
Here are 5 recommended Nagoya specialties (Nagoya-meshi) for foreign tourists in Nagoya City. I’ve updated the restaurant for Miso Nikomi Udon from the previous list (replacing Sakakibara Sōhonten with a popular historic spot that’s tourist-friendly and has English menus). These dishes have bold flavors, and many spots have English menus or are near tourist areas, making them easy to access and enjoy. I’ve included a brief description and a popular restaurant for each, considering 2025 trends (like the “O-Nagoya Meshi 2025” event boosting their popularity).
1. Hitsumabushi
Grilled eel (unagi) chopped and served over rice, enjoyed in three ways: plain, with condiments like wasabi and green onions, and as an ochazuke (soaked in hot tea for a refreshing finish). The juicy, rich eel flavor is addictive. It’s a hit with foreigners for its unique presentation.
• Recommended Spot: Atsuta Horaiken Main Branch (1-1-1 Atsuta Jingumae, Atsuta Ward). Conveniently near Atsuta Shrine for sightseeing. English support available.
https://www.houraiken.com/english
2. Miso Katsu
Pork cutlet coated in a sweet-savory red miso sauce—a classic Nagoya soul food. The creamy miso depth pairs perfectly with beer, and it’s super filling (great for sharing).
• Recommended Spot: Yabaton Yabacho Main Branch (3-6-18 Sakae, Naka Ward). In the Sakae area with excellent access. Chain restaurant with full English menus.
3. Tebasaki
Spicy-sweet glazed chicken wings, fried and simmered for a crispy yet juicy bite. Bone-in for that satisfying chew—perfect for sharing in a party-like vibe.
• Recommended Spot: Furaibo Nishiki-Koromon Store (3-22-19 Nishiki, Naka Ward). In Sakae’s izakaya district, open late. Casual and welcoming atmosphere.
4. Miso Nikomi Udon
Chewy udon noodles simmered in an iron pot with a rich, sweet-savory red miso broth. A hearty, warming dish ideal for Nagoya’s cooler days, praised in tourist reviews for its “deep umami.”
• Recommended Spot: Yamamotoya Honten (3-6-16 Nishiki, Naka Ward). A historic spot in the Sakae area, easy to reach from major sights. Full English menus and a must-try for authentic Nagoya noodles.
https://yamamotoyahonten.co.jp/
5. Kishimen
Flat, wide noodles with a smooth, slippery texture in a simple dashi broth—light and refreshing, easy to slurp. It’s surging in popularity among 2025 tourists via food tour events.
• Recommended Spot: Kishimen Yoshida Esca Branch (3-27-30 Tsubaki-cho, Nakamura Ward, Esca Underground 1F). Directly connected to Nagoya Station’s underground mall for ultimate convenience. Full English menus, perfect for tourists.
These will give you a full taste of Nagoya’s food culture on a food crawl! Popular spots get crowded, so reservations are recommended. Enjoy your trip
The distance from Toyota Stadium (in Toyota City, Aichi Prefecture) to central Nagoya (using Nagoya Station as a reference point) is about 40 km by road. The straight-line distance is roughly 30 km, but travel routes make it around 40 km.
By train, it’s convenient: Walk about 15 minutes from the stadium to the nearest Meitetsu Toyota-shi Station, then take the Meitetsu Toyota Line directly to Meitetsu Nagoya Station (adjacent to JR Nagoya Station). The train ride takes approximately 30–35 minutes. Including the walk and any wait time, the total journey is about 50 minutes to 1 hour (assuming no crowds). The one-way fare is around 500–600 yen.





