Eat your way around Osu, Nagoya! 15 recommended local specialties and new gourmet foods to try while sightseeing or going out

*Please refrain from eating while walking, eat in designated areas, throw away your food in the trash, and follow the rules.
*All prices include tax.

Perfect for a quick bite to eat and a drink. International and Nagoya specialty cuisine.

Osu is home to a variety of unique restaurants, from Nagoya specialties to international cuisine. We've picked out some popular restaurants that you should try first when you're in Osu. We'll introduce you to a variety of dishes that will satisfy your hunger or are perfect for a quick drink.

Small size but big impact! "Rockin' Robin"

First, let us introduce you to the photogenic hamburgers at Rockin' Robin Laboratory.

This shop is a takeout specialty store of the American diner "Rockin' Robin" that has branches in Nagoya City. Its pop exterior is particularly eye-catching. Its filling hamburgers made with domestic beef are very popular.

A popular snack for eating on the go is the "Eating Out Sliders" (1,450 yen for three), a mini burger about 6cm in diameter placed on top of fries. The toppings are very simple, consisting of just a patty and cheddar cheese. The patty has a strong meaty flavor, and the homemade brown sauce and tartar sauce add richness.
The mini burgers can be ordered individually, making them the perfect size for when you're feeling a bit hungry.

Rockin' Robin Laboratory

Aosan's: A restaurant that focuses on local flavors

For those who want a hearty meal, we recommend banh mi, a sandwich that originated in Vietnam.

Ao San's, located west of the intersection of Honmachi-dori and Akamon-dori, is a banh mi specialty store that will celebrate its sixth year since opening in 2023. The owner, who trained in Vietnam, opened the store with the desire to "let people experience the taste of street food!" and recreates the authentic taste by using pork liver, which is a staple in the country.

This is the "Homemade Vietnamese Ham & Pork Liver Paste - R size" (750 yen). The Vietnamese ham is made from three different types of homemade pork ear and tongue ham, pork char siu, and minced meat "char lua," each with a different texture. Crunchy vegetables and coriander add a nice accent.

At first glance it looks voluminous, but the ham is light and the liver paste has no strong flavor, so you can eat it all in one go. The sweet and spicy soy sauce, made by boiling sweet Vietnamese soy sauce, garlic, and sugar, brings out the best in each ingredient. You can customize it to your liking, such as leaving out coriander, so whether you like ethnic food or not, be sure to give it a try.

Blue Suns

"Seoul Namja" is a new style of crepe-like snack

Seoul Namja is a restaurant that serves the Korean gourmet staple, chijimi, in a new style. Located along Otsu-dori, the restaurant is always bustling with young people and families.

The "One Hand Chijimi Roll" (650 yen) is a chijimi rolled up like a crepe, and has been a hot topic in local media as a new gourmet sensation. You can choose from two flavors: chive and kimchi.

The handmade dough was created through trial and error so that it would not tear when rolled. It is baked twice, resulting in a crispy outside and a chewy inside. The kimchi we ordered has kimchi kneaded into the handmade dough, and the spicy flavor is addictive.

This restaurant is also trying to develop original Korean cuisine, such as Italian pancakes made with chives, mozzarella cheese, and honey, and kimchi hiyashi (cold noodles with kimchi) served in a tall cup like a drink container (kimchi chige somen in winter).

The shop closes as soon as the day's supply of dough runs out, so it's best to visit early.

Seoul Namja

"Baobaotei" is a satisfying dish overflowing with juicy meat.

"Bao Bao Tei," a Taiwanese baked baozi and dumplings shop, is one of Osu's famous gourmet foods. It was opened as a sister store by the owner who trained for a year and a half at the Taiwanese food stall "Da Shanghai Shengjian Bao."

It's a popular restaurant that always has a line, so make sure you leave with plenty of time.

The standard product "Roubao" (200 yen) looks like a Chinese steamed bun at first glance, but the point is that it is cooked on a hot plate and then slightly steamed. It can be said to be the best of both Chinese steamed buns and Xiaolongbao. The meat bun is wrapped in a thick, chewy skin, and when cooked, it becomes crispy at the same time.
The meat is packed with flavor and so juicy that the juices spill out, so be careful how you eat it, such as by soaking up the juices first. We also recommend comparing it with "Cui Bao," which uses vegetable filling.

