Last updated on September 14th, 2024
Maruya Honten Nagoya is a renowned restaurant known for its Hitsumabushi dish, beloved by locals. Savor the Hitsumabushi in 3 different ways!
Hitsumabushi is considered one of the best regional dishes in Nagoya. The grilled unagi (freshwater eel) is served over a bed of rice and is a specialty of Aichi prefecture.
During our recent visit to Japan, we stopped at Nagoya before heading to the next destination. We couldn’t miss the opportunity to try Hitsumabushi. This time we went to Maruya Honten, and the food was amazing. It was one of the best bowls of eel rice ever. Whatever style it was served in, the eel was cooked perfectly and flavorful.
For more details, you can continue reading my food review on Maruya Honten, one of the best places to savor the mouthwatering Hitsumabushi in Nagoya.
Nagoya Hitsumabushi – Maruya Honten
The popular Nagoya Hitsumabushi Maruya Honten has many branches in Nagoya. The most convenient for travelers will be the store located on the Taiko-dori side of Nagoya Station or the Maruya Honten Meieki Branch in Nagoya Station.
Maruya Honten – JR Nagoya Station store (まるや本店 JR名古屋駅店)
Address: 〒450-0002 Aichi, Nagoya, Nakamura Ward, Meieki, 1 Chome−1−4 名古屋うまいもん通り.
Business Hour: Daily from 11:00 to 22:00
Maruya (まるや本店 名駅店)
Address: 〒450-0002 Aichi, Nagoya, Nakamura Ward, Meieki, 1 Chome−2−1 名鉄百貨店本館 9F レストラン街.
Business Hour: Daily from 11:00 to 22:00
Official Website: https://www.maruya-honten.com/
We chose to visit the Maruya Honten Meieki Branch located on the 9th floor of the Meitetsu department store at Nagoya Station.
Another popular option to savor the mouthwatering Hitsumabushi in Nagoya is Hitsumabushi Atsuta Houraiken – Read my food review here.
My Visit to Maruya Honten Nagoya
This time, since we were staying at the Nagoya Marriott Associa Hotel – connected with Nagoya Station, we decided to visit Maruya Honten to try the Hitsumabushi Eel dish.
Maruya Honten is quite famous in Nagoya. When we arrived 30 minutes before the opening time, there was already a line. It’s worth noting that there is no reservation system or system for writing your name down, so we simply had to wait in line. Many locals were waiting in line to taste the mouthwatering Hitsumabushi.
Fortunately, we managed to get in once the shop opened.
What To Order
They have an English menu so ordering is easy.
Almost every dish was complete with eel. Basically you just need to decide the portion size of the unagi you want. Choose from 3 sizes – mini, regular, deluxe, or the Special Set and you can eating your Hitsumabishi 3 ways. There are also option for 2/3 or 1/2 eel set. A set meal was slightly more than ¥3,000 but it was worth it.
We had the Special Hitsumabushi Set to enjoy the meal fullness.
Hitsumabushi from Maruya Honten
Although there were many people, the food arrived quickly after we ordered.
The presentation was unique, with the rice and eel served in a wooden bowl, presumably traditional. The eel was grilled to a crispy perfection and tasted delicious. It is smoky, hot, and perfectly seasoned flavor that was truly heavenly. It paired wonderfully with the tender Japanese rice.
Eating Hitsumabushi in 3 way
The instructions for each way of eating Hitsumabushi are conveniently listed in the menu, making it easy to follow and savor the dish. Just stir the eel and rice in a wooden tub and put the different portions and enjoy it follow the simple steps.
The Hitsumabushi can be enjoyed in three different ways:
1) Eat it on its own to taste the original flavor.
2) Add condiments such as spring onions, wasabi horseradish, nori-dried laver, and a bit of soy sauce (optional) to taste.
3) Pour broth over the third portion, similar to o-chazuke (茶漬け) with rice.
The experience of eating Hitsumabushi in three ways was well explained and enjoyable. It was a perfect finish for a perfect meal!
Overall: Maruya Honten Nagoya Food Review
All in all, the Hitsumabushi from Maruya Honten was absolutely delicious, and we really enjoyed the three different ways of eating it. There are numerous places in Nagoya and throughout Japan where you can sample hitsumabushi, and Maruya Honten is definitely one of the best. However, be prepared to wait in line, as this restaurant is extremely popular. Nevertheless, the wait is definitely worth it.
Lastly, trying hitsumabushi is a must if you find yourself in Nagoya. If we ever visit Nagoya again, we will definitely return to Maruya Honten to try their unagi rice bowl.
If you enjoyed this Nagoya food post, you could also read about other Nagoya travel guide including Nagoya itinerary planning, where to stay and what to eat in Nagoya.
- Nagoya Itinerary: A Guide For Things To Do in Nagoya
- Where To Stay in Nagoya: The Best Hotels and Areas
- Nagoya Food Guide: What To Eat in Nagoya
- Hitsumabushi Atsuta Houraiken: Nagoya Must Eat Food
- Sekai no Yamachan: Nagoya Famous Tebasaki
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