Nagoya’s style of miso paste is rich, salty, and extra-umami, so miso soup and miso katsu  (deep-fried pork cutlets served with earthy miso sauce) are must-tries. Chow down on hitsumbushi, a local delicacy of grilled eel, or try on-the-go tenmusu – chewy rice balls with a dollop of tasty shrimp tempura in the center. At one of the city’s cozy, wood-built izakayas, you could sample small plates of takoyaki – fried octopus balls under a blanket of unfurling bonito flakes – or test an old Nagoya trick: ask the chef for “today’s best”, and that’s what you’ll get! And don’t miss grilled cochin – a local breed of chicken so superb, locals will tell you to set aside your sake and drink the eggs raw with a pinch of salt!

In central Nagoya, all roads lead to food – and with a local insider as your own personal GPS, all roads will only lead to the very best! You’ll stroll the high-rise-lined streets of shopping and entertainment district Sakae at the heart of the city, where restaurants are as common as convenience stores, and all of Nagoya’s specialties can be found. Swivel your head between the neon lights, noodle bars, karaoke bars and izakaya, but not so fast! Don’t get too carried away, because 12 minutes north, the secret Fushimi Underground Shopping Mall is overflowing with cozy izakayas and tiny, traditional serving quality Kuheiji sake and authentic eats.