Nagoya's Specialty "Miso Katsu"— The Rich and Savory Sweet-Sour Sauce is Addictive!
Among the local gourmet foods of Aichi Prefecture, "Miso Katsu" is particularly popular.
Unlike regular tonkatsu, this is a unique Nagoya dish with plenty of sweet and spicy miso sauce poured over it.
This article will introduce in detail the charm, origin, and recommended shops for miso katsu!
What is Miso Katsu?— Exquisite Tonkatsu Originating from Nagoya
1. Characteristics of Miso Katsu
Miso katsu is a dish where freshly fried tonkatsu is topped with a sweet and spicy sauce based on Hatcho miso.
This rich and flavorful miso sauce matches exquisitely with the crispy katsu!
It pairs perfectly with rice, making it a crave-worthy taste once you try it.
2. What is Nagoya's Specialty "Hatcho Miso"?
The miso used in miso katsu is "Hatcho Miso," which originated in Okazaki City, Aichi Prefecture.
It is characterized by being richer and more flavorful, with a deep umami and a slight tang compared to regular miso.
This special sauce, made sweet and spicy with sugar and mirin, is the secret to miso katsu!
The History of Miso Katsu— How Did It Originate?
1. Nagoya's Tonkatsu Culture and Miso
Nagoya has long been a region where miso culture has developed.
It is famous for many miso-based dishes such as miso-nikomi udon and doteni using red miso.
Amidst this, the style of pouring miso over tonkatsu was devised, giving birth to miso katsu.
2. The Originating Shop "Yabaton"
The origin of miso katsu is said to be "Yabaton" in Naka-ku, Nagoya City.
Founded in Showa 22 (1947), it is the shop that spread Nagoya-style miso katsu nationwide.
It overturned the common notion of "sauce for tonkatsu," establishing the combination of miso sauce and tonkatsu as a staple.
Where to Eat Miso Katsu in Nagoya! Recommended Famous Shops
1. Yabaton (Nagoya City and Nationwide)
A famous shop known as the originator of miso katsu.
It features a secret thick miso sauce, generously poured over crispy katsu!
With locations around Nagoya Station and in Naka-ku, it's popular with tourists.
- Access: 5-minute walk from Nagoya Station (Meieki branch)
- Recommended Point: The rich Hatcho miso sauce is exquisite!
2. Kano
The miso katsu offered by Nagoya's long-established Western-style restaurant "Kano" features a slightly sweet special miso sauce that is exquisite.
Especially popular is the miso katsu bowl!
- Access: 5-minute walk from Sakae Station
- Recommended Point: The tender and juicy katsu with sweet and spicy miso sauce is superb
3. Tonkatsu Ma Maison (Nagoya, Tokyo, etc.)
An elegant tonkatsu restaurant in a Western style.
The katsu is juicy and satisfying!
With a slightly sweet miso sauce, it offers a taste that's easy for Nagoya beginners to enjoy.
- Access: 10-minute walk from Nagoya Station (main store)
- Recommended Point: Enjoy the rich miso sauce and crispy katsu
How to Enjoy Miso Katsu Deliciously
1. Add Plenty of Sauce
The essence of miso katsu is the abundant miso sauce!
It's also delicious if you add more before eating.
2. With Cabbage
Miso katsu often comes with shredded cabbage.
The cabbage soaked in miso sauce is also delicious, so eating them together is key!
3. Miso Katsu Bowl is Also Recommended
Miso katsu can also be enjoyed in a bowl style.
Pour plenty of miso sauce over the katsu and eat it with rice for the ultimate combination!
Convenient Information for Travelers
1. Access to Nagoya
- From Tokyo: About 1 hour and 40 minutes by Shinkansen
- From Osaka: About 50 minutes by Shinkansen
- From Kyoto: About 35 minutes by Shinkansen
2. Price Range of Miso Katsu
- General Price: 800 to 1,500 yen (varies by shop)
- Set Menu: 1,000 to 2,000 yen (includes rice and miso soup)
3. Recommended Time of Day
- Lunch: Many shops offer affordable options
- Dinner: Enjoy in a relaxed atmosphere
Summary and Frequently Asked Questions
Summary
- Miso Katsu is a local gourmet from Nagoya.
- Known for its sweet and spicy sauce based on Hatcho Miso!
- There are famous shops like Yabaton, Kano, and Ma Maison.
- It's delicious when eaten with cabbage or rice!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What does miso katsu taste like?
A: It features a sweet and spicy miso sauce, which pairs perfectly with the crispy katsu!
Q: Where can I eat miso katsu?
A: It is available at most tonkatsu restaurants in Nagoya City.
Especially recommended are Yabaton and Kano!
Q: Can I take out miso katsu?
A: Some shops offer takeout.
The miso sauce is often provided separately, so you can enjoy it at home!
Lastly
When visiting Nagoya, be sure to try the authentic miso katsu!
It's a dish where you can savor the rich miso culture of Nagoya.
