Introducing cafe&kitchenTOM.TOM

Hello, this is Gachako, writer for Sarukuma!

Today I’m introducing a hidden gem located in Sakata, Yamaga City:
cafe&kitchenTOM.TOM.

The cafe sits right on the border between Nagomi Town (formerly Kikusui Town) and Yamaga City — a peaceful countryside spot in northern Kumamoto Prefecture.

There’s parking for about 4 cars right in front of the shop.
The road outside can get busy, so please take your time and park safely.

Here’s a peek inside. The cafe even has kids’ chairs and a piano — so charming!

The owner, a father-and-daughter duo, started a self-renovation project before the COVID-19 pandemic, only to open right as the pandemic hit. “We had no choice but to push forward!” they told me — what a wonderfully spirited team.

Here’s the surprising twist: this cafe is run by professional butchers who also operate a meat shop!
I walked in clueless, just craving coffee (oh no…).
Let me at least share the menu with you.
I deeply regretted arriving with a full stomach.

Steak Lunch (150g) — from 1,300 yen
Negi Basashi Don (Horsemeat Sashimi Bowl) — 1,000 yen

The steak lunch is incredibly well-priced thanks to the in-house butcher.
The Negi Basashi Don features basashi (raw horsemeat sashimi) — a Kumamoto specialty — over rice 🍚.
As a fellow basashi lover, I had a great horsemeat-fan chat with the dad!

Tonkatsu (Pork Cutlet) Lunch — 900 yen
Pasta Set (Napolitan or Garlic) — 800 yen

Hamburg Steak Lunch — 900 yen
Karaage (Japanese Fried Chicken) Lunch — 800 yen

Once again, the butcher’s expertise shines through with house-made minced meat.

Katsu Curry — 900 yen
Beef Curry — 800 yen

Both come with a side salad and are loaded with generous portions of beef — what a luxurious deal!

Kids’ Hamburg Lunch — 600 yen
Kids’ Karaage Lunch — 600 yen
Kids’ Curry Lunch — 500 yen

The kids’ menu is a wonderful touch for families.
The variety here rivals a family restaurant — truly impressive!

Here’s the dessert menu:

Happy Pudding — 400 yen
Japanese-Style Parfait (Wa Parfait) — 400 yen
Melon Cream Soda — 500 yen
Soft Serve Ice Cream — 350 yen
Kakigori (Shaved Ice) — 500 yen

The drink menu is equally impressive — they even serve butterfly pea tea!

Recommended Menu at cafe&kitchenTOM.TOM

I ordered the Wa Parfait (Japanese-Style Parfait) for 400 yen.

I paired it with their self-roasted coffee.
Instagram followers get a complimentary drink with their order!
So the set was just 400 yen total. Such an amazing deal — are you sure?!
(Be sure to follow their Instagram account linked below!)
The coffee even came with an adorable cookie!

You top a monaka (a traditional Japanese wafer) with anko (sweet red bean paste) and matcha ice cream to make your own self-style monaka — a fun, hands-on dessert experience!
The taste? Absolutely delicious — guaranteed!
It also includes yokan (sweet bean jelly) and fruit, so you can enjoy a delightful range of flavors.

The combination of self-roasted coffee and the Wa Parfait made for a truly relaxing, joyful afternoon.

I highly recommend visiting cafe&kitchenTOM.TOM — Yamaga’s very own “family restaurant” (as I’ve affectionately nicknamed it, ha!).

Next time, I’m definitely going for the Negi Basashi Don!!

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Frequently Asked Questions

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