Over these weeks a few places have piled up that I'm happy to return to. Here are my favourites in Nagoya — based on my own experience, and growing along with my time here.
Favourites
- Wakashachiya (若鯱家) — curry udon with shrimp, the katsu-toji mini set. My regular spot in Nagoya; I love everything I've eaten there. Last orders around 21:30.
- Conveyor-belt sushi (kaiten-zushi, near AEON) — seasonal teriyaki fish with rice (a personal favourite), fresh tuna onigiri, squid sushi. The fresh seaweed leaf is incomparable. Orders until around 21:30.
- Gyu-kaku (at AEON) — finely sliced, crispy beef and pork; I had the onion-fried sirloin (pork and beef mixed on a bed of onion). Kind staff who'll hand you an English menu if you get stuck on the kanji.
- Saizeriya — Italian-style chain, surprisingly cheap (a spaghetti ~550 yen). A reliable compromise when everything else has closed. Try the nori-shrimp-caviar spaghetti or the hamburger steak.
- Gongcha (ゴンチャ) — bubble tea. My official favourite is the aloe-vera, brown-sugar oolong; the peach iced tea is good too.
- Food Factory — pizza and more European flavours, when you crave hot dough.
Worth a try
- Udon place in AEON Town — udon with chicken, octopus, and shrimp. Ordering is a bit of a challenge the first time, but worth it.
- Izakaya (central Nagoya) — seafood, ebi (shrimp) chips, and a very friendly welcome.
- Baskin & Robbins (31) — ice cream: mandarin, matcha, chocolate-cherry. For takeaway they even pack ice with it.
- PRONTO (bar) — for a late-night detour: fried shrimp, a thick American-style pancake, and my first cocktail in Japan (Highball Kaku, Cassis Orange). Orders taken until 22:30.
Fast food, for late nights
- KFC — a Japanese karaage and chicken-bite line, less spicy than back home; the double-down meal is here too. After a certain hour, takeout only.
- Burger King — the One Pounder (four whopper patties), plus teriyaki and avocado whoppers.
- McDonald's — interesting special editions; late in the evening, takeout only.