Welcome to Drive-in Koma

Hello travelers! This is Igaguri, a writer for SaruKuma.

Today we’re heading to Terada in Tamana City to visit
Drive-in Koma (ドライブイン仔馬) — a beloved old-school diner that locals can’t stop raving about.

Look at this retro vibe!
If you’ve driven past and felt a bit hesitant to step inside, you’re not alone — but trust us, it’s worth it.

The lot is packed at lunchtime on weekdays!

Heads up — parking spaces are a bit tight, so take care when squeezing in.

Drive-in Koma sits on the Gyokuto-side of Tamana, close to two other spots we’ve featured before: “Masupan” bakery and “Higo Seiniku,” the specialist horse-sashimi butcher.

One thing to know: there’s no restroom inside the restaurant. You’ll find a Japanese-style (squat) toilet next to the “Drive-in Koma” signboard shown in the photo above.
If you’re traveling with little ones who are still potty training and used to Western-style toilets, plan accordingly.

Here’s what the inside looks like.

Surprisingly, there are quite a few traditional tatami-mat (zashiki) seats — a perfect chance to experience authentic Japanese-style dining!

At weekday lunch, the crowd is mostly local salarymen, so it skews male — but in the evenings, you’ll see lots of families with kids.

The star of the menu at Drive-in Koma is the “teppan teishoku” — sizzling iron-plate set meals.

Ingredients are clearly labeled by origin:
– Kyushu-raised meats
– Australian beef
– Domestic Japanese ingredients
– Locally grown Kumamoto rice

It’s refreshing to see such transparency about sourcing.

And with most set meals coming in under 1,000 yen, the prices are a real treat in today’s economy.

Not a fan of piping-hot iron-plate dishes? No worries — there are plenty of other options.

We forgot to snap the menu, but the mixed fry platter is also a local favorite!

You’ll also find udon noodles and rice bowls (donburi) on the menu!

The drink selection is solid too!

Drive-in Koma — Recommended Menu Picks

The #1 most popular item: “Yakiniku Teishoku” (Grilled Pork Set Meal) — 820 yen

Tender pork marinated in a sweet-savory sauce, served sizzling on a hot iron plate. Beneath it, a bed of cabbage and bean sprouts soaks up all that delicious umami — you won’t be able to put your chopsticks down!

And don’t miss the fried egg cooking right on the iron plate — crispy whites and a runny yolk that’s pure perfection.

The horumon (offal) here is the “Kotetchan” style — pre-seasoned and easy to enjoy.
It’s lighter on the grease than your typical horumon, which is a thoughtful touch for diners who can’t handle too much fat.

You can eat plenty without feeling weighed down afterward — a real win!

Portions are generous, so even ordering it as a single dish for 600 yen will leave you fully satisfied.

The set meals come with a quirky little salad on the side.

Why pineapple, you ask? We’re not sure either! And we’ve never seen takuan (pickled radish) sliced into such long strips before. It’s part of the charm.

“You’d expect places like this to be hit-or-miss, but the food here is genuinely delicious!”

“Wait — is this miso soup homemade?!”

First-time visitors often walk away pleasantly surprised. If you’re searching for the iconic teppan set meal in Tamana, Drive-in Koma is the place to go!

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Frequently Asked Questions

* Information is accurate as of the time of our visit. Prices and hours may change — please confirm before you go.