When people think of Japanese food, sushi and ramen may be the first things that come to mind. But Japan has much more to offer, and each region has its own food culture and local specialties.
I used to live in Nagoya, so I had many opportunities to enjoy the city’s local food. I also visited Ise in Mie Prefecture, where I tried a local noodle dish that was quite different from the udon I was familiar with.
In this article, I’d like to introduce two regional dishes that I have enjoyed: hitsumabushi in Nagoya and Ise Udon in Ise.
Nagoya: A City with Its Own Food Culture
Nagoya is known for its distinctive local cuisine. Some dishes have rich flavors and are quite different from what you might find in other parts of Japan.
Having lived in Nagoya, I became familiar with its food culture. One dish I have enjoyed many times is hitsumabushi, a local specialty made with grilled eel served over rice.
I particularly like the fragrant grilled eel, which has a crispy surface and a soft, fluffy inside. The sauce and condiments add to its appeal.
One of the places where you can enjoy hitsumabushi is Maruya Honten, near Nagoya Station. It is also a convenient stop if you are exploring Nagoya.
I’ll share more about the restaurant and my experience with hitsumabushi in a separate article.
Ise: Discovering the Unique Taste of Ise Udon
Ise, in Mie Prefecture, is famous for Ise Grand Shrine and its long history of welcoming visitors from across Japan.
The area also has its own local food culture. One dish worth trying is Ise Udon.
I had Ise Udon at Okadaya in Ise. What makes it different from ordinary udon is its texture. The noodles are thick and very soft, with almost no chewiness.
They are served with a rich, dark sauce that has a sweet-and-savory flavor. Mixing the noodles with the sauce creates a simple but satisfying dish.
I enjoyed this unique combination of soft noodles and rich sauce. It was quite different from the chewy udon noodles that many people are familiar with.
I’ll introduce my visit to Okadaya and my experience with Ise Udon in a separate article.
Discover Regional Food When Traveling in Japan
One of the pleasures of traveling around Japan is discovering local dishes that you may not find elsewhere.
Nagoya’s hitsumabushi and Ise’s udon are good examples of how different regional food cultures can be. Both dishes have their own distinctive character, and trying them is a great way to experience more of Japan beyond the major tourist destinations.
I hope you’ll explore local food during your trip to Japan. Sometimes, a regional specialty can become one of the most memorable parts of your journey.
