When you visit Japan, you’ll likely hop on the Shinkansen (the famous Bullet Train). But you’ll soon notice something: the cabins aren’t just filled with tourists. They are packed with Japanese salarymen—the dedicated office workers who keep the country running!
In Japan, we are known for being hard workers. Often, these professionals are so busy that they have to turn their Shinkansen seats into mini-offices or dining rooms. This gave birth to a unique and delicious culture: Ekiben (Station Bento). Let’s dive into the ritual of enjoying a gourmet meal at 300km/h!
What is Ekiben?
Near the Shinkansen ticket gates, you’ll find a paradise of colorful boxes. These are Ekiben. Unlike your average convenience store meal, Ekiben are premium, luxurious, and often feature local specialties from that specific region. Part of the fun of a Shinkansen trip is deciding which local treasure to pick before you board!
Today, I’m introducing a legendary bento from Nagoya Station, located right between Tokyo and Osaka. Get your appetite ready!
Miso Katsu – The Soul Food of Nagoya
First, what is Tonkatsu? It’s a juicy pork cutlet, breaded in panko and deep-fried until golden and crispy. Usually, it’s served with a fruity brown sauce. But in Nagoya, they do things differently.
They drench the crispy cutlet in a rich, savory Miso sauce. And not just any miso—it’s Aka-miso (Red Miso). The flavor is intense, sweet, and salty. Think of it as a Japanese fusion of demi-glace and BBQ sauce. It’s incredibly addictive and pairs perfectly with steamed white rice.
The King of Bento: “Waraji” Tonkatsu by Yabaton
If you go to Nagoya, you must visit Yabaton. You can’t miss it—just look for the logo of the cartoon pig in a sumo apron! Their most famous dish is the “Waraji” Tonkatsu.
Why Waraji? “Waraji” refers to traditional Japanese straw sandals. As the name suggests, you’ll be shocked by its size! This bento features two massive, juicy pork loins that cover almost the entire box.
The Secret is in the Miso: What makes this truly special is the Aka-miso (Red Miso) sauce. This isn’t your standard miso soup flavor. It’s a deep, dark, and intensely savory sauce that you can rarely find outside of the Nagoya area. The pork is surprisingly tender and easy to bite through, and once it’s drenched in that thick, salty-sweet sauce, it becomes the ultimate companion for white rice.
Don’t Underestimate the Rice: You might think, “It’s just a bento, right?” Wrong! Even though it’s a take-out box, the rice remains fluffy and premium quality. In Japan, we believe the rice is just as important as the main dish. The harmony between the rich miso-soaked pork and the warm, sweet rice is so perfect that you’ll find yourself finishing the whole “waraji-sized” meal before you even realize it!
The sauce comes in a separate packet, so the meat stays fresh until you’re ready to eat. Pour it on, watch the steam rise, and enjoy the most authentic Nagoya experience on the rails!
And trust me—after one bite of that salty-sweet pork, you will crave a cold beer. Don’t forget to grab an Asahi Super Dry at the platform kiosk!
This is a game-changing invention where the entire top of the can opens up, creating creamy, draft-style foam automatically. It’s like bringing a Japanese izakaya (pub) right onto the Shinkansen!
If you want to know more about this magic can, check out my previous post here!
Crack Open Japan: The Cool Secret of Asahi Super Dry Nama Jokki Can
Master the Shinkansen Etiquette
Japan is known for its manners. To enjoy your meal like a local and stay respectful, keep these “Golden Rules” in mind:
- Keep it Quiet: The Shinkansen is a peaceful place. We avoid loud conversations or phone calls to respect those resting or working.
- Be Mindful of Smells: While eating is allowed, try to pack up your trash quickly so the aroma doesn’t linger too long for your neighbors.
- Cleanliness is Key: Always take your trash with you and dispose of it in the bins located at the end of each carriage.
- Reset Your Space: Before you leave, wipe your tray table and return it to its original position.
The Life of a Salaryman
As I mentioned, the Shinkansen is often an extension of the office. You’ll see people typing away on laptops while sipping green tea or beer. Buying a high-quality Ekiben because you don’t have time for a sit-down dinner is a core part of the Japanese business culture. But look closer—they are also enjoying their meal. It’s their small but precious escape from a long day.
A Taste of Nagoya
Yabaton is truly addictive! While “Waraji” is the star, they also offer tender Fillet Katsu and easy-to-eat Miso Katsu Sandwiches.
Pro Tip: Nagoya is famous for its bold, “dark” flavors. If you have extra room, try Tebasaki (spicy chicken wings) too—they are the perfect partner for your beer.
The photo I shared was actually taken during my husband business trip from Osaka to Nagoya, then heading to Tokyo at night. Yes, Japanese might work too hard—but at least they have amazing food to get them through the journey!
Next time you’re at Nagoya Station, grab a Yabaton Bento, pop open a beer, and enjoy the ride!
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