Japan is home of "washoku" (Japanese food), famous worldwide for sushi, soba, and regional local dishes. Also renowned for combining the elements of dishes originating overseas, which are curry and ramen. There is also opportunity to indulge in delicious gourmet dishes from a vast genre, including the Western, Chinese, and multi-national. Nagoya, the metropolis of the Chubu Region, is famous for the local dishes known as "Nagoya Meshi".
The following are food recommendations in Nagoya and Chubu Regions, to make the visit even more memorable.
Inscribed in 2013 on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity of UNESCO, "Washoku" is a social practice based on a set of skills, knowledge, practice and traditions related to the production, processing, preparation and consumption of food, associated with an essential spirit of respect for nature that is closely related to the sustainable use of natural resources. Recognized for comprising healthy dishes with outstanding nutritional balance using stock made of fish, dried kelp, or dried seaweed to avoid excessive consumption of animal-based fats combined with side dishes, rice, "tsukemono" [pickled vegetables], using ingredients best suited for the geography and climate a striking presentation, as "Washoku" is also intended to be enjoyed visually. Another feature of "Washoku" is the deep connection with annual events.
In addition to traditional washoku cuisine, Japan is also the country where you will encounter food incorporating ingredients and dishes from other places around the world adapted to suit Japanese tastes. Some popular examples are ramen - originally from China, curry - a variation of Indian food, and numerous other dishes inspired by Western cuisine, such as tonkatsu, sukiyaki, omelet, and hamburger steak. One of Japan’s charm points is that visitors can indulge in culinary delights from all over the world, including Europe, America, Asia, and Africa.
Nagoya Meshi is the name given to the unique foods partaken of by locals of Nagoya and surrounding districts since long ago. Tebasaki chicken wings and hitsumabushi are two examples of this popular and plentiful food category. Many Nagoya Meshi dishes are made using red miso paste derived from soybean, such as miso katsu (pork cutlet), miso-nikomi udon noodles, and miso oden.
Nagoya Travel Guide