After our full-day tour to Shirakawa-go, Gujo Hachiman and Hida Takayama, the coach dropped us back at Nagoya Station just before 8pm. We were absolutely famished—we’d survived the day on snacky bits and sake. So we made a beeline for Ebidote Shokudo (海老どて食堂), a spot I’d bookmarked on my Nagoya to-eat list after seeing those jaw-dropping jumbo prawns plastered all over social media.
Where to Find Ebidote in Nagoya
Ebidote only has one outlet, tucked inside Esca Underground Shopping Mall right at Nagoya Station. Super convenient if you’re catching the train or just rolling in from a day tour like we did.
What Ebidote Is Famous For
Ebidote specialises in fried prawns, and they serve them up in 5 different sizes and styles:
- Butterflied prawn
- Large prawn
- Extra large prawn (a whopping 35cm!)
- Regular prawn
- Small prawns (served in a pile)
Their menu has loads of set meal combos based on prawn sizes, with add-ons like pork cutlets, unagi, oysters and assorted skewers. Ordering is fuss-free—just scan the QR code for the digital menu (English available, thank goodness).
What We Ordered at Ebidote
Extra Large Prawn Set Meal – ¥3,949 (after tax)
Comes with rice, miso soup and homemade tartar sauce. Honestly? When it landed on the table, I was a bit underwhelmed. Like… that’s it? For that price? Maybe I was just too hangry.
But the moment I tried lifting it with my chopsticks—hefty. Properly hefty. It’s my first time eating a prawn this massive. They even provide a pair of scissors so you can snip it into bite-sized pieces. Bonus: the scissor wrapper opens up into a ruler so you can measure your prawn. Yes, 35cm confirmed. Gimmicky? Absolutely. Did I love it? Also yes.
The breadcrumb coating was crispy, crunchy and not the least bit greasy. The prawn itself was fresh, tender with a satisfying snap and that natural sweetness shining through. The tartar sauce was a winner too—mash up the hardboiled egg slices into the sauce for a thick, creamy, eggy dip that paired beautifully.
2 Large Prawns + 2 Pork Cutlets Set Meal – ¥2,849 (after tax)
Hubby’s pick, also served with rice, miso soup and tartar sauce. The prawns were fresh and bouncy, the pork cutlets tender and easy to bite through. That said, the prawns definitely out-shadowed the pork. For pork cutlets, Misokatsu Yabaton still wins in my book.
Final Verdict: Is Ebidote Worth It?
Here’s my honest take—the Extra Large Prawn at Ebidote is pricey for what it is. Flavour-wise, there’s no huge difference from the smaller prawns. The only real difference is texture—every bite is just plumper and meatier. I don’t regret paying for the novelty (when else will I eat a 35cm prawn?), but if I came back, I’d happily order the large prawns instead. Equally delicious, easier on the wallet.
