Hello, food adventurers! 🐝🎵

I’m Tabeena, a travel enthusiast who’s all about sharing the fun of Kumamoto with everyone! 🙋‍♀️

Let’s cut to the chase. When you think of Kumamoto, what comes to mind? If you guessed Basashi (horse sashimi) and horse meat cuisine, then you are right!

Kumamoto is the undisputed leader in both production and consumption of horse meat in Japan. It’s a true equine culinary powerhouse!

The origins of Kumamoto’s horse meat tradition trace back about 400 years, to 1592. The story goes that Kato Kiyomasa, the first lord of the Higo Kumamoto domain, found himself short of food while on Toyotomi Hideyoshi’s campaign in Korea. Out of necessity, he and his troops turned to eating their horses. Though there are various theories, this incident is widely credited as the start of the Kumamoto’s love affair with horse meat.

“During the Edo period, eating meat was a rarity, usually confined to a small segment of peasant farmers. But things changed in the Meiji era, gradually spreading the practice in Kumamoto and the Aso region. Post-war food shortages in the Aso area, a major breeding ground for military horses, led to widespread consumption of horse meat. By the 1950s, it had become a staple in local restaurants.”

Cited from: Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries “Uchi no Kyodo Ryori Kumamoto Prefecture (Basashi)”

In recent years, horse meat has gained attention for its nutritional and even skin-care benefits, making it popular among health-conscious Japanese consumers.

So, let’s dive into the world of horse meat! In this article, I’m thrilled to introduce you to 6 must-visit spots in Kumamoto city to savor Basashi and other horse meat dishes.

1. Japanese Cuisine “Aoyagi” – Horse Sashimi, Horse Sukiyaki and Horse Nigiri

Since its founding in 1949, “Kyodo Ryori Aoyagi” has been a staple of traditional Japanese cuisine in Kumamoto. This venerable establishment continues to serve and promote Kumamoto’s culinary culture, featuring local dishes, their signature ‘Kamameshi’ (iron pot rice) from the time of their inception, and elaborate kaiseki meals.

Lunch Recommendation

A lunchtime favorite at Aoyagi is the ‘Rindou Zen (Set Meal)’, an affordable way to savor the tastes of Kumamoto.

The set features an array of local specialties: premium marbled Basashi (raw horse meat), horse meat Sukiyaki, Dago-jiru (a miso-based soup with flour dumplings), house-made Chosen-ame (a simple sweet with a long history, made from mochi rice, starch syrup and sugar), pickled takana mustard greens, Hitomojino Guruguru (a long green onion boiled, twisted and served with vinegared miso), and Karashi Renkon (battered and deep-fried lotus root stuffed with a blend of mustard and miso), all of which are traditional specialties only found in Kumamoto.

The star of the show is the ‘Aoyagi Specialty Horse Meat Sukiyaki’, a must-try dish made with thin slices of horse shoulder and prepared with their special sweet and savoury warishita sauce. If you’re up to it, you can enjoy it in traditional Japanese fashion by dipping the cooked meat in a fresh raw egg.

Dinner Recommendation

For dinner, astandout choice is the ‘Assorted Horse Nigiri (6 pieces)’. This selection showcases three exquisite types of horse meat, each served in a way that best highlights its unique flavor.

Starting from the left in the photo:

• Tokujo Shimofuri: A nigiri with the premium richly-marbled horse meat, simply adorned with ginger, green onions.
• Gunkan Maki: A combination of diced lean meat and neck fat called tategami (literally “mane” in Japanese)
• Jo-Akami: A nigiri with lean horse meat. This robustly flavored cut is best enjoyed with some slightly sweet soy sauce blended with fried garlic.

The magic lies in seeing how each cut of house is transformed into a distinct “Horse Nigiri” experience, offering a culinary adventure with every bite.

And let’s not forget about the rice – they use specially selected, locally produced rice specifically for their sushi. (Fun fact: They even choose different types of rice for plain white rice and their famous Kamameshi, showing their dedication to quality!)

So popular are these nigiri that diners sometimes add them to finish off their kaiseki course meals.

