Nagoya Specialty "Miso Katsu" — Rich, Sweet-and-Savory Sauce That’s Addictive!
Among Aichi Prefecture’s local foods, "miso katsu" is especially popular.
Unlike a typical tonkatsu, it’s a Nagoya original: a pork cutlet generously topped with a sweet-and-savory miso sauce.
In this article, we’ll take a detailed look at the appeal of miso katsu, its origins, and recommended restaurants!
What is Miso Katsu? — A Delicious Tonkatsu from Nagoya
1. Characteristics of Miso Katsu
Miso katsu is a dish of freshly fried tonkatsu topped with a sweet-and-savory sauce based on Hatcho miso.
This thick, richly flavored miso sauce pairs perfectly with the crispy cutlet!
It goes great with rice, and once you try it it’s irresistibly delicious.
2. What is Nagoya’s "Hatcho Miso"?
The miso used for miso katsu is Hatcho miso, originating in Okazaki City, Aichi Prefecture.
Compared to regular miso it’s richer and deeper in flavor, with noticeable acidity and a slight astringency.
The secret to miso katsu is a special sauce that sweetens the Hatcho miso with sugar and mirin!
The History of Miso Katsu — How Did It Come About?
1. Nagoya’s Tonkatsu Culture and Miso
Nagoya has long been a region where miso culture developed.
It’s famous for many miso-based dishes such as miso nikomi udon (miso-simmered udon) and doteni, showing how widely miso is used in local cuisine.
Against this background, the idea of pouring miso over tonkatsu was invented, and miso katsu was born.
2. The Originating Restaurant "Yabaton"
The restaurant often credited as the origin of miso katsu is "Yabaton" in Naka Ward, Nagoya.
Founded in 1947 (Showa 22), it’s the shop that spread the Nagoya-style miso katsu across Japan.
They overturned the common notion that "tonkatsu goes with Worcestershire-style sauce" and made the miso sauce + tonkatsu combination standard.
There are several theories about miso katsu’s origins, and a number of long-established shops such as "Yabaton" and "Kanou" claim to be the birthplace.
Where to Eat Miso Katsu in Nagoya — Recommended Restaurants
1. Yabaton (Multiple locations in Nagoya and nationwide)
The famous restaurant often called the originator of miso katsu.
It’s known for its thick, rich miso sauce, which is poured generously over crispy cutlets!
They have locations around Nagoya Station and in Naka Ward, and the restaurant is popular with tourists.
- Access: About a 5-minute walk from Nagoya Station (Meieki branch)
- Recommended point: The rich Hatcho miso sauce is outstanding!
2. Kanou (Kanou)
The long-established Nagoya Western-style restaurant "Kanou" serves miso katsu with a slightly sweet special miso sauce that’s exquisite.
The miso katsu bowl (katsudon) is especially popular!
- Access: About a 5-minute walk from Sakae Station
- Recommended point: Moist, tender cutlet with a perfectly balanced sweet-and-savory miso sauce
3. Tonkatsu Ma Maison (Nagoya, Tokyo, etc.)
An upscale Western-style tonkatsu restaurant.
The cutlets are juicy and generously portioned!
They use a slightly sweet miso sauce, making it easy for Nagoya newcomers to enjoy.
They have multiple locations in Nagoya such as the Higashi-Sakura flagship store, Hoshigaoka Terrace, and Asunal Kanayama.
- Access: The Higashi-Sakura store is about a 5-minute walk from Subway Shinsakaemachi Station, etc.
- Recommended point: Enjoy the rich miso sauce with a crispy cutlet
Delicious Ways to Eat Miso Katsu
1. Pile on the sauce
The joy of miso katsu is the plenty of miso sauce!
It’s also tasty to add extra sauce before eating.
2. Eat it with cabbage
Miso katsu is often served with shredded cabbage.
The cabbage soaks up the miso sauce and is delicious, so eat them together for the best experience!
3. Miso katsu bowl is also recommended
Miso katsu can also be enjoyed as a rice bowl (donburi).
Pour plenty of miso sauce over the cutlet and eat it with rice for a perfect combination!
Practical Information for Travelers
1. Getting to Nagoya
- From Tokyo: About 1 hour 40 minutes by Shinkansen
- From Osaka: About 50 minutes by Shinkansen
- From Kyoto: About 35 minutes by Shinkansen
2. Typical price range for miso katsu
- Typical price: ¥800–¥1,500 (depends on the restaurant)
- Set meals: ¥1,000–¥2,000 (usually include rice and miso soup)
3. Recommended times to visit
- Lunch: Many places offer good value
- Dinner: A more relaxed atmosphere for enjoying the meal
Summary and Frequently Asked Questions
Summary
- Miso katsu is a local specialty of Nagoya.
- It features a sweet-and-savory sauce based on Hatcho miso!
- Famous shops include Yabaton, Kanou, and Tonkatsu Ma Maison.
- It’s delicious with cabbage and rice!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What does miso katsu taste like?
A: It’s characterized by a sweet-and-savory miso sauce that pairs perfectly with the crispy cutlet!
Q: Where can I eat miso katsu?
A: Most tonkatsu restaurants in Nagoya serve it.
In particular, Yabaton and Kanou are recommended!
Q: Can I take miso katsu to go?
A: Some restaurants offer takeout.
Many shops provide the miso sauce separately, so you can enjoy it at home too!
Finally
If you visit Nagoya, be sure to try the authentic miso katsu!
It’s a dish where you can enjoy Nagoya’s rich miso culinary culture.
