Nagoya Specialty "Ogura Toast" — A Delicious Sweet Born from the Morning Culture
Aichi Prefecture’s Nagoya is famous for its morning culture.
One especially popular item among this tradition is "Ogura Toast".
Crispy toasted bread topped with generous ogura-an (sweet azuki bean paste) and butter — a sweet and savory delicacy.
In this article, we’ll introduce the charm of Ogura Toast, its origins, and recommended shops in detail!
What is Ogura Toast? — A Unique Toast from Nagoya
1. Features of Ogura Toast
Ogura Toast is a simple dish of nicely browned toast topped with ogura-an (sweet simmered azuki beans) and butter.
The saltiness of the butter and the sweetness of the ogura-an blend perfectly, making it an excellent match with coffee!
2. Nagoya’s Morning Culture and Ogura Toast
In Nagoya, it’s common to have a "morning service" where a cup of coffee often comes with toast or an egg.
Among those offerings, the particularly popular toast menu item is Ogura Toast.
Today, it’s widely available at Nagoya’s kissaten (traditional coffee shops) and cafés.
The History of Ogura Toast — How Did It Come About?
1. Born from Nagoya’s coffee shop culture
Nagoya has long had a developed kissaten culture, and by the early Showa era there was a habit of spreading butter or jam on toast.
Adding the Japanese element of "ogura-an" to that practice is how Ogura Toast began.
2. The birthplace: "Mitsuba"
There are various theories about the origin of Ogura Toast, but it is said to have been created around the end of the Taisho era at the Nagoya-Sakae coffee shop "Mitsuba".
This combination spread by word of mouth and eventually became a classic Nagoya morning staple.
Where to Eat Ogura Toast in Nagoya — Recommended Coffee Shops
1. Komeda’s Coffee (nationwide chain)
The Nagoya-born coffee chain "Komeda’s Coffee" offers a simple Ogura Toast you can enjoy.
Because it has locations across the country, it’s easy to try!
- Access: Many shops around Nagoya Station
- Recommended point: Soft, fluffy bread with plenty of ogura-an
2. Cafe Yoshino (inside Nagoya city)
A place where you can enjoy the retro atmosphere of an old-fashioned kissaten.
The morning set also includes a boiled egg and salad!
- Access: About a 15-minute drive from Nagoya Station
- Recommended point: Classic Ogura Toast served in a traditional coffee shop
3. Kissa Lyon (around Nagoya Station)
A coffee shop that offers a "morning service all day long."
It’s nice to be able to enjoy Ogura Toast and coffee at any time you like!
- Access: About a 5-minute walk from Nagoya Station
- Recommended point: You can enjoy morning service at any time of day
Tips for Eating Ogura Toast Deliciously
1. Melt the butter well into warm toast
Spreading butter while the toast is still hot creates a rich, juicy flavor!
2. Put on plenty of ogura-an
The sweetness of the ogura-an and the saltiness of the butter create an exquisite balance, so the trick is to add plenty.
3. Enjoy it with coffee
A bitter coffee brings out the sweetness of the Ogura Toast.
It pairs perfectly with black coffee!
Useful Information for Travelers
1. Access 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 prices for Ogura Toast
- Typical price: ¥400–¥700 (depends on the coffee shop)
- Morning set: ¥500–¥800 (with coffee)
3. Recommended times
- Morning: Recommended to enjoy authentic Ogura Toast in the morning!
- Cafe time: Many places also serve it during daytime cafe hours and in the evening
Summary and Frequently Asked Questions
Summary
- Ogura Toast is a local specialty originating in Nagoya.
- The sweet ogura-an and butter match exquisitely.
- You can experience Nagoya’s kissaten morning culture at coffee shops.
- Available at Komeda’s Coffee and long-established kissaten!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What does Ogura Toast taste like?
A: The sweetness of the ogura-an and the saltiness of the butter balance perfectly, making it irresistible for anko (sweet bean paste) lovers!
Q: Where can I eat Ogura Toast?
A: You can find it at most coffee shops in Nagoya city.
In particular, Komeda’s Coffee and retro-style kissaten are recommended!
Q: When is the best time to eat Ogura Toast?
A: It’s classic to eat it during morning service, but many places also serve it during daytime cafe hours!
Finally
When you visit Nagoya, be sure to try the local specialty "Ogura Toast".
Along with the kissaten culture, enjoy this unique Nagoya flavor!
