Introducing Nikujiru Seisakusho Gyoza no Kacchan

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

Today I’m taking you to
Shimotori in Chuo Ward, Kumamoto City, to check out
“Nikujiru Seisakusho Gyoza no Kacchan Kumamoto” — a brand-new izakaya famous for its juicy gyoza dumplings.
Located near the intersection of the Shimotori shopping arcade and Ginza-dori Street, this lively new izakaya opened on March 8th.
You can’t miss the big sign in front of the “Ginza Place KUMAMOTO” building — it’s a clear landmark even for first-time visitors.

Step inside and you’re greeted by a charming retro-style interior — the kind of nostalgic Japanese pub atmosphere foreign visitors love.
There are private rooms in various sizes, perfect for everything from solo dining to large groups.
The traditional noren curtains dividing the rooms even feature the menu printed on them — a uniquely Japanese touch.

The Menu at Gyoza no Kacchan

Take a look at this menu!
Get this — highballs are just 99 yen, and draft beer is only 299 yen! That’s incredibly affordable, even by Japanese standards.
In addition to single-item ordering, there are also all-you-can-eat plans available.
Of course, all-you-can-drink options are offered too.

Once seated, take a moment to review the all-you-can-eat-and-drink rules.
It’s easy to over-order, so plan wisely!

Here’s the all-you-can-drink menu — and as you can see, the variety is impressive.

And here’s the food menu.
Individual prices are listed, but with the all-you-can-eat plan you can order any item shown.

Now let’s dig into the food!
First up: the otoshi — a small starter dish that’s automatically served at Japanese izakaya. Here it’s karaage (Japanese fried chicken), which was a delicious surprise!

Next, the proper “Thigh Karaage” and “Tare (Sauce-glazed) Karaage” dishes, with about 4–5 pieces per plate.
The sauce version is sweet, tender, and juicy with a perfectly rich flavor.
The “Soft-Boiled Egg Potato Salad” — a simple Japanese-style potato salad topped with a runny onsen tamago egg. Mix it all together for a creamy treat.
“Salmon Yukke” — a Japanese-Korean style raw salmon dish. It was my first time trying salmon yukke, and it was wonderful!

And now, the moment I’d been waiting for — the gyoza arrives!
These are the signature “Kacchan Gyoza” — the namesake of the restaurant. They’re served in a traditional bamboo steamer (seiro), which is a stylish and Instagram-worthy presentation.
These dumplings are generously sized, packed with juicy meat, and wrapped in a satisfyingly thick wrapper.
Three different dipping sauces are placed on the table, so you can keep enjoying them with new flavor combinations.

Here are the “Cheese Gyoza” and “Negi-Shio (Green Onion & Salt) Gyoza”.
The gyoza filling is the same, but each topping creates a completely different flavor experience.

Spilling right over the edge of the plate is the aptly named “Overflowing Mapo Tofu”.
It’s a hearty dish where you can really taste the rich, meaty flavor.

There are 4 dessert options to choose from. Pictured here are the “Matcha Ice Cream” and “Annin Tofu” (almond jelly).
A refreshing way to wrap up the meal.

The staff are all young, friendly, and energetic.
It’s a great spot to drop by solo for cheap drinks (“senbero” — getting tipsy for around 1,000 yen), and it’s also perfect for parent meet-ups, work gatherings, or casual nights out.
Please note: smoking and non-smoking areas are not separated, except in private rooms — keep this in mind when booking.

There are also discounts available for following them on Instagram and for booking online, so be sure to check before your visit!

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Frequently Asked Questions

※Information is current as of the time of coverage. Prices and opening hours are subject to change. Please confirm before visiting.