What Food To Try in Kumamoto and Food Prices

Akizuki Curry - 熊本カレー (Kumamoto-style curry) - A rich blend of tender pork, carrots, and potatoes simmered in a mildly spicy sauce. It's often enjoyed as a comforting lunch at local eateries, with families gathering around for a casual meal.

Basashi - 馬刺し (raw horse meat) - Slices of ultra-tender raw horse meat served fresh with soy sauce and wasabi, providing a unique texture experience. Best enjoyed cold, it’s commonly found at izakayas during evenings, celebrating a long night with friends.

Kumamoto Ramen - 熊本ラーメン (rich pork broth noodle soup) - This ramen features a deep, soy sauce-based tonkotsu broth topped with chashu pork, green onions, and garlic oil for a savory punch. Locals typically slurp it up late-night to satisfy their craving after a long day.

Ikinari Dango - 急な団子 (sweet potato dumpling) - A dumpling filled with sweet red bean paste and chunks of sweet potato, wrapped in a soft outer dough. Often enjoyed as a quick street food snack, it’s a favorite during festivals, bringing nostalgia to many locals.

Obune - お舟 (fish and vegetable stew) - A hearty stew that combines various local fish with seasonal vegetables, simmered to perfection in a savory broth. Typically eaten during colder months, it's a warming dish that highlights the region’s fresh produce.

Karashi Renkon - 辛子レンコン (spicy stuffed lotus root) - Lotus root filled with a spicy mustard paste, pickled for a crunchy bite. Often enjoyed as a snack with drinks or as an appetizer during gatherings, it is an intriguing way to appreciate local vegetable cultivation.

Chashu Don - チャーシュードン (braised pork rice bowl) - Tender braised pork shoulder layered over rice, drizzled with savory sauce, and topped with green onions. A comforting choice for breakfast, many locals swear by it as the perfect start to the day to fuel up.

By the way, if you're planning to try the local ramen, avoid the common mistake of skipping the garlic oil – it’s essential for depth of flavor!

Barley Tea - 麦茶 (refreshingly nutty tea) - Made by brewing roasted barley grains, this tea is served cold and is a staple in Japanese households, especially during the hot Kumamoto summers. Locals love to sip it during meals, and it pairs beautifully with many traditional dishes (and it's often served for free in restaurants!).

Kumamoto Sake - 熊本酒 (local rice wine) - Brewed from the pristine waters of Kumamoto and high-quality rice, this sake tends to have a smooth and mellow flavor. It’s commonly enjoyed neat or slightly chilled, with locals usually indulging in it during family gatherings or festivals, where it flows generously.

Kawachi Yaki - 川内焼き (grilled sweet pastry) - A warm treat filled with sweet red bean paste and typically wrapped in rice flour. This delightful pastry can be found at street stalls during festivals, and it’s best enjoyed fresh and hot while strolling the markets (watch for sauces that can be added!).

Kakigōri - かき氷 (shaved ice dessert) - A colorful and icy treat topped with flavored syrups, condensed milk, and sometimes even sweet beans or fruits. Perfectly refreshing on a sweltering day, you’ll see locals indulging in it throughout the summer, especially during festivals.

Yoshida Goma Dofu - 吉田ごま豆腐 (sesame tofu) - A smooth, creamy dessert made from sesame paste, starch, and water, served chilled and often garnished with syrup or sweet soy sauce. It’s a rarity at most restaurants but commonly appears during special occasions, so if you can find it, don’t miss this unique taste of Kumamoto’s heritage!

By the way, if you order barley tea, just say "mugicha" in Japanese to avoid the common mix-up with regular tea.