Kyodo Ryori Aoyagi (郷土料理 青柳)
Address: 1-2-10 Shimotori, Chuo Ward, Kumamoto City, Kumamoto Prefecture (熊本県熊本市中央区下通1-2-10) [Google Maps]
Phone: 096-353-0311
Operating Hours: Lunch – 11:30 AM to 2:30 PM (Last Order at 1:30 PM)
Dinner – 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM (Last Order at 9:00 PM)
Days Closed: Irregular Holidays
Capacity: 210 seats
Parking: Nearby paid parking available
Access: 2-minute walk from the Kumamoto City Tram ‘Shiyakusho-mae’ (市役所前) stop
Official Website: http://aoyagi.ne.jp

2. Suganoya (Ginza-dori) – Pasture-Raised Horse Meat

Nestled in the grandeur of Aso’s natural landscape in Kumamoto, “Suganoya” prides itself on serving horse meat carefully raised on its expansive ranch that they own and operate themselves. As a result, they have a local reputation for quality and safety. Now, let’s gallop into their ‘must-try’ dishes!

Lunch Recommendation

The star of the lunch menu is the ‘Basashi and Steak Lunch‘.

It’s a fan-favorite for its variety and the richness of the horse meat flavors.

The ensemble includes an assortment of basashi, steak, horse meat stew, cheek meat cutlets, horse nigiri sushi, and even dessert. (And hey, for those who find meaty meals a bit heavy, horse meat is surprisingly light and easy to digest – a real treat even for the sophisticated palate!)

*Note: During lunch, you can upgrade your steak to a ‘Hari Hari Nabe’ hot pot for an additional 1,000 yen.

Dinner Recommendation

The dinner highlight at “Suganoya Ginza Street” is the signature ‘Hari Hari Nabe’.

The star of Suganoya’s Hari Hari Nabe is not whale meat (which is what ‘Hari Hari Nabe’ typically refers to) but, of course, horse meat (and it’s fresh enough to be served as sashimi)!!

The golden soup, made from horse bones, meat, and vegetables, gently cooks the horse meat, unlocking its melt-in-your-mouth sweetness.

Wrap the tender slices of horse meat around the accompanying crisp white leeks and burdock root to enjoy the contrast in textures. Reservations for their course meal are required at least one day in advance!

Suganoya Ginza Street (馬肉料理 菅乃屋 銀座通り店)
Address: 2F Daiwa Roynet Hotel Kumamoto Ginza-dori, 1-9-1 Shimotori, Chuo Ward, Kumamoto City, Kumamoto Prefecture (熊本県熊本市中央区下通り1-9-1 ダイワロイネットホテル熊本銀座通り2F) [Google Maps]
Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/C8R361LJMxZtLq5A6
Phone: 096-312-3618
Operating Hours: 11:30 AM – 2:00 PM, 5:00 PM – 8:30 PM
Days Closed: Irregular
Capacity: 55 seats
Parking: Nearby paid parking available
Access: 2-minute walk from the Kumamoto City Tram ‘Hanabatacho’ (花畑町) stop
Official Website: https://service.suganoya.com/ginzadori

3. Shiromiyagura – Kaiseki Dining with a Castle View

Towering in the heart of Kumamoto City, the beloved Kumamoto Castle stands as a symbol of the community. It’s here, with the castle in sight, that “Hanabatake Goten Shiromiyagura” (花畑御殿 城見櫓) offers an experience of Japanese and local cuisine, featuring the bounties of Kumamoto’s mountains and seas.

After enduring significant damage in the 2016 Kumamoto Earthquake and pausing operations, the restaurant reopened in 2021 with a more refined ambiance.

The highlight at Shiromiyagura is the ‘Higo Kaiseki’ course, featuring select marbled basashi from Kumamoto and a variety of local dishes. It’s the only place where you can enjoy seasonal Japanese and local cuisine crafted by skilled chefs, all while gazing at Kumamoto Castle.

While dining on the second floor may not always guarantee a castle view, depending on the number of reservations, there’s no need to worry. After your meal, you’ll be guided to the ‘Rooftop Garden’, where you can admire Kumamoto Castle right before your eyes.

During cherry blossom season, the second-floor dining area offers views of the cherry blossoms along Kumamoto castle’s moat.

While we often find ourselves looking up at the majestic Kumamoto Castle, Shiromiyagura offers a front-row seat looking straight ahead at the castle tower.

