Introducing the top 10 unmissable local gourmet dishes from the Kumamoto region.

Introducing the top 10 unmissable local gourmet dishes from the Kumamoto region.
When visiting the Kumamoto region, be sure to enjoy the authentic local gourmet dishes at their best.

Table of Contents

Kumamoto Ramen
Karashi Renkon
Basashi
Ikinari Dango
Taiping Yan
Akagyu-don
Dago Jiru
Fried Pork Trotters
Hitomoji Guruguru
Takamori Dengaku

No.1

Kumamoto Ramen

Kumamoto’s signature ramen

Kumamoto ramen spread from Kurume City in Fukuoka Prefecture, considered the birthplace of tonkotsu ramen, through Tamana City in Kumamoto Prefecture, and on to Kumamoto City and the surrounding ar...

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No.2

Karashi Renkon

A celebrated local specialty of Kumamoto

Crisp lotus root meets the sharp heat of mustard miso that rises to the nose. Enjoyed throughout Kumamoto Prefecture, it is often served as a snack with drinks. To make this Kumamoto specialty, lo...

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No.3

Basashi

When in Kumamoto, don’t miss the local specialty, basashi!

A long-established restaurant specializing in horse-meat dishes in Kamitori, central Kumamoto. It serves basashi and other Kumamoto specialties made with fresh horse meat raised on its own farm. B...

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No.4

Ikinari Dango

A simple, old-fashioned confection from Kumamoto

Ikinari Dango is a traditional Kumamoto confection with a simple, old-fashioned flavor. Slices of sweet potato and chunky sweet red bean paste are wrapped in rolled-out wheat-flour dough and steame...

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No.5

Taiping Yan

A beloved local specialty from Kumamoto, Taiping Yan

Taiping Yan (太平燕, Taiping yan) is a Japanese adaptation of a traditional dish from Fujian Province in China. This comforting noodle dish features a flavorful chicken broth filled with an arra...

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No.6

Akagyu-don

Akaushi beef and rice come together in a truly satisfying mouthful.

Raised with regular exercise and plenty of high-quality pasture, Akaushi cattle produce firm, lean beef with just the right amount of fat. Akaushi-don is one of the signature foods of Aso, Kumamoto...

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No.7

Dago Jiru

Nutritious, filling, and easy to prepare

Dago Jiru (だご汁, Dago jiru) is a hearty soup dish originating from Kumamoto Prefecture. The term "dago" means "dumpling" in the Kumamoto dialect. This comforting soup is made by kneading wheat...

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No.8

Fried Pork Trotters

Crispy and crunchy outside, melt-in-your-mouth tender inside

Fried Pork Trotters (揚げ豚足, Age Buta Ashi) are carefully prepared and then deep-fried to golden perfection before being served with a refreshing dipping sauce of soy sauce and vinegar. Crispy on...

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No.9

Hitomoji Guruguru

The rich aroma, sweetness, and spiciness of "Hitomoji"

Hitomoji Guruguru (一文字ぐるぐる, Hitomoji guruguru) is a unique dish from Kumamoto Prefecture, featuring a local variety of green onions. While commonly referred to as "wakegi" in other parts of ...

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No.10

Takamori Dengaku

A dish developed to make Takamori’s locally grown Tsurunoko taro more delicious and keep it longer.

Dengaku is a historic local dish that has been eaten for around 700 to 800 years. One distinctive feature is the seasoning in the dengaku miso: many of its ingredients are sun-dried and have absor...

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