Today, in another installment of our “My Hyper-Local Choice” series, we chat with Nakajima-san, who has a personal favorite restaurant in Chikusa-ku, Nagoya – “Minoriya“. We will delve into the story of his steadfast loyalty to a particular dish on the menu and discover the charm of the restaurant, including the rumored hyper-local Taiwanese ramen. Get ready to explore the hidden gem of Nagoya’s food scene with Nakajima-san!

*Please note that the opinions expressed in this article are solely our own!

Minoriya is my life partner.

– Thank you for joining us again, Nakajima-san! Today, we’re talking about your best restaurant, “Minoriya”!

Thank you. It’s finally time to talk about it. For me, it’s not an exaggeration to say that it’s a partner in my life. It’s a place and taste that is etched into my body. So good to be born in Nagoya!

– Please tell us everything you want to say!

First, please look at this tea. It’s always frozen and goes perfectly with any menu. Remember that this is also one of their  signature dishes.

– How did you first encounter “Minoriya”?

I was brought here by my family when I was in elementary school, and I started going alone when I was in college. At that time, I used to eat lunch here and then go to college.

– And your g- to orders are  “Taiwan Ramen + Small Rice” and “Fried Rice,” right?

Yes, that’s right. “Taiwan Ramen + Small Rice” or “Taiwan Ramen + Fried Rice” are my go-to order. But there are too many delicious dishes other than that, so I’m always forced to make a difficult decision every time. Personally, it’s a battle between “Croquette set meal,” “Curry rice,” and “Ginger pork set meal.” It’s still a tough battle even now.

– That sounds tough haha.

There are times when I decide to go to the restaurant and order the “Croquette set meal,” but the owner always smiles and asks, “The usual?” and I end up answering, “Yes!”

– I know that feeling haha. So, what is the appeal of the “Taiwan Ramen” and “Fried Rice” here?

The “Taiwan Ramen” here is not the orthodox type with spicy minced meat on top, instead it is flavored with oil from stir-fried vegetables and spiciness, has a gentle but strong “umami” unique to a diner that makes you want to say, “I definitely need rice!” The “Fried Rice” is a classic dish with a moist texture. It has finely chopped pork and kamaboko (Japanese fish cake) and a nostalgic taste unique to a diner.

It's a taste that will definitely make you crave for white rice.

It's not as greasy as it looks.

– I heard that there’s Nakajima-style “Taiwan Ramen” approach.

The approach to “Taiwan Ramen + Small Rice” is very simple but deep. First, I eat the noodles, then I soak the vegetables and flavorful and spicy soup into the rice, and eat it all at once. The feeling of happiness after finishing the meal is certainly great, but at the same time, I feel a sense of loss, thinking to myself, “I’ve already finished eating it.”

Dip plenty of vegetables and soup into the rice.

Achieve both deliciousness and nutrition in one go!

Dipping fried rice into soup while eating is the key point!

My Minoriya Scouter is activating!

– Your love for “Minoriya” is unparalleled.

Of course. Honestly, as I listen to other people’s orders around me, my “Minoriya” Scouter activates, and I think, “Ah, I see! That’s what they’re getting! This person knows what they’re doing!”

– Haha that’s great! Finally, please share a few words about “Minoriya”.

Thank you for always serving delicious food! Please continue to take care of us and our family in the future. For those who haven’t been here yet, please come and visit us. Who knows, you may even decide to move to the neighborhood after your visit!