On my way back from a fan site trip to Nagoya, I wanted to grab a bite before heading home. And since I was in Nagoya, I decided to visit one of its iconic cafés.
Whenever I ask friends or acquaintances for recommendations in Nagoya, nine times out of ten, they tell me, “Go to Komparu.” So, I figured this was the perfect opportunity.
Founded in 1947, Komparu has been a leader in Nagoya’s café culture, and I got to try their famous shrimp fry sandwich and a classic melon float.
Cream Soda? Or…Not?
“It’s kind of milky.” “It’s not fizzy, is it?” “It’s different from what I imagined,” we said as we took pictures.
The drink is a melon-flavored milk-like beverage with vanilla ice cream on top. It’s different from what I expected, but the mild flavor is delicious.
The rich melon aroma and sweetness seeped into my body, tired from the previous day’s excitement.
I thought I had ordered a standard cream soda, but this happy accident turned out to be a delightful surprise. I like it.
The Clear Deliciousness of the Plump Shrimp Fry Sandwich
Wow, it’s the real deal! The perfectly toasted shrimp fry sandwich looks absolutely delicious.
The plump shrimp fry, omelet, and shredded cabbage, all topped with katsu sauce and tartar sauce, make for a visually stunning sandwich. You just know it’s going to be good.
The simple ingredients come together to create a subtly delicious experience. The sauce and omelet pair perfectly, and the crispy cabbage adds a nice crunch.
Miso Katsu and Nagoya Cochin Chicken, the Quintessential Flavors of Nagoya
The miso katsu sandwich and Cochin egg sandwich are must-haves when in Nagoya. Of course, I had to try them.
Miso Katsu Sandwich with Perfectly Sweet Miso Sauce
The sweet miso sauce pairs wonderfully with both the katsu and the cabbage! The katsu is tender and easy to bite into, with a light coating that makes it very easy to eat. Despite being fried and topped with miso sauce, the abundant cabbage gives it a surprisingly light feel.
I loved the balance of cabbage, katsu, and the thickness of the bread. The cabbage closest to the katsu is coated in miso sauce, which is another highlight for me!
The Rich Flavor of Cochin Egg Sandwich
This sandwich uses eggs from the Nagoya Cochin chicken, known for its rich flavor. The thick omelet is, of course, delicious as expected.
But what really stands out here is the cucumber. The slightly softened cucumber, warmed by the thick omelet, adds a refreshing texture that complements the sandwich perfectly.
The Cochin egg sandwich usually comes in four triangular pieces, but we requested it to be cut in the same style as the other sandwiches. Please note that this may not always be possible.
‘Komparu’ Has Eight Locations in Nagoya, Including Two at Sakae Station!
Komparu’s main store is in Osu, but it’s so popular that there are now eight locations throughout Nagoya.
This time, I visited the Sakae West store in the underground mall at Sakae Station. Since it was early Sunday afternoon, I called ahead to check the seating availability.
The back of the receipt features a map of the train lines and store information. There’s even a store in Imaike! I might visit when there’s a live show at Bottom Line!
The Osu main store is about a 15-minute walk from Osu Kannon Station, making it a great place to take a break during a stroll around Osu.
For locals, Komparu is a familiar part of daily life. If you’re visiting from outside the area, why not experience Nagoya’s café culture at Komparu?
