Food and Dining

Japanese cuisine is a very distinct part of the country’s culture and each part of the country has its own local dishes and twists on national favourites. Kumamoto is no different. One of the key prefectures on Kyushu Island with a vibrant city, it’s known for its ramen, akagyu beef and oysters. However, you can also find a mouth-watering range of street food dishes here. Here’s the lowdown on what you can expect. Karashi Renkon One of Kumamoto’s most famous snack dishes, this looks a bit like a lemon-themed sweet but it’s actually a savoury treat with a kick. Essentially, it’s a Japanese lotus root filled with a mixture of miso, mustard and turmeric, then deep fried in an egg and flour batter. You can find this at street food wagons across Kumamoto as well as boxed in stores. It’s a great snack food to go and is considered a healthy bite, originating during the feudal period to help a feudal lord recover from illness. Ikinari Dango This sweet local delicacy is another perfect bite-size snack food available from street vendors and souvenir shops. It’s a mochi rice cake filled with a layer of sweet potato and sugared red bean…