distinctive to Nagoya, showcases the flavors of Aichi Prefecture, with noodles kneaded without salt, resulting in a chewier, firmer texture than typical udon. Paired with the light, savory miso broth, it makes for a nourishing, delicious, and easy-to-enjoy meal.

Why not try Italian pasta in Japan? Ankake Spaghetti is a popular, signature dish in Nagoya. Instead of a fork, you’ll use chopsticks to enjoy this unique creation. The spaghetti is stir-fried with a mix of vegetables, crispy shrimp, sausages, cold cuts, and a rich, thick tomato-based sauce with onions, finished with a dash of pepper for extra flavor. While it may seem similar to spaghetti bolognese, it carries a distinctly Japanese touch, with the noodles cooked softer, reminding you of the famous yakisoba of Japan.

No visit to Nagoya's food scene is complete without trying kishimen noodles – a dish just as iconic as udon or ramen. While kishimen can be found all over Japan, it’s in Nagoya where you’ll taste it at its best. The noodles are flat and wide, with a delightful chewy texture, served in a rich and flavorful broth. What makes this dish especially eye-catching is its toppings: crispy tofu, fish cakes, tempura, vegetables, and a sprinkling of green onions. Some restaurants even add extra ingredients like tuna, squid, or shrimp to enhance the flavors and make the dish even more irresistible.

If you have the chance to book a flight to Nagoya, make sure you don’t miss out on these iconic and unforgettable dishes. Contact the hotline 1900 2083 to get fast and efficient flight booking assistance from Mytour.