Kumamoto Basashi

Basashi is Kumamoto's representative local dish, with Kumamoto Prefecture accounting for approximately 40% of Japan's horse meat production. Various cuts—including lean meat, mane meat (kounē), marbled cuts, and liver—are enjoyed the Kumamoto way, seasoned with sweet soy sauce and grated ginger. The delicate, melting texture of marbled cuts is particularly exceptional, standing alongside karashi renkon and dago jiru as a cornerstone of Kumamoto's food culture. Horse meat specialty shops are scattered throughout the arcades of Shimotori and Kamitori, offering diverse menus including horse meat nigiri sushi and yukhoe.