Hanabatake Goten Shiromiyagura (花畑御殿 城見櫓)
Details: Address: 1-10 Hanabatacho, Chuo Ward, Kumamoto City, Kumamoto Prefecture, in front of Kumamoto Castle long outer moat (Nagabei) (熊本県熊本市中央区花畑町 1-10 熊本城長塀前) [Google Maps]
Phone: 096-356-1146
Operating Hours: 11:30 AM – 3:00 PM, 5:00 PM – 9:30 PM (Last Order at 9:00 PM)
Days Closed: Monday
Seating Capacity: 224 seats (excluding the main hall)
Parking: Nearby paid parking available Access: 1-minute walk from the Kumamoto City Tram ‘Shiyakusho-mae’ (市役所前) stop
Other: Reservations required by the previous day for all floors (reservations for groups of 4 or less are weekdays only)
Official Website: http://www.shiromiyagura.com/

4. Umasakura Dining – Horse Katsu

Among the restaurants specializing in horse meat in Kumamoto, “Uma Sakura Dining, Ginza Street” stands out with its overwhelming variety of horse meat dishes and creative culinary spins.

Their extensive menu includes basashi, shabu-shabu, sukiyaki, yakiniku, steamed dishes, horse meat and sea urchin sushi, steaks, skewers, pizza, pasta, rice dishes, horse nigiri… and the list goes on.

This rich array is exciting not just to just visitors from outside the prefecture but even Kumamoto locals well-versed in horse meat delights.

Among this bounty, the dish that stands out the most is ‘Hire Katsu’. Bite-sized cuts of tenderloin are lightly fried to a crisp on the outside, remaining pink on the inside. Bite into these hot morsels and let the soft, juicy flavors burst in your mouth.

Enjoy them with their special sauce or rock salt, and don’t miss the pink tartar sauce made with eggplant tsukemono (shibazuke 柴漬け), the pink matching the “sakura” theme.

Just a little tidbit for the curious: the term ‘sakura’, which literally means cherry blossom, was historically used as a euphemism for horse meat in Japan, back in the days when meat consumption faced strict restrictions. This clever naming helped keep the culinary tradition alive in a subtle, poetic way – adding a layer of historical charm to your dining experience at ‘Umasakura Dining’. 🌸🐴

Umasakura Dining, Ginza-dori (馬肉ダイニング馬桜 銀座通り店)
Address: Ginza Place KUMAMOTO, 3F, 1-10-3 Shimotori, Chuo Ward, Kumamoto City, Kumamoto Prefecture (熊本県熊本市 中央区下通1-10-3 銀座プレイスKUMAMOTO 3F) [Google Maps]
Phone: 096-354-5800
Operating Hours: 11:30 AM – 3:00 PM (only on Sat, Sun & holidays), 5:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Days Closed: Irregular Seating
Capacity: 80 seats
Parking: Nearby paid parking available
Access: 3-minute walk from the Kumamoto City Tram ‘Hanabatacho’ (花畑町) stop
Other: The same menu is also available at their Shimotori location (dinner only)
Official Website: https://www.umasakura.com/pc/ginzadori/

5. Horse Meat Kyodo Ryori “Kenzo” – Rare Cuts of Basashi

At “Kenzo Horse Meat Local Cuisine”, you’re in for a treat with Kumamoto’s local delicacies centered around horse meat. What sets them apart is the freshness and quality of their horse meat, sourced directly from trusted suppliers with stringent hygiene standards, allowing them to serve delicious basashi and horse meat dishes at reasonable prices.

This dish is a celebration of freshness: the rich taste of thickly cut liver, the crunchy texture of the tongue and heart root, the melt-in-your-mouth fat of the tategami “mane”, and the tender quality of the heart. The absence of any gamey taste is a testament to the chef’s over 20 years of expertise and meticulous preparation.

It’s a dish truly worth trying, especially when exploring the unique flavors of Kumamoto.

Kenzo Horse Meat Kyodo Ryori (馬肉郷土料理 けんぞう)
Address: Basement of the Shichiko Building, 1-8-24 Shimotori, Chuo Ward, Kumamoto City, Kumamoto Prefecture (熊本県熊本市中央区下通1-8-24七光ビル地下) [Google Maps]
Phone: 096-356-8775
Operating Hours: 5:00 PM – 10:30 PM (Last Order at 10:00 PM)
Days Closed: Irregular holidays
Seating Capacity: 25 seats
Parking: Nearby paid parking available
Access: 3-minute walk from the Kumamoto City Tram ‘Hanabatacho’ (花畑町) stop
Other: Children aged 15 and above are welcome
Official Website: http://basashi-kenzo.com/

6. Terrace – Horse Meat Churrasco

Set in a fully renovated traditional house, “Terrace” offers a multicultural twist on horse meat cuisine. The culinary magic is spun by chefs who boast experience as head chefs in Tokyo’s premier hotels and restaurants.

