About Choi’s Kitchen

Hello travelers!
It’s Binako, your Sarukuma writer (and confessed meat lover)!

Today I’m taking you to Tatsuda in Kita-ku, Kumamoto City, to a delightful little food truck called “Choi’s Kitchen” (チョイの台所).

The food truck is parked on the grounds of “Nouvelle Vague,” a venue that doubles as a hangout spot for students from the neighborhood.
On the day of my visit, plenty of local elementary school kids were buzzing around — the place had a wonderfully lively vibe!

Parking is available for several cars, so it’s super easy to drop by — even if you’re traveling around Kumamoto by rental car.

Right next to the food truck you’ll find a tarp tent set up with chairs, so you can grab a seat and enjoy your meal outdoors with your travel companions.

On the table in front of the truck, I spotted a sweet little container labeled “Take One — Free!”

Inside? Earrings, hair ties, and other cute accessories…
Wait, these are really free?! I happily helped myself — a lovely little surprise that captures the warm hospitality you’ll find across Kumamoto.

Wander over toward the Nouvelle Vague building, and you’ll discover a charming little pool! The kids absolutely loved it.

While we waited for our order, we relaxed in this welcoming indoor space. There are both regular tables and comfy sofa seats — perfect if you’re traveling with little ones.

The restrooms are spotless and easy to use.
There’s also a diaper-changing station and a kid-sized toilet seat — a real plus for families.

Choi’s Kitchen Recommended Menu

Here’s a peek at the menu:
BIBIMBAB (Bibimbap) — 850 yen
・Beef　・Tuna　・Vegetable
(Choose gochujang or mayonnaise)

Origami Kimbap — 350 yen

The kitchen also caters to guests who prefer mild flavors and to those who don’t eat meat — a thoughtful touch you’ll appreciate as a traveler.

And here’s the drink menu.
The Snack Set is exclusive to elementary school kids at just 200 yen — adorably presented and wallet-friendly enough that any parent will want to grab one.

The choi!! Bibimbap (500 yen) is a fun shake-it-yourself bibimbap that’s perfect for grab-and-go eating. The local kids — predictably skipping the veggies, kid-classic style — were happily shaking their cups when I visited.

Here’s the order sheet.
There’s plenty more to choose from too, including Hotteok (150 yen), a Korean sweet pancake, and Tteokbokki (300 yen), the classic spicy rice cakes.

Meet the Origami Kimbap — crisp, savory Korean seaweed folded around rice, tuna, and fresh veggies.
It’s the perfect size and thickness for snacking on the go!

And here comes the Snack Set!
It includes a drink and two adorable mini doughnuts.

My son was thrilled and chomped right into those doughnuts the second they hit the table!

And here’s the Doughnut Set.
A traffic jam of cuteness, honestly…

The doughnuts on top are seriously special — Nouvelle Vague even orders them as premium wedding favors because they’re that good.

The dough is wonderfully chewy and pillowy, and I loved the satisfying crunch of the chocolate and crunchy bits on top. I practically inhaled them.

Next, I grabbed the choi!! Bibimbap and Hotteok as takeout.

The packaging is travel-friendly and ridiculously cute — perfect for a picnic at one of Kumamoto’s many parks.

The Hotteok, served in a paper cup, totally captures that authentic Korean street food vibe — it’s an Instagram moment waiting to happen!

The contrast of the crisp, lightly salted outer crust against the chewy, tender interior is just right.
Inside, you’ll find a fragrant, sweet peanut filling that’s absolutely irresistible.

My son normally turns up his nose at anything that isn’t chocolate, but he loved this so much he stole it from me and ate the whole thing!

And finally, the choi!! Bibimbap!
The rice, vegetables, and sauce are layered up beautifully inside the cup.

Now for the fun part —
SHAKE… SHAKE… SHAKE!!!

A bibimbap shaken with love really is something else.

It’s loaded with toppings, so it’s hearty and filling.
I ordered mine with mayonnaise, and my child and I devoured every last bite.

Choi’s Kitchen has this incredibly cozy, welcoming atmosphere.
I was having so much fun that I ended up lingering for a whole hour without even noticing.

No wonder the local students love hanging out here!
I’ll definitely be back, and I highly recommend adding this gem to your Kumamoto travel itinerary.

Whether you’re a Korean food lover, a family looking for a kid-friendly stop, or a traveler seeking out hidden local favorites, Choi’s Kitchen is well worth the trip.
P.S. The photo below shows a friendly puppy who happens to share my name 🐶

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Frequently Asked Questions

※Information is current as of the visit. Prices and hours are subject to change. Please confirm before visiting.