Baobaotei

An evolved and rich lineup: "Gochisou Yakimusubi Onimaru"

"Gochisou Yakimusubi Onimaru" rice balls are your best friend when you feel a little hungry.

This is the first Japanese food specialty store opened by Pizzeria Marino, an Italian restaurant chain with branches mainly in the Chubu region, and it is known for its Japanese and Western-style onigiri rice balls.

The rice used is Koshihikari Koshihodama, a large-grain rice that has been carefully selected to be perfect for onigiri. After cooking in a large pot, the rice and side dishes are grilled together. The rows of onigiri rice balls vary in shape and how they are wrapped in seaweed, giving each one a unique character.

This is the most popular dish among women, "Grilled Cod Roe and Camembert" (378 yen). Cod roe and Camembert are combined in a rice sandwich with an egg. The rice is slightly grilled and fragrant, and the crunchy texture of the cod roe and the salty taste go perfectly with the melting Camembert. The addition of perilla leaves gives it a refreshing aftertaste. You'll feel like you could eat more than one, or even more.

Take a break and sit on one of the chairs in front of the store to enjoy the flavors.

Gourmet Yakimusubi Onimaru Osu branch

Perfect for a quick drink! The rich flavor of "Old Yabatan" loved by locals

If you want to enjoy a drink during the day, we recommend stopping by "Old Yabatan." Run by "Yabaton," famous for its miso katsu, this restaurant is set up to resemble the original store when it was founded in 1947. It's easy to find, as it's located at the entrance to Kannon-dori, right next to Osu-kannon Station.

The "Boo-chan Set" (650 yen) is a great takeout option that includes three skewers and a steamed meat bun. You can choose between a pork bun or a curry bun.

The freshly fried kushikatsu is made with juicy pork from southern Kyushu and is thoroughly soaked in a secret miso sauce. The crispy batter makes it light on the palate. The rich, full-bodied kushikatsu is the perfect accompaniment to beer. The pork bun is a juicy dish with the texture of coarsely ground meat and the sweetness of vegetables. This is a restaurant you'll want to visit while sightseeing in Nagoya.

Old Yabatan

Tebasaki Musume: A new soul food sensation that even Nagoya residents recognize

If you're looking to try chicken wings, one of Nagoya's specialties, in Osu, we recommend the chicken wing specialty restaurant "Tebasaki Musume."

At the Tebasaki Summit 2022 held in June 2022, they sold out 11,000 winglets in three days and won the gold medal as voted for by visitors. Due to its popularity, they have attracted attention and opened a store in Osu in August 2022 where customers can dine in.

Usually, most restaurants serve chicken wings that are shaped like a "L" and then broken off to eat, but here they take the time and effort to dismantle each wing one by one, creating a shape that allows you to eat it with one hand while minimizing the chance of getting your hands dirty.

By the way, it was named "Tebasaki Musume" (Chicken Wing Girl) because the meat part of the character looks like a dress.

Take-out orders can be made in increments of three, and at the time of this interview, we chose three popular varieties out of the 12 available. From the left, they are the "Original" (165 yen), which is a must-have when visiting Tebasaki Musume and allows you to enjoy the sweet sauce directly, the "Terima Mayo Garlic" (165 yen), which whets the appetite with garlic, and the fragrant "Green Onion Salt Sansho" (165 yen).

Deep-fried twice, once in low-temperature oil and once in high-temperature oil, the skin is crispy and the meat is plump and firm.

There are several seating areas inside the shop, making it a comfortable atmosphere even for solo diners. Try changing the flavor with the condiments on each table while finding your favorite flavor.

Tebasaki Girl

From the latest trends to long-established shops! Amazing sweets to fill your stomach!

We will introduce a variety of exquisite sweets to choose from depending on your occasion and mood, including Nagoya specialties, perfect final dishes, and welcome gifts.

