The next go-to place after Tokyo and Kyoto is the treasure trove of food, Nagoya!
Hello everyone, have you ever heard of the phrase Nagoya Meshi?
Nagoya is a big city in Aichi prefecture situated right in the middle of Tokyo and Kyoto on the main island of Japan. Nagoya has nurtured its own unique food culture, fueled by an inquisitive spirit seeking for deliciousness created from the abundance of local food ingredients brought about by the favorable climate in the area. Kishimen, Miso Katsu, Hitsumabushi, Nagoya style Fried Chicken Wings and Saucy Spaghetti are some dishes that are representatives of Nagoya Meshi well known nationwide in Japan. Today, I will be introducing some of the popular souvenirs that are reminiscent of Nagoya Meshi!
Jagariko Tokai Region Limited Edition Chicken Wing Flavor
The chicken wing a staple of Nagoya’s Izakaya menu, is a simple dish that is lightly marinated, fried, and finally dressed with a sweet and spicy sauce, pepper and seasame seeds. The outside of chicken wing is really crispy while the meat inside is soft and tender, and the mildly spicy flavor from the sauce is just mouthwatering.
This Limited Edition Jagariko is Nagoya style Chicken Wing flavored. I am a big fan of the spicy and savory flavor of the chicken wing, so I really recommend you to buy some of the limited edition jagariko to bring back home when you visit Nagoya.
Ogura Toast Langue de Chat Biscuits
Nagoya is the birthplace of Japan’s Café culture. To people from Nagoya, going to a café is a part of life, and enjoying some sweet ogura toast and coffee at a café in the morning has become a standard for them. The Ogura Toast Langue de Chat Biscuits is one such product reproducing the Ogura Toast from Nagoya.
Price 10 pieces 720 yen（Tax Incl.）
In the middle of the biscuit is adzuki bean flavored chocolate. Overall, the crunchiness of the biscuit and the gentle sweetness of the chocolate makes you feel as though you are really eating some Ogura Toast.
Kishimen Pie Cookies
Kishimen is a dish that uses a flat Udon-like noodle. It is a Nagoya Meshi that can be easily enjoyed and is well loved by many people. The Kishimen Pie Cookie is a snack made with the image of Kishimen in mind.
Price 10 pieces 486 yen（Tax Incl.）
Unfortunately, Kishimen is not added into the dough used to make the cookie. However, it tastes slightly like the skipjack broth that is used in some kishimen and I felt it was like a Japanese style pie cookie. At only 486 yen for 10 pieces, it is a steal and I really recommend buying some to try.
Uiro Bar
It was found out through a survey that people in Nagoya on average spent the most amount of money in Japan, per person, on Japanese snacks. It is said that the snack named Uirou is responsible for supporting a part of that consumption.
Price 5 Bars 540 Yen (Tax Incl.)
Uirou is a light and sweet Japanese snack with the texture of mochi rice cake. The Uiro Bar is a modern take on the Uirou, in the shape of an ice cream bar. Currently, the Uiro Bar is hugely popular among young women for its cuteness and authentic taste.
How was it?
For those who are considering where to go next after visiting Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto and various other tourist cities, I highly recommend Nagoya. In Nagoya you will be able to experience Japanese culture through various means such as visiting modern Japanese structures and Nagoya castle. However, above all, you will be able to try all the different dishes that make up the unique Nagoya Meshi. So please find a chance to visit Nagoya.
Written by LINA