Local Popular Japanese Delicacies

Published: December 6, 2023

※Prices are subject to change from those in effect at the time of the interview. Please contact the store directly for the latest information.

 

Kumamoto Basashi Maaru, which opened in 2019.

△Basashi Assortment

Basashi usually refers to raw horse meat, but here it is one of many horse meat dishes. Here you have liver, fat from the back of the neck, and marbled fatty meat. It looks like beef, although the texture is a bit tougher. It’s served with grated ginger, grated garlic, and soy sauce which you can use in any combination to enjoy.

 

△Assorted Appetizers

This dish features smoked horse bacon and lean meat, taro with miso yuzu paste, lotus root with mustard paste, potato salad with smoked horse meat.

The presentation of the dish and the use of exquisite plate contribute to a luxurious experience, allowing one to enjoy both the flavor and visual aspects of the cuisine.

 

△Maaru’s special horse shao mai

Homemade shuumai (a type of steamed dumplings) using horse meat are served with a bit of mustard and soy sauce. The taste is not overpowering and more subtle than you’d expect.

Horse meat is low in calories, high in protein, and contains three to four times more iron than beef or pork. It is also rich in calcium, making it a perfect choice for individuals with anemia or growing children!

 

△Horse Miso Katsu

Miso is a fermented food made by adding salt to grains such as soybeans, and katsu is deep fried. You wouldn’t expect it to be easy on the palette, but it really was tasty.

 

 

△Horse Hormone yaki

Hormone yaki is grilled organs. Although it is often an acquired taste and texture for Westerners, I thought it was flavorful and yummy, a great source of collagen too! The combination of roasted garlic and organ meat was superb.

 

△Horse Shabu Hotpot

Shabu Shabu is a common type of hotpot eaten during the cold seasons. The broth is made from a combination of konbu (seaweed), bonito (fish). This one comes with all the standard ingredients like Napa cabbage, carrot, spring onion, enoki mushrooms, shiitake mushrooms, lion’s mane mushroom (this one is rarer), and the standard beef or pork is replaced with horse meat. It was very warming and satisfying.

 

There are many varieties of alcohol.

There’s a wide selection of Japanese alcohol for those who like to take their time and enjoy drinking.

There are also Japanese sake and shochu produced in Kumamoto! You can enjoy fine dining and exquisite spirits at the counter, or hosting gatherings such as healthy-themed girls’ nights out or meals with friends, it seems like a place that can attract a diverse range of customers!

 

This was a delightful experience! You can really see the owner’s passion in the food she serves; she’s very knowledgeable about health and swears by the benefits of eating horse meat. For those who are curious and want a rare experience, this shop is a top choice.

 

Please call to make a reservation at least one day in advance as the owner wants to have the freshest ingredients as possible.

 

≪English Article Journalist Profile≫

・Name：Natalie

・Age：Thirties

・Nationality：Poland

・Hobbies：Sewing, DJ, Up cycling, Illustration

 

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※Information is based on interviews conducted in November 2023. Prices, operating hours, etc, might be subject to change. Please be sure to confirm the details at the establishment.

※All prices mentioned in the article are inclusive of tax.