Food and Dining

Kumamoto is known for its diverse cuisine. As well as Japanese food, you can find restaurants in Kumamoto serving food from all over the world, including from China, India, Korea, and Turkey. During your time in Kumamoto, don’t neglect to try some of the local dishes, though. There are a few in particular that are particularly representative of the prefecture. Basashi The most famous dish from Kumamoto is horse meat sashimi, called basashi. Although it’s less popular with tourists, it’s a favorite with locals due to the lean meat’s low fat and high protein content. The taste of the meat itself is mild, but the dish is usually served with other ingredients that have intense flavors, including garlic, ginger, and soy sauce. Another way to eat horse meat is in a hotpot. When cooked, the meat is more tender. Kumamoto Ramen Although ramen is available around Japan, it’s slightly different wherever you go. Kumamoto ramen uses a broth made from pork along with medium-size noodles. It features several toppings, but the defining flavor is garlic from the roasted chips and garlic-infused oil. Taipien Another noodle dish from Kumamoto is taipien. The soup is inspired by Chinese cuisine and features vermicelli…