Welcome to Time

Hello, travelers! This is Mido, writer for Sarukuma.

Today I’m thrilled to introduce Time, a delightful Vietnamese restaurant tucked away in Hirokimachi, Higashi-ku, Kumamoto City.
【Time】

Until last April, Time was located in Kengun, but the owners reopened at this lovely new spot in December. I’d been counting down the days, and finally got to visit in February!
The new location sits right across from the giraffe enclosure at Kumamoto City Zoo and Botanical Gardens — a wonderful, leafy area near beautiful Ezu Lake.
Since the move, pho — their signature dish — has become the star of the menu.There’s a parking lot right in front of the shop with space for 5 cars. The cute potted plants out front add a warm welcome.
Strollers are welcome inside, and the owners told me they’re planning to make the space fully barrier-free in the future.

Now, let’s step inside Time!The interior is so stylish!
A counter seating area greets you right as you walk in. The decor is absolutely gorgeous! There’s plenty of table seating too. The back room features a beautiful blue accent wall — so charming! There’s even a step stool at the washbasin for little ones!

【MENU】
＜Vietnamese Pho Noodle Soup＞
◎ Pho Ga (Chicken Pho) with salad — 1,000 yen
◎ Pho Bo (Beef Pho) with salad — 1,200 yen
*Add 200 yen for a large portion.

＜Set Menu Add-ons＞
○ Yam Woon Sen Set — 400 yen
*Replaces the salad with Yam Woon Sen (Thai glass noodle salad)
○ Mini Gapao Set — 500 yen

＜Sides＞
○ Fresh Spring Roll — 400 yen each

None of the menu items contain cilantro by default — you can add a small portion (+50 yen) or a generous portion (+200 yen) on request. Perfect for travelers with strong opinions about cilantro!

And here’s the drink menu!

The selection of alcoholic and soft drinks is impressive.
You’ll find Vietnamese beer ‘333’ (pronounced “ba-ba-ba”), spiced shochu, homemade plum wine, and other tempting options!
The non-alcoholic side features house-made cola, ginger ale, and creative drinks made with homemade syrups.

Time has irregular days off, so please check their Instagram for current opening days before visiting.
Opening hours are 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM (last order at 3:00 PM), which means breakfast pho is absolutely an option — and highly recommended!

What I Recommended at Time

I ordered the Pho Ga (chicken pho) with extra cilantro!
It looks absolutely amazing!
It comes with a side of condiments to customize the flavor.
Let’s start with the broth.
Look at it — completely clear and crystalline!
A gentle, deeply savory flavor that warms you from the inside out.
The noodles are wonderfully chewy and delicious!
I just couldn’t stop eating!
Here’s the salad that comes with the set.
I introduced it out of order, but I actually ate it before the pho!
The dressing was absolutely fantastic — I finished it in seconds! Here are the condiments (this photo shows portions for two).
You can add chili heat or a squeeze of lemon for a tangy kick. I loved how the flavor evolved as I went along!

Every last sip of broth was incredible!
What a peaceful, joyful meal in such a comfortable space.
Next time, I’m definitely going for the Pho Bo!

Great news for travelers with dietary needs — the noodles are made from rice flour, so they’re naturally gluten-free and safe for those with wheat allergies!
With no cilantro included by default and gentle, comforting flavors, even children tend to love it.

Since Time sits right by Ezu Lake, why not pair your meal with a relaxing lakeside walk? It’s the perfect way to spend a lovely afternoon in Kumamoto.
Definitely add this one to your Kumamoto food itinerary!

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Frequently Asked Questions

*Information is current as of the visit. Prices and hours may change. Please check before visiting.