Houraiken — Restaurant in Nagoya

Does not live up to its name.

First of all, Atsuta Horaiken serves a decent bowl of Hitsumabushi, also known as Unagi Rice Bowl / Grilled Eel Rice bowl BUT the price is not worth the quality that they served.

The unagi was grilled till the outer layer is crispy, but the crispy layer was dry at some part and bitter note can be tasted at some part. They will introduce 4 methods of eating it but I personally prefer the soup based. Reason being is the broth will enhance the flavour and reduces or cover the bitter taste of the unagi.

Next, I ordered the white unagi (Shiraiyaki) and was disappointed with it as I tasted more of the charcoal smell than the unagi itself. It was well cooked than the Hatsumabushi style but less flavour compared to it.

Service staff are helpful and friendly, some even know simple English for easier communication.

The environment is very well decorated with lots of antique and the beautiful courtyard which enhances the dining experience.

For the quality they served, it doesn’t justify for the quality they served. Also, the fish bone can be skipped.

Lastly, even if you reach when they open which is at 11am. You will still need to wait because they are reservations made. FYI, I reached at 1050am and was told that I am at the 1440hrs queue. Suggest to visit the nearby temple before heading back to the restaurant.

All in all, they can do better with better control of the food quality. There is simply no wow factor when I eat the unagi, and definitely disappointed for the price I paid. And as for now, they are places which served better unagi than them so not...

An unexpected experience for us, our first time in Nagoya, and we found out Eel dishes is a local specialty, so we stumbled upon this nice restaurant.

The Wait: We arrived around 15:45 and the line was long but the wait was short, I recommend arriving early as this restaurant is popular.

The Food: We ordered the Hitsumabushi* (explanation of what this is will be below) it was served with toppings such as green onion, seaweed, wasabi(not the real wasabi) miso soup, and a Eel soup to pour inside the dish if desired. Also, directions on how to eat it. Drinks automatically come with warm matcha tea, though other drinks are available on the menu. Serving size for standard is more than enough for one person, though because we were unsure, we ordered the larger size, which had so much of everything we could barely finish eating. Overall, the Eel was very flavorful, savory, and unlike any other dish we've had. It is worth the visit!

ひつまぶしは美味しいです。 レストランは訪れる価値があります。

*What is Hitsumabushi? The name "Hitsumabushi" is a combination of two words:

"Hitsu" (櫃): This refers to the wooden containers or boxes called "ohitsu" (お櫃) used for storing and serving cooked rice. These containers help keep the rice warm and preserve its moisture.

"Mabushi" (飯蒲焼 or まぶし): This is a local Nagoya dialect term meaning "to eat...

I recently had the pleasure of dining at Atsuta Horaiken Main Restaurant, and the experience was exceptional. The presentation and quality of the dishes were outstanding.

• Unagi (Grilled Eel): The highlight of the meal was the perfectly grilled unagi, which was both flavorful and tender. It was served in a beautiful lacquered box, maintaining its heat and enhancing the dining experience. • Rice and Soup: The rice was cooked to perfection, complementing the rich taste of the unagi. The accompanying clear soup was delicate and flavorful, with small, delightful ingredients that added a unique touch. • Appetizers and Sides: The meal included a variety of well-prepared sides and appetizers. The cucumber and eel dish was refreshing, and the assortment of pickled vegetables added a nice contrast to the main course. • Tempura: The tempura selection was light and crispy, showcasing an array of vegetables. Each piece was fried to perfection, maintaining its natural flavors while adding a satisfying crunch.

Overall Atsuta Horaiken Main Restaurant offers a memorable dining experience with its exquisite dishes and attention to detail. I highly recommend this restaurant to anyone looking to enjoy traditional Japanese cuisine...