Food and Dining

Kumamoto has excellent food. As well as several specialties like Kumamoto ramen, aka beef bowl, and taipien, you’ll find delicious desserts (ranging from soft-serve ice cream to chestnut sweets) and drinks including sake, kuma shochu, and wine. Several restaurants in Kumamoto stand out as the best places to try these local foods. Katsuretsutei Shinshigai Honten Although it’s renowned for its tonkatsu (breaded, deep-fried pork), Katsuretsutei Shinshigai Honten also serves delicious prawns. Only come to this restaurant if you have an appetite, as you’ll be able to eat plenty — you receive unlimited rice, cabbage, and tsukemono (pickles) with your meal. Location: 8-18 Shinshigai, Chuo Ward, Kumamoto Hours: Every day, 11:00 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Keika Ramen Honten You can’t visit Kumamoto without trying ramen. There are numerous options, but a top choice has to be the famous Keika Ramen Honten, which serves traditional keika ramen with a strong garlic aroma. Another favorite dish is called whole meat ramen, made with three types of pork and a secret sauce. Location: 11-9 Hanabatacho, Chuo Ward, Kumamoto Hours: Monday to Saturday, 11:00 a.m. to 11:50 p.m.; Sundays, 11:00 a.m. to 4:20 p.m. Akaushi Semmon Kumamoto Koshitsuyakiniku One of the best places to eat…