Outstanding Drinks and Comforting Oden

Danran Sakaba Hashigodaka

Tabiiro’s picks: signature dishes

House-made oden with a variety of ingredients

The Signature "Oden Assortment," Infused with Rich Dashi

Oden is available a la carte, while the recommended "Assorted Oden" is well suited to a first visit or for sampling a variety of ingredients. Around 15 kinds are offered, centered on classic selections. Each piece is infused with flavorful Japanese broth, bringing out the natural character and gentle taste of the ingredients. The oden pairs especially well with sake and shochu, and an all-you-can-drink option is also available. Takeout is offered as well, making the oden suitable for drinks at home or as a take-home treat.

Popular pairings

"Dai-chan's Chashu" made with two types of soy sauce

Pork Shoulder "Daichan's Chashu" with a Lighter Taste

This signature dish features pork marinated in two types of soy sauce made at Kamada Brewery in Hitoyoshi, Kumamoto. Made with pork shoulder loin, the house-made chashu has a lighter flavor than typical chashu, complemented by the richness and gentle sweetness of the soy sauce. Four thick, generously sized slices make the dish easy to share among several diners. Suitable as an accompaniment to drinks or for a lighter meat dish, the satisfying house-made chashu pairs especially well with oden.

Must-try signature dish

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  Dashi-Infused "Deep-Fried Oden Daikon"

  The oden is prepared the day before, with careful parboiling and removal of bitterness to allow the dashi to penetrate deeply into the "Oden Daikon." One whole radish is then cut into eight pieces and fried to create the signature "Deep-Fried Oden Daikon." The crisp exterior contrasts with the juicy, dashi-infused radish inside, creating a satisfying texture. Easy to share among larger groups, the dish has become a well-received menu favorite.

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  "Steamed Red Chicken Salad" with House-made Dressing

  "Steamed Red Chicken Salad" is a generous salad made with "Higo no Umaka Aka-dori, (red chicken)" a branded jidori chicken from Kumamoto, and served with the owner's house-made sesame dressing. Packed with fresh raw vegetables, the salad also works well as a refreshing accompaniment between bites of oden and is easy to share among several diners.

Restaurant highlights

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  A sake selection featuring rare labels

  A Lineup of Rare Labels for Tasting and Comparison

  Approximately 25 varieties of sake are available, ranging from well-known labels from across Japan to rare selections. Featured names include "Jikon," "Hiroki," "Ubusuna," and "Denshu," along with hard-to-find local sake rarely encountered even in central Kumamoto. Uncommon labels such as "Shinshu Kirei," "Isojiman," and "Hanamura" also arrive from time to time, adding further appeal for sake enthusiasts.

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  A selection of shochu distinctive to Kumamoto

  A Choice Selection of Rare Shochu

  The shochu selection is another point of distinction, featuring more than 15 varieties of Kuma shochu from Kumamoto. The lineup showcases differences in production and aging methods, including atmospheric distillation, vacuum distillation, and aged expressions, offering considerable depth for shochu enthusiasts. Rare bottles available only through direct visits to distilleries, along with labels unavailable online, are also stocked. Combined with the sake selection, more than 40 different Japanese spirits are available, adding to the restaurant's appeal.

Interior

A spacious interior

Counter seating that encourages conversation

A seat for conversation with the friendly owner

Table seating for small groups

Suitable for groups and families

The interior features eight spacious counter seats, creating a warm setting where conversation can arise naturally even during solo visits. The side-by-side layout also suits small gatherings and groups, with easy movement between seats adding to the comfort. Close proximity among guests and staff encourages casual conversation and can lead to new connections, contributing to the welcoming atmosphere.

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From the Tabiiro Editorial Team

Located in Kumamoto City's lively downtown district, the restaurant offers convenient access and a warm, welcoming atmosphere created by the husband-and-wife team who run it. Conversation flows easily alongside a wide selection of drinks and dishes, while more than 40 varieties of sake and shochu make the restaurant especially appealing for those interested in Japanese spirits. Some bottles are sourced personally by the owner, adding opportunities to discover unfamiliar labels and distinctive new flavors.