Suganoya Kamitori

Suganoya is one of the most respected names in basashi, the raw horse-meat sashimi for which Kumamoto is famous throughout Japan. The company controls the process from ranch to table, raising and sourcing its own horses, which gives it a reputation for quality and safety that reassures first-time diners, and its central Kumamoto restaurants are among the best places for visitors to try this distinctive regional delicacy in comfortable, welcoming surroundings.

Basashi, sometimes affectionately called sakura-niku or 'cherry-blossom meat' for its pink colour, is deeply woven into Kumamoto's food culture, and eating it here is one of the essential experiences of the region. At Suganoya it is served as beautifully presented sashimi, typically a selection of cuts ranging from lean red meat to prized fatty toro and delicate marbled slices, accompanied by grated garlic, ginger and a slightly sweet soy sauce for dipping. The meat is tender, clean-tasting and far milder than newcomers expect, and the different cuts offer a genuine tasting experience. Beyond raw preparations, the menu extends to horse-meat sushi, grilled and simmered dishes and hot pots, so even the initially hesitant can find an approachable way in.

For travellers, part of Suganoya's appeal is that it makes an unusual regional speciality accessible. The restaurants are polished and often provide English menus, staff are used to explaining the cuts, and set courses take the guesswork out of ordering. This lowers the barrier to trying something that can seem daunting, while still delivering an authentic version of the dish rather than a watered-down one.

Kumamoto's association with horse meat is long-standing, and sampling it is as much a cultural experience as a culinary one. Suganoya's central branches sit conveniently in the Kamitori and Ginza-dori area, close to the arcades and easily reached on the city tram, so a dinner here rounds off a day of sightseeing around the castle and downtown perfectly.

Prices vary with the cuts and courses chosen, with basashi sets ranging from around fifteen hundred yen for a modest sampler to several thousand for a fuller spread, and a relaxed meal takes about an hour. Dinner is the prime time to enjoy the full menu. For anyone curious about Kumamoto's most famous speciality, Suganoya offers a trustworthy, high-quality and beginner-friendly introduction to the world of basashi.