Todaya Soba Restaurant – A Culinary Journey in Nagoya

Located in the heart of Chikusa Ward, Nagoya, Todaya is a traditional soba restaurant where you can enjoy not only handmade soba noodles, but also classic Japanese set meals, hearty donburi, and even an Edo-style "soba drinking" experience. Here's a five-part guide to everything delicious at Todaya.

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📘 Table of Contents

1. Part 1: Edo Chic in Nagoya — Soba Shops and Daytime Drinks
2. Part 2: Chicken Cutlet Worth Drinking For
3. Part 3: The Ultimate Katsudon Experience
4. Part 4: Don’t Overlook the Side Dishes
5. Part 5: Finish Strong with Nagoya-style Curry Udon

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Part 1: Edo Chic in Nagoya — Soba Shops and Daytime Drinks

In Edo-era Japan, drinking during the day was seen as improper — unless it was done at a soba shop. Soba restaurants opened early to prepare broth, making them one of the few places where having a quiet drink during lunch was culturally acceptable. At Todaya, I started with a chilled bottle of Kirin Lager and a classic “Itawasa” (sliced fish cake with wasabi and soy sauce) — simple, elegant, and deeply satisfying.


▲ Itawasa – fish cake served with wasabi and soy sauce



▲ Kirin Lager – a timeless pairing for a traditional soba meal

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Part 2: Chicken Cutlet Worth Drinking For

The standalone chicken cutlet is one of Todaya’s hidden gems. Crispy on the outside, juicy inside, and served with a wedge of lemon and shredded cabbage. It’s perfect as a drinking snack, or even as a light meal on its own.



▲ Freshly fried and served hot — the texture is incredible



▲ Close-up of the golden crust — crunchy and flavorful



▲ With tangy sauce and crisp cabbage, every bite hits the spot

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Part 3: The Ultimate Katsudon Experience

Todaya’s katsudon (pork cutlet bowl with egg) is a masterpiece. A thick, juicy cutlet is simmered with sweet soy sauce and soft-cooked egg, then laid gently over a bowl of fluffy white rice. Each bite offers harmony — savory, sweet, and umami in perfect balance.

▲ The golden egg mixture envelops the cutlet — warm and inviting



▲ Lifting the cutlet reveals how well it’s soaked with sauce

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Part 4: Don’t Overlook the Side Dishes

The katsudon set meal includes red miso soup, creamy potato salad, and pickled vegetables. These humble side dishes reflect Todaya’s attention to detail — each component is thoughtfully prepared and contributes to the overall harmony of the meal.

▲ A well-balanced tray — warm miso soup and handmade sides

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Part 5: Finish Strong with Nagoya-style Curry Udon

To wrap up the feast, I tried Todaya’s hearty curry udon. Thick, chewy udon noodles are bathed in a bold curry-flavored broth, infused with pork and green onions. It’s spicy, rich, and immensely satisfying — a perfect way to end the meal.

▲ Steaming hot curry udon packed with flavor and texture

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