Introducing Ichirikara

Hello, fellow travelers!
I’m the SaruKuma writer who loves spicy food and aromatherapy.

Today I’m introducing
a wonderful spot in Naganishi, Kumamoto City,
called “Ichirikara” (pronounced ee-chee-ree-ka-ra).

Head east on Schroh Mall, and you’ll spot an osteopathic clinic on your left.
Turn left just before it, and this sign will come into view!

After turning at the sign, you’ll find 5 parking spaces in the back and 2 more on the property (*^-^*)

Look for spots numbered 19-23 (*^-^*)
Make sure not to mix them up!

On your way from the parking lot to the restaurant, you’ll see another sign — the entrance is just beyond it. So exciting~ 💛

“A Chinese Restaurant Featuring Kuma Shochu” (⋈◍＞◡＜◍)。✧♡

It’s lunchtime, so sadly no shochu for me today (laugh), but my stomach is calling out loud and clear ( *´艸｀)

Let’s head inside!

Ichirikara’s Recommended Menu

Here’s the interior!

The dining area has 2 table seats and 3 traditional Japanese-style tatami rooms.

Each tatami room seats up to 4 guests ☺

The tatami rooms feature horigotatsu-style sunken floors, so you can stretch your legs comfortably! Perfect for those who aren’t used to sitting in seiza (kneeling) position 🎵

Tons of celebrity autographs and bottles of sake on display ( *´艸｀)

Even popular Kumamoto TV shows have featured this place — no wonder I’m so eager to dig in! ☺

Takeout is also available, so you can enjoy these dishes wherever you like!

Service lunches are limited in quantity, so arrive early to secure your favorite ♪

At Ichirikara, everything from the chili oil, amazake (sweet rice drink), ice cream, and dashi (broth)

is “additive-free, locally sourced, and 100% handmade,” with limited daily quantities.

Wow~! Now I’m even hungrier.

Here’s the menu!

Lunch Service Menu (all prices include tax): 1,200 yen

※ All lunch sets come with rice, soup, salad, side dish, dessert, pickles, and Tieguanyin oolong tea.
A. Sichuan Chengdu-Style Mapo Tofu (Spice Level 5)
B. Crispy Fried Herb Chicken Thigh
C. Premium Shrimp in Chili Sauce
D. Yurinchi (Crispy Chicken with Vinegar-Soy Sauce)
E. Signature Sesame Tantanmen
G. Soupless Tantanmen (Spice Level 3)

Want to try a little of everything? Check this out!

〈Share Lunch (for 2 guests only)〉 3,000 yen

Choose 1 from A or D / 1 from B or D / 1 from E or F (no soup) — 3 dishes total.

〈This Week’s Business Lunch〉 1,000 yen — Limited quantities, ask the staff!

〈This Month’s Ichirikara Lunch〉 1,650 yen — This month features both shrimp chili and yurinchi, with the full lunch set.

As a spicy food lover, I’m introducing the mapo tofu I had recently and the yurinchi I’d been curious to try.

Here it comes! “Wow~ 💛” The amazing aroma of spice hits you immediately

The chili oil and Sichuan peppercorn (huajiao) wake up both your nose and your appetite.

With so many side dishes, you can enjoy a full range of flavors — spicy, sweet, and everything in between.

“Itadakimasu! (Let’s eat!)”

“Mmm~ 💛 Delicious! And the perfect level of spice!” The robust seasoning and heat spread beautifully across your palate.

Despite the generous chili oil, it doesn’t sit heavy in your stomach — instead, the umami flavors really shine.
The Sichuan peppercorn and doubanjiang (fermented broad bean paste) cling to the tofu, creating an addictive flavor that keeps you coming back for more!

It’s quite a hearty portion, but I polished it off completely.
I also recommend taking spice breaks with the salad, Chinese soup, and side dishes — it’s a wonderful way to enjoy the meal.

Next up is the yurinchi (crispy chicken with vinegar-soy sauce).

Today’s soup was a chilled tantan-style soup made with the tantanmen broth.

I had been torn between dishes, so getting to taste the soup was a lucky bonus 💛

Time to dig in again — “Itadakimasu! ♪”

“Mmm~ 💛 So good! ( *´艸｀)”

The juicy fried chicken is topped with plenty of green onion and a ginger-infused savory sauce that whets your appetite.
The perfect balance of tangy and rich flavors gives it a refreshing finish that’s easy to enjoy.

The tantan soup was loaded with sesame and absolutely delicious too.

Even after eating my fill, I’m already thinking about coming back for the tantanmen — what a foodie I am (laugh).

Highly recommended for fans of authentic Chinese cuisine and mapo tofu lovers.

Of course, those who prefer milder flavors will love the yurinchi, tantanmen, and fried chicken too!

In the evening, they also serve Kuma shochu (a regional Kumamoto liquor) — why not stop by and give it a try?

Frequently Asked Questions

※Information current at the time of reporting. Prices and hours may change. Please confirm before visiting.