Foodies Asia (en)For "foodies" who are particular about food.

The Meishin Expressway, also known by its alternative name “Senndayo-Do,” due to its opening in just about three years, has been a historical treasure trove of hearty and delicious meals aimed at hardworking craftsmen since 1965.

Here, we have picked out some renowned B-class gourmet establishments that even food connoisseurs cannot resist along the route from Iga City to Yamazoe Village to Tenri City.

What is Meihan National way?

The Meihan Road, also known as the Meihan Road, is a national highway that extends from Kameyama Interchange in Mie Prefecture, passing through Iga City, among other places, and stretching all the way to Tenri City in Nara Prefecture.

ja.wikipedia.org

 

8 Users

5 Pockets

名阪国道 - Wikipedia

https://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/名阪国道

Being a toll-free expressway that serves as a bypass road for National Route 25, it is commonly used by truck drivers and those who appreciate hearty and satisfying meals.

As a result, it’s only natural that numerous renowned eateries offering delicious and substantial meals catering to artisans can be found along this route.

For food enthusiasts, this is an unmissable route.

Recommended restaurants on the Mie Prefecture side (3)

“Horumon Yakiniku” at “Iga Shokudo“in Iga City

Ave. Budget: Lunch -1,000 JPY

Located just east of Iga City’s central area, right next to the Kamizakai Interchange on Route 25, you’ll find a gem of a yakiniku and horumon (offal) set meal restaurant.

In the category of B-class hearty meals, it can be safely called a hidden gem. While it offers set meals, the unique style here involves grilling your own meat on the tabletop hotplate.

They offer options like the “Horumon Set Meal (onions are optional),” “Pork Set Meal,” and “Beef Belly Set Meal,” all priced at 650 yen each. This place caters to drivers and those seeking delicious and satisfying meals, and it has become popular to the extent that even young women come here especially for the taste.

Foodies Asia (en)

2022.03.31

“Iga Shokudo” Hormone/Yakiniku set meal in Iga, Mie

https://foodies-asia.com/en/mie-igasyokudou/

 This restaurant offers a fantastic Hormone (organ meat) set meal cooked on the hotplate right in front of you, all for just 650 yen. In the category of hearty, B-grade cuisine, it wouldn't be surprising to see this hidden gem gain nationwide recognition. Ave. Budget: Lunch -1,000 JPYCheck information on Tabelog    Restaurant featuresThis restaurant is located right next to the Uwazoe IC, just east of the center of Iga City, along National Route 25.While their ma...

＜Restaurant Information＞
Business Hours: <Tue-Sat> 10:00 AM – 7:30 PM, <Sun> 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM (lunch)
Closed: Mondays
Phone Number: 0595-45-5406
Address: 9180 Zakucho, Iga City, Mie Prefecture, 519-1402, Japan

“Karaage Set Meal” at “Chinese Restaurant Taiyou” in Iga City

Ave. Budget: Lunch 1,000-2,000 JPY, Dinner 1,000-2,000 JPY

The Chinese restaurant formerly located in “Ueno Drive-In” moved and reopened in June 2022. It is now situated a little further from the Tomobae Interchange, with a slightly cleaner and more spacious interior.

While they have a menu that reflects the typical offerings of a town’s Chinese restaurant, their specialty is undoubtedly the “karaage” (Japanese-style fried chicken). As you can see from the photo, their karaage set meal is quite generous. When it comes to hearty set meals with great taste, I used to think “Hishidaya” in Tokyo was the best, but in terms of karaage alone, this place has surpassed it!

＜Restaurant Information＞
Business Hours: 11:30-21:00
Closed: Mondays
Phone Number: 0595-24-3834
Address: 2905-1 Yonijuukyuucho, Iga, Mie 518-0823, Japan

“Doteyaki Set Meal” at “Aji no Ofuku,” in Iga City

Ave. Budget: 1,000-2,000 JPY

Let me introduce another fantastic manly meal spot along Route 25, the Meihan National Highway.

