Ebi Fry: Where to Eat, Prices & Opening Hours (Aichi)

Ebi fry reveals a plump, springy prawn from inside its crisply fried coating. The kuruma prawn is designated the fish of Aichi Prefecture, and Ise Bay and Mikawa Bay are known as leading fishing grounds. Against the backdrop of rich marine bounty, many Nagoya shops came to serve large ebi fry as a specialty. From cafe set meals to long established Western style eateries, it is a Nagoya standard enjoyed at a wide range of shops.

Highlights

• A contrast between the crispness of the fine coating and the springy bounce of the prawn
• The sweetness of fresh prawns that conveys the bounty of Ise Bay and Mikawa Bay
• Each shop puts thought into seasoning, with tartar sauce, Worcester sauce, and more
• Some specialty shops serve impressive large pieces, each nearly the size of a palm

Seasonal Enjoyment

Piping hot and freshly fried, it brightens the table all year round. During the outing season it is hugely popular as the star of set meals and lunch boxes. Delicious even when cooled, it is a welcome dish well suited to souvenirs and takeout.

Access and Basics

• Area: enjoyed at Western style eateries and specialty shops across Nagoya
• Around Nagoya Station, many shops let you enjoy it casually in set meals and lunch boxes
• Budget: from around a thousand yen for a set meal, with large specialty portions costing more
• Specialty shops that use large prawns are impressive to behold as well

Practical Travel Notes

• Time of day: cafes often serve it as a set meal at lunch, so midday tends to be crowded
• At shops offering takeout boxes, buying one at Nagoya Station to enjoy on the shinkansen is a nice option
• Avoiding crowds: popular Western style eateries are easier to be seated at just after opening
• Nearby strolls: if you enjoy it around Nagoya Station, it pairs well with exploring the underground food halls and station building
• Large pieces are filling, so watch the portions if you plan to sample several Nagoya dishes

A Little Advice

First try it plain to savor the crisp coating and the sweetness of the prawn. Then change the flavor with sauce to enjoy a single piece two ways. Many shops serve it with plenty of tartar sauce, so finding your favorite sauce is part of the travel fun.

Practical Information for Your Visit

• Shrimp and Aichi: The kuruma prawn was designated the "Prefectural Fish" of Aichi in 1990 (official Aichi Prefecture website)
• Where to eat it: Maruha Shokudo Ryokan Minami-Chita Toyohama Main Store (8 Toyohama Toge, Minamichita Town, Chita District), famous for its jumbo fried prawns / weekdays 11:00-15:30 (L.O. 14:30) and 17:00-21:00 (L.O. 20:00); Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays 10:30-21:00. Open year-round with parking for about 200 cars
• Also at Nagoya Station: The same restaurant's JR Nagoya Station branch is inside JR Nagoya Station in the "Nagoya Umaimon Dori Hiroko-ji Guchi" area, closing at 21:00 (L.O. 20:30), with no regular closing day
• Finding a restaurant: You can search for restaurants serving fried prawns 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: Official Aichi Prefecture website "Symbols of Aichi (Flower, Tree, Bird, Fish)", Maruha Shokudo Ryokan 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: From around 1,000 yen and up for a set meal (large signature portions can cost more)
• Where to eat it: Western-style and specialty restaurants in Nagoya, and set-meal restaurants around Nagoya Station
• Best time of day: Lunchtime is busy, so right after opening is more relaxed
• Avoiding the crowds: At popular Western-style restaurants it is easiest to get a seat right after opening
• Combine it with: The gourmet options in the underground malls at Nagoya Station and sightseeing in the station buildings