Local food and restaurants in Kumamoto
Two Kumamoto menu names are worth learning before you order: basashi is raw horse meat, while karashi renkon is lotus root filled with mustard miso, coated and fried. The mustard gives karashi renkon its distinctive sharpness.
Local dishes to try in Kumamoto
- Basashi horse sashimi
- Karashi renkon
Choosing a meal in Kumamoto
Basashi is raw horse meat; karashi renkon is fried lotus root with a sharp mustard-miso filling. Both are easier to choose once everyone at the table knows what the ingredients are.
Tips for choosing a restaurant
Basashi is raw horse meat; karashi renkon is lotus root filled with mustard miso. Check that everyone is comfortable with raw meat or a sharp mustard flavour before ordering.
What else could you see nearby?
Kumamoto Castle makes a city day; Aso’s Kusasenri takes another journey and time to explore on foot. If the crater is on your list, check official access restrictions for the day rather than relying on a camera view.
Plan a trip around Kumamoto → Official JNTO area guide ↗Restaurant reservations in Kumamoto
Find restaurants in this area on AutoReserve, then choose a date, time and party size. Read the menu, total price and cancellation terms before you book. Availability can change between visits.
Affiliate link · JapanLiveNow may earn a commission on bookings.Find a table on AutoReserveMore about the local food
Read more about regional dishes and food traditions in these official guides. For a particular restaurant’s menu, prices and booking terms, use its own website or reservation page.