Amazing elasticity! The deliciousness of freshly pounded rice "Osu Tokugawaan"

Osu Tokugawaan, a sweet shop where you can eat freshly pounded rice cakes, is a popular shop that has been featured on television and in magazines many times.

Located in Osu Shopping Street, the shop's shop curtain decorated with a family crest and its Japanese appearance are its landmarks.

The standard menu item "Kinako 2 pieces" (500 yen) uses an original kinako made from a blend of several types of kinako, including Tamahomare from Hokkaido. It is generously sprinkled with smooth kinako that has a strong aroma and sweetness. When you lift the mochi, you can taste the deliciousness of freshly made mochi, with its soft, stretchy texture and springy elasticity. It is also heavy and satisfying to eat.

You can also make your own "original mochi" by adding espuma cream or vanilla ice cream, or adding red bean paste or smooth bean paste. You can share one set between two people, or order the "two-color mochi set" where you can choose two types of mochi you like and compare them.

Osu Tokugawaan

The next trend in Korean sweets: "Seroun Kitchen"

Seroun Kitchen, which opened in November 2022, is a specialty store for Korean twisted fried donuts. This dessert, called Kwabaegi in Korean, is often eaten in markets. Variations with toppings such as chocolate and fruit are gradually becoming popular in Japan.

A must-try is the "Caramel Oreo" (600 yen). This is a staff recommendation, as they were so impressed by the compatibility of caramel and Oreo that they decided to make it into the menu. The freshly fried Kwabaegi dough is light and fluffy, accented by the crunchy texture of the Oreo. The fragrant and rich caramel is so delicious that you will want to keep eating it.

If you tell the staff that you saw it on OnTrip JAL, they will give you 20% extra cream on your Quabegi and 20% extra soft serve ice cream on your Soft Quabegi. If you're in Osu, be sure to stop by.

Another attractive feature is the interior, which is illuminated by a projector. There are stands of various heights, making it comfortable for both children and adults.

Seroun Kitchen

The festival staple "ar." has been made even cuter

At "ar.", a candy apple specialty store from Nagoya, you can now enjoy candy apples, a festival staple, on a daily basis. The first store opened in Osu, and in less than two years, it has opened stores in Amemura, Osaka, and Matsuyama, Ehime, and is becoming a hot topic, especially among young people.

There are nine flavors of candy apples, including cocoa, matcha, and raspberry. I chose the classic "Candy Apple Plain" (650 yen). They use seasonal apples, and at the time of the interview, they were the highest-ranked "Sun Fuji" apples from Aomori Prefecture.

You can choose between the classic skewered style candy apples or the cut style that is easier to eat. You can enjoy the crispy texture of the candy and the crunchy texture of the apple at the same time. You'll be surprised at how much apple juice fills your mouth. The balance of sweetness and sourness is excellent.

Since it is a popular shop, if you want to avoid waiting in line or want to be sure to get your hands on one, you can make a reservation via DM on their official Instagram account. Please note that reservations cannot be made on the day.

ar.

Meet Fresh Sen Imo Sen Nagoya Osu Store: A unique combination of Taiwan and Nagoya

In Nagoya, you can enjoy the classic cafe menu of anko butter at a Taiwanese sweets specialty store. MeetFresh Shen Yu Shen has over 800 stores around the world, mainly in Asia. They have a selection of Taiwanese classic sweets, including colorful and chewy potato dumplings called "Yoyuan," Taiwanese immortal herbal jelly dessert called "Xiancao," and "Douhua" carefully made from soybeans.

When the Osu store opens in 2022, they will add hot sandwiches that are only available in Japan. The most popular of these is the "Sweet Potato Bean Butter Hot Sandwich" (440 yen).

The toast is generously spread with butter and is stuffed with sweet potato, red bean paste, and cream cheese. It is tightly pressed so you can hold it in one hand, making it perfect for eating on the go. The lightly sweet red bean paste, fluffy sweet potato, and fragrant butter go perfectly together, and the cream cheese enhances the flavor.

Pair it with a Taiwanese drink such as tapioca and you'll be able to experience the flavors of Nagoya and Taiwan all at once.

