Traditional Kumamoto cuisine

Traditional Kumamoto cuisine reflects the region's rich agricultural and maritime resources, emphasizing hearty, flavorful dishes. It features ingredients like Kumamoto beef, known for its tenderness and marbling, and freshwater fish such as Ayu (sweetfish). Popular dishes include "Basashi" (raw horse meat sashimi), savory miso-based soups, and regional vegetables like lotus root and daikon. Kumamoto cuisine also highlights tools like the "Jingisukan" (Genghis Khan) grilled lamb barbecue and the use of local citrus, such as yuzu. The cuisine showcases balanced flavors, seasonal ingredients, and a deep connection to the area's natural landscape and traditions.