Yanagibashi Central Market — Restaurant in Nagoya

Christmas Day Culinary Adventure in Japan: A Gastronomic Delight ( Teru Teru ) 地魚食堂

Our journey began at Ibis Styles on Christmas Day 2024, where the holiday magic extended to a culinary exploration we won't soon forget. Around lunchtime, we embarked on a quest for an authentic Japanese meal—a place we had researched yet took a bit of time to find due to its tucked-away charm. The moment we approached the restaurant, we noticed a beautifully illustrated menu posted by the entrance, a promising sign of delights to come.

Guided by instinct and a sprinkle of curiosity, we headed to the first stall on the left. Here, the friendly staff welcomed us with minimal yet sufficient English, complemented by a fusion of Japanese and Vietnamese hospitality. Fortunately, the establishment also provided menus in both English and Chinese, ensuring a smooth ordering experience for all international visitors. To our delight, freshly brewed green tea was served complimentary—a warming touch amidst the cool holiday air.

As for the food itself—oh, where do I begin? We ordered an assorted sashimi rice bowl and a bountiful tempura set. The sashimi was impeccably fresh, a medley of colours and textures, each bite a burst of oceanic flavour. The silky salmon, delicate tuna, and luscious scallops practically melted on the tongue. If I had a second stomach, I would have eagerly ordered another round without hesitation. The crisp tempura was equally divine, with a perfectly golden crunch encasing sweet prawns and seasonal vegetables.

Everything was served swiftly, with precision and grace. The price of around 5,000 yen might raise an eyebrow initially, but every yen spent was undeniably worth it. This was not just a meal but an unforgettable sensory experience—one that perfectly captured the culinary richness of Japan.

For any food lovers visiting the area, I wholeheartedly recommend this spot. It’s a haven for the adventurous palate, where tradition meets excellence, and where Christmas memories are made over plates of...

A local market seafood market that's not exactly catered to tourist.

Arrived at 8+ on a weekday morning and it wasn't crowded, although about half the stalls were closing. But it means you don't get in the way of as many tradesmen.

Seafood available on sale there was different from what I see back home and the stalls that still remained open provided for a short but interesting sight.

Overall a small-medium sized market that is more localised and non-touristy.

The following is the review of a food stall I ate at in the market. I was unable to find its listing on Google Maps, but the attached photo shows the shop name in Japanese. The staff spoke Japanese and what sounded like Vietnamese.

The tuna (both minced and sliced) were fresh, but the slices that came with the rice were poorly sliced, resulting in tattered slices and frequent tough strips of tissue that was hard to chew through.

The sliced otoro was good, as it should be, but it had a slightly fish aftertaste and was initially served without wasabi.

Would probably not...

Not a tourist attraction. So if you’re looking for that, you’ll be disappointed. But if you’re looking to ‘peek behind the curtain’ and see Nagoya locals get up to behind the scenes, definitely worth a wander! Like any wet market, it’s wet, chaotic, and obviously it smells like fish! But personally, I enjoy seeing this other side of Japan (contrasting with the spotless side you typically see elsewhere and later in the day).

Like any markets with meat products, it may not be a good stop for the squeamish or vegans. But it’s a good place to shop for well priced fruit/veg, and there’s also Hida Beef and even horse meat available (as well as all types of seafood, obviously).

If you’re hungry but you don’t want sushi, the best food option early in the morning is ramen (pork based, with Nagoya-style spicy red miso). If you want coffee, Imari (just outside the main building)...