Nagoya is home to a rich and flavorful local cuisine known as “Nagoya Meshi”, which features bold miso flavors, unique noodle dishes, and spicy innovations. What makes Nagoya Meshi especially great for travelers is that many of its best dishes can be enjoyed right around Nagoya Station (Meieki) and Sakae, the city’s two main hubs.

In this article, we’ll introduce must-try Nagoya Meshi dishes—along with recommended restaurants located conveniently near these central areas. Whether you’re exploring the city or catching a train, these spots make it easy to taste the best of Nagoya without going far.

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1. Miso Katsu – Deep-Fried Pork Cutlet with Bold Miso Sauce

Where to try: Yabaton Yabachō Main Store (Sakae area)
Miso Katsu is Nagoya’s take on Tonkatsu, served with a generous topping of rich, dark hatcho miso sauce. At Yabaton, a local favorite since 1947, the crispy cutlet is paired perfectly with the deep umami flavor of the miso. The Sakae location is just a few minutes’ walk from the subway station and has English menus available.

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2. Tebasaki – Peppery Fried Chicken Wings

Where to try: Sekai no Yamachan Main Store (Sakae area)
Crispy, spicy, and totally addictive—Tebasaki are Nagoya-style chicken wings seasoned with garlic and black pepper. Sekai no Yamachan is a local chain with branches all over the city, but their main store in Sakae offers the original flavor that made them famous.

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3. Hitsumabushi – Grilled Eel, Eaten Three Ways

Where to try: Maruya Honten JR Nagoya Station
This signature dish lets you enjoy unagi (eel) in three different styles: as-is over rice, with condiments like wasabi and green onions, and finally mixed with broth as ochazuke. Maruya Honten inside JR Nagoya Station offers a beautifully presented version of Hitsumabushi that’s accessible even if you’re in a hurry. No long detours needed!

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4. Miso Nikomi Udon – Udon Simmered in Miso Broth

Where to try: Yamamotoya Honten JR Nagoya Station
This hot noodle dish is served in an earthenware pot, with thick, chewy noodles and a rich miso broth made from fermented soybean paste. At Yamamotoya, the noodles are firm and the soup is deeply flavorful—perfect for a cold or rainy day near the station.

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5. Kishimen – Flat Noodles in a Light Soy Dashi

Where to try: Sumiyoshi (Nagoya Station – Shinkansen platform)
A quick and satisfying bowl of kishimen, Nagoya’s flat noodles, can be found right on the Shinkansen platform. Sumiyoshi serves a flavorful dashi broth with smooth noodles—ideal if you’re transferring trains or want a taste of Nagoya in minutes.

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6. Taiwan Ramen – Spicy and Addictive

Where to try: Misen JR Nagoya Station
Despite its name, Taiwan Ramen is not from Taiwan—it’s a Nagoya original. The dish was created by a Taiwanese chef working at the restaurant Misen in Nagoya. He took inspiration from a spicy noodle soup from his homeland and adapted it to local tastes by using ground pork, chili peppers, garlic, and chives in a soy-based broth.

It was named “Taiwan Ramen” as a nod to the chef’s origins, and the name stuck. Today, it’s one of Nagoya’s signature spicy dishes.

You can try the authentic version at Misen’s JR Nagoya Station branch, which offers the perfect level of heat and bold flavor for adventurous foodies.

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7. Taiwan Mazesoba – Spicy Soupless Noodles

Where to try: Hanabi Meieki Wink Aichi Branch
This hearty dish features thick noodles topped with spicy minced pork, raw egg yolk, and green onions. It’s mixed thoroughly before eating. Hanabi, the creator of Taiwan Mazesoba, has a shop just a short walk from Nagoya Station in the Winc Aichi Building.

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8. Ankake Spaghetti – Peppery Sauce Over Pasta

Where to try: Spaghetti House Yokoi Sumiyoshi Main Store (Sakae area)
A uniquely Nagoya dish, Ankake Spaghetti features a thick, spicy tomato-based sauce over spaghetti noodles. Yokoi is the most famous place for this dish, and their main shop in the Sakae area is both retro and welcoming.

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9. Miso Oden – A Bold, Comforting Stew

Where to try: Shimasho (Sakae area)
Nagoya-style oden is cooked in a rich red miso broth, giving each ingredient—from daikon to tofu—a deep, savory flavor. Shimasho is a cozy izakaya just a few blocks from Sakae Station, offering a warm and authentic local experience.

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10. Ogura Toast – A Sweet Start to the Day

Where to try: Coffee Shop Kako Hanaguruma (Near Nagoya Station)
This famous Nagoya-style breakfast features thick toast with sweet red bean paste and butter, served as part of the “morning set” with coffee or tea. Kako is a charming retro café just a short walk from Nagoya Station—perfect for a relaxing start before sightseeing.

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Bonus Tip: Most Restaurants Are Foreign-Friendly

Many of these spots offer English menus or picture-based ordering systems, making them easy to enjoy even if you don’t speak Japanese. Credit cards are widely accepted, and most are open during lunch and dinner hours.

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Final Thoughts

Nagoya Meshi is one of Japan’s most exciting regional cuisines—and thanks to its accessibility around Nagoya Station and Sakae, it’s incredibly easy for travelers to explore. Whether you’re passing through or staying a few days, don’t miss your chance to taste the bold and comforting flavors of Nagoya.

Hungry yet? Your Nagoya food adventure starts now!

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