Nagoya Gourmet Perfect Guide — Hitsumabushi, Miso Katsu, Tebasaki 2026

From a Korean traveler's perspective, departing from Seoul/ICN.

Nagoya is famous as a gourmet city known for its unique local cuisine called 'Nagoya Meshi (名古屋めし)'. The rich flavor, characterized by the generous use of red miso (hacho miso), is a highlight. When I'm in Nagoya, I never miss out on 'a bowl of Hitsumabushi, Miso Katsu, and Tebasaki with beer.' In conclusion: Enjoying Nagoya's cuisine in the order of Hitsumabushi·Miso Katsu (signature dishes) → Tebasaki·Misonikomi Udon → Morning Culture is the way to go.

Overview

• Eel: Hitsumabushi (eel rice bowl enjoyed in three ways)
• Miso Dishes: Miso Katsu·Misonikomi Udon
• Chicken Wings: Tebasaki (fried chicken wings)
• Noodles & Others: Kishimen·Ankake Spaghetti
• Morning: Ogura Toast (red bean + butter)·Coffee morning set

Nagoya's Signature Dishes (Nagoya Meshi)

Hitsumabushi — Eel Rice Bowl Enjoyed in Three Ways

This dish features finely chopped grilled eel served over rice, and the way to eat it is special. ① Enjoy it as is, ② Add green onions, seaweed, and wasabi, ③ Pour broth over it to enjoy as ochazuke — savoring one bowl in three different flavors. It's a representative dish of Nagoya.

Miso Katsu — Red Miso Pork Cutlet

This dish consists of crispy pork cutlet generously topped with rich hacho miso (red bean miso) sauce. It has a heavier and more umami flavor compared to regular tonkatsu sauce. 'Yabaton' is a well-known restaurant for Miso Katsu.

Tebasaki — Nagoya-style Fried Chicken Wings

These are double-fried chicken wings coated in a sweet and salty seasoning with pepper. They pair perfectly with beer and are a staple menu item at izakayas. Chains like 'Yamachan' and 'Furaibo' are famous for their Tebasaki.

Misonikomi Udon — Miso Stewed Udon

This dish features udon noodles simmered in hacho miso broth served in a hot pot. The noodles are firm and chewy, making it a comforting dish that warms you up on cold days.

Nagoya's Morning Culture

Nagoya is famous for its unique 'Morning (モーニング)' culture. If you order just a cup of coffee in the morning, you’ll receive free toast and boiled eggs. The Ogura Toast, topped with red bean and butter, is especially famous. Enjoy a leisurely morning at a café.

Where to Eat

• Sakae (栄): Nagoya's largest downtown area, packed with restaurants and izakayas.
• Around Nagoya Station: Great access to department store dining and souvenirs.
• Osu (大須) Shopping Street: A vibrant street filled with street food and local eateries.

Nagoya is great to visit alongside Shirakawa-go and Ghibli Park. I've organized the entire itinerary in the Nagoya 4-Day Travel Course.

Where to Stay

For a food-focused trip, accommodations around Sakae and Nagoya Station are convenient. Check out the card below to compare hotels in Nagoya.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. What food must I try in Nagoya?

I highly recommend Hitsumabushi and Miso Katsu. Adding Tebasaki and Misonikomi Udon will give you a well-rounded experience of Nagoya Meshi.

Q2. Is Nagoya's food strong in flavor?

Yes, it tends to be rich and heavy due to the generous use of red miso (hacho miso). The sweet and salty seasonings also appeal to Korean tastes, but I suggest starting with familiar dishes like Miso Katsu and Tebasaki.

Q3. What is Nagoya Morning?

It's a unique café culture in Nagoya where ordering coffee comes with free toast and eggs. The Ogura Toast (red bean + butter) is particularly famous, so be sure to try it.

Q4. Where is the best place to eat?

Restaurants are concentrated in the bustling areas of Sakae and around Nagoya Station. You can enjoy street food and local eateries in the Osu shopping district.

Q5. How do you eat Hitsumabushi?

Hitsumabushi, the eel rice bowl, is typically enjoyed in three ways. First, eat it as is; next, add seaweed, green onions, and wasabi; finally, pour broth over it and enjoy it like ochazuke. It's fun to experience three different flavors in one bowl.