Ankake Spaghetti: Where to Eat, Prices & Hours (Aichi)

Ankake spaghetti is chewy, extra thick noodles generously coated in a rich, viscous sauce. Its hallmarks are noodles over two millimeters in diameter and a punchy, peppery flavor. Topped with sausage and vegetables, this hearty plate is a local specialty nurtured by Nagoya cafe culture. It is said to have emerged in the 1960s by combining Western cuisine with spaghetti, and has since evolved in its own way at cafes and specialty shops around Nagoya.

Highlights

• A distinctive texture as the thick sauce clings firmly to the extra thick noodles
• A bold, well seasoned flavor with a sharp kick of pepper
• The satisfaction of classic toppings like sausage and green pepper
• Menu names such as Mirakan, a mix of Milanese and Country toppings, are fun shop to shop

Seasonal Enjoyment

The hearty flavor is perfect when you want energy. In the cold season the hot sauce warms the body, and in summer a good meal in an air conditioned cafe replenishes your stamina. Year round, it satisfies the Nagoya appetite.

Access and Basics

• Area: enjoyed at cafes and specialty shops around Sakae and Nagoya Station
• Long established cafes and specialty shops in the central districts serve it as a specialty
• Budget: roughly around a thousand yen per plate, varying with toppings and larger portions
• Portions are large, so visiting on an empty stomach is recommended

Practical Travel Notes

• Time of day: lunchtime bustles with local workers, so just after opening or later in the afternoon is a good target
• Many shops let you choose a regular or large portion of noodles, and the standard amount is easy to manage for a first visit
• This is not a plate suited to eating while walking, so choose a cafe where you can settle in
• Nearby strolls: around Sakae it pairs well with Hisaya Odori Park and Oasis 21, and around Nagoya Station with exploring the underground malls
• The flavor is rich, so a warm drink afterward makes a nice breather

A Little Advice

Add grated cheese or Tabasco to taste for a change of flavor. Wind the thick noodles firmly onto your fork and take a bold mouthful for the full experience. At some shops the name changes with the topping combination, so browsing the menu is part of the fun.

Practical Information for Your Visit

• Main areas where it is served: The city center of Naka Ward, Nagoya, such as Sakae and Osu
• A long-established shop to try: Spaghetti House Yokoi Sumiyoshi Main Store (Santo Building 2F, 3-10-11 Sakae, Naka Ward, Nagoya) / 11:00-15:00 (L.O. 14:30), and from Wednesday to Saturday also 17:00-21:00 (L.O. 20:30). Closed on Mondays; on Tuesdays, Sundays and public holidays it opens for lunch only
• Trying it at a tourist facility: Kinshachi Yokocho Munaharu Zone (1-2 and 1-3 Ninomaru, Naka Ward, Nagoya) next to Nagoya Castle has a shop serving ankake spaghetti
• Access: Yokoi Sumiyoshi Main Store is a 5-minute walk from Exit 8 of Sakae Station on the subway. Kinshachi Yokocho Munaharu Zone is right by Exit 7 of Nagoyajo Station on the subway Meijo Line
• Finding a restaurant: You can search for restaurants serving ankake spaghetti on the official website of the Nagoya Meshi Promotion Council, formed by Aichi Prefecture, the City of Nagoya and others

* Opening hours and prices vary from restaurant to restaurant.

(Sources: Spaghetti House Yokoi official website, Kinshachi Yokocho official website, Nagoya Meshi official website)

Information Sources

This article is compiled from tourism information provided by the City of Nagoya and Aichi Prefecture, together with information published by each restaurant. Prices and menus differ by restaurant and are subject to change, so please check each restaurant's official information for details.

Sightseeing Checklist

• Budget guide: Around 1,000 yen per plate (more or less depending on toppings or a large portion)
• Where to eat it: Coffee shops and specialty restaurants around Sakae and Nagoya Station
• Best time of day: Right after opening or later in the afternoon is your best bet
• Avoiding the crowds: Lunchtime is busy with people working nearby, so shift your timing
• Combine it with: Hisaya Odori Park and Oasis 21, or exploring the underground shopping malls at Nagoya Station