About Kumamoto Chinese Amagae Branch

Hello travelers! I’m Kanao, a writer for [Sarukuma] 🌼

Today I’m excited to introduce Kumamoto Chinese, a delightful little spot located in Yatsushiro City.

This is a takeout-only shop with serious culinary roots.
It’s the sister restaurant of two well-known establishments in Yatsushiro: Shin Chuka Ryori Kencho (modern Chinese cuisine) and Italian restaurant Il Faro.
Both are extremely popular in Yatsushiro, so you know the food here is in expert hands.

Kencho sits in the heart of downtown Yatsushiro and is one of my personal favorites — I keep coming back 😊
Il Faro is located near Yatsushiro Port.
It’s an elegant spot, perfect for a refined lunch with friends ✨️

If you’re ever wondering where to eat lunch in Yatsushiro, keep these names handy.

Kumamoto Chinese is located just about 50 meters from the rear entrance of Nitori Yatsushiro (a popular Japanese furniture and homeware store).

On the opposite side from Nitori, you’ll find a 7-Eleven and a shop selling amazake manju (sweet rice-wine steamed buns).
Kumamoto Chinese itself is tucked just off the main road — a true hidden gem.

The previously vacant lot here has recently been taken over by Yoshinaga Chikusan (a butcher shop), and Kumamoto Chinese sits within the same property.
Look for the bright red “open” flag fluttering out front.

The parking lot is nice and spacious.
The parking lines are a bit faded, but visitors line up neatly using them as a guide.

And here’s Kumamoto Chinese itself.
The shop is compact, with one staff member working inside.
You simply order at the window and wait nearby until your food is ready — quick and easy!

Here’s a peek at the menu:

・Whole Roasted Chicken (can be cut) — 1,500 yen per chicken

・Imo-ame (Sweet Potato Candy) — 400 yen per pack

・Ebi Chili (Shrimp in Chili Sauce) — 990 yen per serving

・Ebi Mayo (Shrimp with Mayo) — 990 yen per serving

・Pari Pari Soba (Crispy Noodles) — 680 yen per serving

・Goma Dango (Sesame Balls) — 400 yen for 5 pieces

・Chahan (Fried Rice) — 600 yen per serving

・Yakisoba (Stir-Fried Noodles) — 600 yen per serving

・Subuta (Sweet and Sour Pork) — 890 yen per serving

・Hoikoro (Twice-Cooked Pork) — 890 yen per serving

And there’s even more!

・Karaage (Japanese Fried Chicken) — 6 pieces 650 yen / 4 pieces 500 yen

There’s also a fantastic daily special. Items normally priced at 890 yen (Subuta, Hoikoro) and 990 yen (Ebi Chili, Ebi Mayo) are all just 700 yen Monday through Friday. That’s savings of over 190 yen per dish.

And on weekends, the whole roasted chicken drops to 1,200 yen — a 300 yen discount off the regular price!

If you have your eye on a particular dish, it’s worth checking the daily special before you go 😊

The shop is open every day with no regular closing days, so you can drop in anytime without worry.
Opening hours run from 10:00 to 19:00, which is wonderfully convenient.

Stacked in front of the shop you’ll spot the famous imo-ame (sweet potato candy).
The pile was a bit smaller when I arrived — I suspect customer demand had already chipped away at the morning’s stock 😂

This sign is a message for customers ordering imo-ame.
It’s so popular that some people buy them in bulk.
If you want to skip the wait, calling ahead to reserve is the safest bet.

The goma dango (sesame balls) were also displayed up front.

Payment is generally cash only.
“Kumamoto Saihakken no Tabi” travel coupons are accepted, but only the digital version, so keep that in mind!

Kumamoto Chinese Amagae Branch — Recommended Menu

Inside this box is what I ordered today. Drumroll please…

Imo-ame! This was the star of my visit — I came specifically for this treat. So happy I got my hands on some ☺️

“Imo-ame” isn’t a term you hear often, but it’s essentially the same as “daigaku-imo” (a classic Japanese candied sweet potato dish, literally “university potato”).
Daigaku-imo is usually cut into triangular chunks, but this version is long and slim, with the potato skin still on for extra texture.

Each piece is roughly the length and thickness of an adult finger.
The glossy candy coating wrapped around the potato is gorgeous to look at.

One bite, and the candy shell crunches with a satisfying snap.
The potato inside is fluffy and gently sweet.
The candy isn’t overpowering — it pairs perfectly with the natural sweetness of the potato, so you’ll find yourself reaching for piece after piece.
Even my son, who isn’t usually a big fan of roasted sweet potatoes, devoured these 😂

I also picked up some goma dango (sesame balls).
These have been one of my favorite foods since childhood ♡
They’re hard to find in restaurants, which always made me a little sad — so finding them here at Kumamoto Chinese felt like a jackpot! Right after picking the imo-ame, I locked these in too.

Each goma dango is about 3–4 cm in diameter.
Up close, you can see how generously they’re coated in sesame seeds.
The nutty aroma of toasted sesame is incredible.

Pop! Goma dango opened! Beneath the chewy mochi-like exterior, sweet anko (red bean paste) is revealed.
Mochi and anko together is a divine combination!

One bite and you reach the anko in the center.
The fragrance of sesame fills your mouth, the soft chewy mochi gives gently, and then sweet anko bursts through.
Absolutely delicious. Pure heaven.
One is enough to satisfy a snack craving, but they’re so good you’ll want to keep eating ♡

Since this is a takeout-only spot, why not stop by while sightseeing in Yatsushiro, or grab something to bring home for dinner?

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Frequently Asked Questions

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