Their specialty is “Doteyaki.” Doteyaki can vary by region, and in Iga, it’s made with tender beef tendons, seasoned with white miso and sugar. While it’s a generous portion, it’s priced at 1,300 yen for a set meal, so it might not be considered cheap, but considering the quality of the meat, it’s a reasonable price.

This restaurant is located at the Ueno Parking Area on the downhill side. You can reach it from the local roads in the back, but it’s recommended to take the main highway.

＜Restaurant Information＞
Business Hours: 12:00-19:00
Closed: Irregular
Phone Number: 0595-20-1159
Address: 3401-3 Yono, Iga City, Mie Prefecture, 518-1152, Japan

Recommended restaurants on the Nara Prefecture side (3)

“Deli” at “Drive-in Yamazoe” in Yamazoe Village, Nara Prefecture

Ave. Budget: up to 1,000 JPY

It’s a rare find these days, but this place truly embodies the essence of a drive-in and a traditional diner. Except for noodles and rice bowl dishes, you can choose from a wide variety of side dishes displayed on shelves and add a rice set, just like in the old days.

Many of these side dishes have that gentle dashi (broth) flavor, reminiscent of a mother’s home-cooked meal.

The interior also exudes a nostalgic Showa-era ambiance.

＜Restaurant Information＞
Business Hours: Around 7:30 AM to 7:30 PM
Closed: Sundays and Public Holidays
Phone Number: 0743-85-0502
Address: 984-1 Onishi, Yamazoe Village, Yamabe District, Nara Prefecture, 630-2344, Japan

“Stamina Charshu” from “Tenri Stamina Ramen Hari Terrace” in Nara City

Ave. Budget: Lunch 1,000-2,000 JPY, Dinner 1,000-2,000 JPY

Heavenly Spicy Stamina Ramen, originating in Tenri and spreading throughout Nara Prefecture, is known for its spicy and hearty broth. Alongside the original “Saika Ramen,” another major player in this style is “Tenri Stamina Ramen.”

The main shop is located just outside the western end of the Meihan National Highway, at the Tenri Interchange (IC). However, it tends to get crowded. So, if you’re traveling along the Meihan, it’s recommended to visit the “Hari IC” Roadside Station, where you can find the “Hari Terrace” branch.

This ramen features a unique spicy flavor created by mixing their original pork bone broth with stir-fried Chinese cabbage, leeks, and garlic, all combined with doubanjiang (spicy bean paste).

For those with a hearty appetite, try the “Stamina Chashu” with rice. You can save half of the four pieces of chashu and enjoy them as chashu rice, which is a personal favorite way to savor this dish.

＜Restaurant Information＞
Business Hours: 11:30-21:00
Closed: None
Phone Number: 0743-82-5959
Address: 345 Haricho, Nara City, Nara Prefecture, 632-0251, Japan
Official website is here.

Additionally, the “Main Shop” is also located just outside the western end of the Meihan National Highway at the Tenri IC.

＜Restaurant Information＞
Business Hours: <Weekdays> 11:30 AM – 1:00 AM (Next Day), <Sat, Sun, Holidays> 11:00 AM – 1:00 AM (Next Day)
Closed: Wed.
Phone Number: 0743-65-4925
Address: 3120 Ichinomotocho, Tenri City, Nara Prefecture, 632-0004, Japan

“Okonomiyaki” from “Tententemari” in Tenri City

Ave. Budget: up to 1,000 JPY

If you go to the “Tenri Stamina Ramen Main Shop” and find yourself discouraged by the long queue, don’t worry. Right nearby, there’s a hidden gem for okonomiyaki lovers called “Tententemari.”

This family-run establishment has a cozy atmosphere and offers high-value okonomiyaki dishes.

＜Restaurant Information＞
Business Hours: 12:00-20:00（L.O. 19:30）
Closed: Wed
Phone Number: 090-2119-8948
Address: 3210-4 Ichinomotocho, Tenri City, Nara Prefecture, 632-0004, Japan