Introducing Indian Shokudo

Hello there!
This is Rikotama, your SaruKuma writer!

Today I’m excited to introduce you to
Oe in Chuo Ward, Kumamoto City,
where you’ll find [Indian Shokudo]!

You’ll find it right across from the Kumamoto Municipal Library! It’s a super easy landmark to spot.

Here’s something we ourselves got wrong at first: this isn’t an Indian curry house!
It’s a true Indian home-cooking restaurant!

The parking lot is located a short walk away from the restaurant itself.

Here it is.

Here are the opening hours.
Lunch: 11:30 AM – 2:30 PM
Dinner: 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM

A few requests from the restaurant!
When you enter, please wash and sanitize your hands!
Please wear a mask except while eating.

Inside, you’ll find both counter seating and table seating.
With log-style stools and lots of natural wood throughout, the whole space has a warm, welcoming feel.

The kitchen was lined with rows of fragrant spices — a beautiful sight!

Indian Shokudo Recommended Menu

There are two lunch options.
The menu changes daily, so check the chalkboard for today’s offerings!

Vegetarian: 800 yen [Large rice 900 yen / Small rice 770 yen]
Non-Vegetarian (meat): 850 yen [Large rice 950 yen / Small rice 820 yen]
*Both come with a side dish (soup), salad, and papad (crispy lentil cracker)!

Here’s the daily chalkboard!
On this particular visit: Vegetarian → [Chickpea and Spinach Curry]
Non-Vegetarian → [Chicken Yogurt Curry] were on offer.

I asked the staff, “Is this OK for kids to eat?” and…

They brought out a special kids’ menu from the back! What a relief!

① (Up to about age 6) Small plate for little ones — 530 yen
② (Around age 7+) Same plate as adults but lighter portions — 650 yen
Both feature a mild, non-spicy chicken keema curry that’s gentle on young palates.

There are also side menu options.
Daily à la carte: Vegetarian 800 yen / Non-Vegetarian 900 yen
Beer 🍺 500 yen
Coconut Ice Cream 300 yen
Chai 450 yen
Lassi 370 yen
Cake Set 550 yen

Here’s the kids’ menu (option ② for age 7+).
My son was thrilled with the potatoes and peach dessert!

The curry was easy on his palate too, and of course, he cleaned his plate!

This is the Non-Vegetarian plate my husband ordered!

The soup was a gentle, comforting lentil broth, and the salad was a sweet-and-tangy daikon radish salad.
The chicken was simmered until fall-apart tender, with the deep, layered flavors of beautifully balanced spices!

And here’s the Vegetarian plate I ordered!

The menu actually included instructions on how to eat it:
[Mix the rice, curry, soup, and side dishes together and enjoy]
[Eat the papad (crispy cracker) as is, or crumble it on top like a furikake topping]
So I followed the lead…

…and mixed it all together!
Wow! A whole new flavor experience… and it’s delicious!

First, the natural sweetness and umami of the spinach and chickpeas spread across the palate, followed by a satisfying kick of warming spice!
The curry itself is light and broth-like, closer to a soup curry than a thick stew.

Since they use authentic Indian rice (basmati-style), the whole plate slides down as smoothly as ochazuke — I finished it in no time!
And since the menu changes daily, there’s always something new to try whenever you visit!

While we were eating, customers kept streaming in one after another!

There were lots of takeout customers too!

How great is it that you can enjoy authentic Indian home cooking right at home?
Be sure to drop by and try it for yourself!

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Frequently Asked Questions

*Information is current as of the time of writing. Prices and hours are subject to change. Please confirm before visiting.