~The World of “Nagoya Cuisine” That Surprises Foreign Travelers~
Japan has unique culinary cultures in every region, but Aichi Prefecture is particularly famous for its distinctive local cuisine.
Especially around Nagoya, there are many dishes that leave foreign tourists wondering, “Wait, is that really delicious?”
In this article, we’ll introduce some “unusual foods” you absolutely must try in Aichi Prefecture!
Contents
1. Miso Katsu 🐷
While regular tonkatsu is typically eaten with sauce, in Aichi Prefecture, it’s served with “red miso sauce.”
This sauce is slightly sweet, rich, and has a deep, savory flavor.
Many people are surprised by its appearance at first, but once you try it, the taste is addictive.
Foreigners often say,
“It looks strange, but tastes amazing!”
It’s a popular dish that often gets this kind of reaction.
2. Hitsumabushi 🍚
Hitsumabushi is a dish made with finely chopped eel served over rice.
But it’s eaten differently from a regular unadon.
There are three steps to eating it!
- First, eat it as is
- Then, eat it with condiments
- Finally, pour hot tea over it
Since you can enjoy three different flavors in a single dish, it’s very popular with international tourists.
3. Spaghetti with Thick Gravy 🍝
“Spaghetti with thick sauce!?”
This is a Nagoya specialty that surprises many foreigners.
Thick noodles are topped with a thick, creamy sauce seasoned with pepper.
Even though it’s Japanese pasta, it has a unique flavor that’s somewhat reminiscent of Chinese cuisine.
Eating it at a retro coffee shop lets you really feel the atmosphere of “Showa-era Japan.”
4. Tebasaki 🍗
Aichi Prefecture’s tebasaki is different from ordinary chicken wings.
Their defining feature is…
- A sweet and spicy sauce
- A generous amount of pepper
- A crispy texture
They pair perfectly with beer and are a staple on the menu at nighttime izakayas.
It’s also quite popular with international visitors, and some travelers even say, “
”
5. Ogura Toast 🍞🫘
The practice of spreading “anko” (sweet red bean paste) on toast seems quite unusual to foreigners.
Plus, it’s loaded with butter.
At first, you might be confused—”Is it sweet? Or salty?”—but
once you try it, you’ll be surprised by how delicious it is.
It’s a signature dish of Nagoya’s coffee shop culture.
Aichi Prefecture’s food culture is “addictive”!
Aichi Prefecture’s cuisine might seem a bit unusual at first.
But its unique flavors captivate many people.
If you want to experience local Japanese culture that’s different from Tokyo or Osaka, Aichi’s cuisine is definitely a must-try!
If you’re traveling to Aichi Prefecture, be sure to give “Nagoya-meshi” a try! ✨