They serve original dishes using fresh horse meat from pure Kumamoto, Koga Ranch, such as ‘Horse Sashimi Carpaccio’, ‘Horse Meat Chili Con Carne Tacos’, and ‘Horse Meat Ragu Fresh Pasta’.

A standout at Terrace is the Churrasco, using top-grade horse fillet meat from pure Kumamoto, Koga Ranch. It’s grilled to medium-rare perfection using a machine sourced straight from Brazil.

The tender texture of the horse fillet and its richness that intensifies with each bite make it irresistibly delicious.

Don’t miss their unique take on the Kumamoto specialty ‘Karashi Renkon’ (lotus root with blended miso and mustard).

This restaurant brings a refreshing modern twist to Kumamoto’s traditionally Japanese-centric horse meat cuisine.

Terrace (テラス-TERRACE-)
Address: 3-38 Suidocho, Chuo Ward, Kumamoto City, Kumamoto Prefecture (熊本県熊本市中央区水道町3-38) [Google Maps]
Phone: 096-245-7518
Operating Hours: 6:00 PM – 12:00 AM
Days Closed: None
Seating Capacity: 60 seats
Parking: Nearby paid parking available
Access: 3-minute walk from the Kumamoto City Tram ‘Suidocho’ (水道町) stop
Official Social Media: Instagram

Summary: Main Cuts of Basashi and Horse Meat Dishes Available by Restaurant

	Aoyagi	Suganoya	Shiromiyagura	Kenzo	Basakura	Terasu
Basashi	Marbled (Shimofuri) Akami Liver Rōsu Jo-Himo Tategami Heart	Marbled (Shimofuri) Akami Liver Rōsu Jo-Himo Futaego Tategami Heart	Marbled (Shimofuri) Akami Liver*(*Reservation required) Futaego Tategami	Marbled (Shimofuri) Akami Liver Aorta Tategami Heart Tongue	Marbled (Shimofuri) Akami Liver Aorta Futaego Tategami Heart Tongue	Akami Hire Harami Madara Tategami Heart Tongue
Other dishes à la carte prepared with horse meat	Sukiyaki Steak Grilled Skewers (Kushiyaki) Stewed Horumon (Offal) Namerou (Finely chopped, similar to tartare) Nigiri	Steak Stewed Tendon Hari Hari Nabe Nigiri Katsu	Shabu-Shabu Sukiyaki Yakiniku Steak Nigiri (All of the above require prior reservation)	Natto Grilled Skewers (Kushiyaki) Horumon (Offal) Tempura Steak Tataki Motsu Nabe (Offal Hot-Pot) Soup Nigiri	Shabu-Shabu Sukiyaki Yakiniku Natto Pizza Hire Katsu Nigiri	Carpaccio Horse and Avocado Millefeuille Churrasco Tacos Pasta
Course Meals	Higo Kyodo Ryori Kaiseki (from 6,000 yen)	Sugonya Kyodo Sushi Course (from 7,900 yen)	Shiromi Kaiseki (from 6,000 yen)	Course Meal (from 6,380 yen)	Premium Assorted Basashi and Horse Yakiniku Course (from 8,000 yen)	Pure Kumamoto-Bred Horse Course Meal (from 8,800 yen)

　

And there you have it – our scoop on “The Must-Try Dish: Kumamoto’s Horse Sashimi & Horse Meat Cuisine!” We’ve galloped through six top spots in Kumamoto City to savor delicious horse meat. 🐎

Did any of the Basashi or horse meat dishes pique your curiosity? 🐝

I’ll continue buzzing around to bring you all the fun (and tasty!) news from Kumamoto. Here’s hoping this article reaches both locals and visitors alike… May your next trip to Kumamoto be filled with culinary adventures! 💖🍽️

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The above was translated and adapted from an article on our Japanese sister website ALT Kumamoto, titled “【食べるべき一皿をご紹介します】熊本と言えば、やっぱり馬刺し＆馬肉料理！　熊本市内でおいしい馬肉を味わえるおすすめの店6選” For the original content, visit: https://akumamoto.jp/archives/220596.