About the Shop

Hello, travelers!

I’m Binako, a SaruKuma writer
with a never-ending appetite —
seriously, if I’m awake, I’m hungry!

Today I’m excited to introduce
a hidden gem in Oe, Chuo Ward, Kumamoto City:
“Kitchen Tomiya”.

You’ll find this little spot tucked behind
the charming “Goo Choki Pan-ya” bakery I’ve featured before ^^

[Goo Choki Pan-ya] A Beloved Local Bakery with Loads of Adorable Character Bread the Kids Will Adore ^^ (Oe, Chuo Ward, Kumamoto City)

Heads up: Kitchen Tomiya doesn’t have a parking lot,
so I highly recommend calling ahead to place your order before you head over!

One small warning: if you just follow your GPS,
it’ll lead you to the back of the building and you’ll be wondering,
“Wait… where am I?”
(Yes, that’s exactly what happened to me, lol!)

The easiest landmark: keep Domino’s Pizza Oe on your left and head straight,
and you’ll spot this sign on your left-hand side!

Walk a bit further in and you’ll find the shop’s sign and entrance.

There’s even a small eat-in corner inside,
perfect for a quick break during a stroll around the neighborhood.

And the atmosphere? Absolutely lovely.

Beside the register, you’ll spot a selection of classic Japanese “dagashi” (old-school penny candy).
While I was there, a group of elementary school kids rolled up on their bikes
to stock up on their favorite treats ^^

It’s so heartwarming to see a place where kids feel comfortable popping in on their own (*´Д｀)

Recommended Menu

Here’s the bento (Japanese boxed lunch) menu!

The numbers 1 through 31 represent the dates of the month,
each with its own daily special (^^♪

You can also grab side dishes only,
plus there’s a donburi (rice bowl) special every Tuesday,
and tomato chicken curry every Friday —
basically, there’s always a reason to come back!

The flip side has à la carte items, including
Kitchen Tomiya’s signature dish:
Hashimaki (egg-and-batter rolled around chopsticks) — from 300 yen!

Their gyoza dumplings are also reportedly a hit, so I’m definitely coming back to try those next time (*´Д｀)

The Daily Bento at 550 Yen — Unbelievable Value

Now, on to the main event — I ordered the
Daily Bento for 550 yen (small rice portion)!

The day’s special was ebi chili (sweet-and-spicy chili shrimp),
but you’d never guess it was a single-dish bento —
the variety of side dishes packed inside blew me away!

Look at it from this angle…

…and from this angle too!

So many delicious side dishes to feast your eyes on!

Doesn’t it just look amazing?

And the star — that ebi chili shrimp!

Seriously, soooo good!

It has just a hint of spicy kick, but it’s leaning sweet,
so even kids who can handle a tiny bit of heat should enjoy it.

And the shrimp portion is super generous, which made me so happy.
Plump, bouncy shrimp paired with that sweet-spicy sauce — pure perfection!

Where do you even find such colorful sesame seeds?
They were so cute and rainbow-bright!

This dish has a gentle spicy kick too, and it pairs beautifully with rice.

Extra-Thick Tamagoyaki (Japanese Rolled Omelet)

Soft, fluffy, and impressively thick.
The rich dashi (Japanese broth) flavor really shines through — a savory, satisfying bite.

A bento packed with such a colorful variety of dishes —
and all this for just 550 yen? Unbeatable value!

If you’re in the area, you’ve got to try it for yourself!

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Frequently Asked Questions

*Information is accurate as of the time of reporting. Prices and hours may change. Please confirm before visiting.