MeetFresh Senimosen Nagoya Osu store

"Shinjyume Honten" - a happy sweet treat available for 100 yen a piece

The specialty of Osu Shopping Street is the dango from "Shinjyume Honten." It has been loved by people of all ages and genders for a long time.

It's so popular that long lines form on weekends. There are two types of dumplings, mitarashi and kinako, both of which cost 100 yen each. Some people order both to enjoy the two-sword combo.

They will hand it to you as soon as you order, so it will go smoothly if you have the exact change ready.

The Mitarashi Dango comes with five small dumplings, each perfectly browned. They are dipped in a secret sauce that has been handed down for 50 years, and the lightly sweet soy sauce flavor is hearty and delicious. You won't believe it's only 100 yen, as you'll be satisfied.

Once you've finished eating, throw the skewers away in the skewer case next to the entrance.

Shinjaku main store

A treat to enjoy at night: "Ice cream at 9pm"

Next, we will introduce the "night parfait" style. "Ice at 21" is a night parfait specialty store that is a hot topic in the Kansai region, and opened in Osu in 2022. As the name "21" suggests, the store is open at night.

The parfait menu, which mainly uses Hokkaido milk soft serve ice cream, has a wide variety of flavors, including simple normal, Mont Blanc, chocolate, and fruit flavors, so you're sure to find one that suits your taste. You can also arrange how you eat it by adding your favorite toppings.

The most popular item since the shop first opened has been the "Rich Fresh Chocolate" (600 yen). The rich chocolate is not too sweet, and when combined with the soft serve ice cream, it melts in your mouth, filling you with a sense of euphoria. Sweet things are a separate stomach! This is the perfect dish to finish off a meal.

It's perfect for eating out, or as a reward after a hard day at work. It's sure to make for a special night out.

If you tell the staff that you saw this on OnTrip JAL, you can also get a free topping! You can choose one of the following toppings: shiratama, chocolate sauce, or caramel sauce. *Limited time offer until July 31, 2023

Ice cream at 9pm

Recommended drinks for a short break

We will introduce you to a Japanese and Western drink that we recommend for a short break while eating your way around the shops. Choose a refreshing or sweet drink depending on your mood.

"LEMOTTO" - an exquisite combination of sweet and sour flavors

How about a refreshing lemonade to wash down your palate after eating your way around? "LEMOTTO" is a popular lemonade specialty store with a cute package located along Shintenchi-dori.

"Lemonade R size (ICE)" (400 yen) is served in a unique pouch-shaped container. It has none of the bitterness that is unique to lemons, and has a clean aftertaste. The reason for this is that the lemons are peeled thickly by hand. Another key point is that the juice is extracted using a cold press method that does not destroy the nutrients.

There are a total of 11 other varieties available, including freshly squeezed lemonade with an exceptionally fresh fruit flavor, and flavored lemonades made with strawberry and peach.

LEMOTTO Osu store

Enjoy the new jiggly texture at "Kamakura Sweets"

Next up, we'll be introducing some Japanese drinks. Warabimochi specialty shop "Kamakura Sweets" offers warabimochi drinks with an addictive, melt-in-your-mouth texture.

The store's signature dish is "Kamakura Warabimochi," which sells 5,000 pieces nationwide every day. In addition to being available for eating in, the store also has a wide selection of items that make great gifts.

The drink we're introducing here is the "Warabimochi Drink - Asakawaen Matcha (ICE)" (680 yen). You can fully enjoy the taste of the matcha itself, and mixing in the whipped cream makes it even smoother. The warabimochi at the bottom is flavored with brown sugar syrup, which balances well with the bitterness of the matcha. The warabimochi is broken into bite-sized pieces that go down smoothly and easily. You can choose between small and regular sizes, so why not choose depending on how hungry you are?

Sweets shop Kamakura Nagoya Osu store

Osu is a place where various cultures mingle, with the latest trends and unique styles. If you drop by after sightseeing or shopping, be sure to enjoy a satisfying meal tour.

Nagoya Osu Food Walking Map

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