Introducing Kosobaba BURGER & cheesecake

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

Today I’m bringing you a brand-new spot in Sunahara-machi, Minami-ku, Kumamoto City:
Kosobaba BURGER & cheesecake (こそバーガーアンドチーズケーキ).Look at all those congratulatory flower stands!
That’s right — this little gem just opened on January 20th! 🎉

The name? Kosobaba BURGER & cheesecake.

The store name comes from the owner’s children.
The older child’s name inspired the “tora” (tiger 虎), and the younger child’s nickname inspired the “nezumi” (mouse 鼠).
The tiger represents the burgers, the mouse represents the cheesecake — and the logo design is just as adorable as it sounds! ♫

Here’s a fun bit of Japanese zodiac trivia: between the mouse and the tiger in the zodiac order sits the “ox” (ushi → gyu → “gyū” sounds like the “gyu” in Japanese for beef!). A clever, layered name with a burger twist (#^.^#)Meet the friendly owner-chef, Mr. Nakayama, with the warmest smile.

Fun backstory: he previously crafted burgers at Mompari in Mifune-cho (Kamimashiki District) — a beloved cake shop so famous for its burgers that locals could never decide whether to call it a bakery or a burger joint!

[Mompari – Mifune-cho, Kamimashiki District] Burgers at a cake shop?! The cakes are popular, but the burgers rival specialty shops!

This time, Mr. Nakayama has gone independent and opened Kosobaba BURGER & cheesecake in Sunahara-machi, Minami-ku — right near his home!

I’d actually been to Mompari once before, and of course, I went straight for the burger! 😄 The shop was packed with happy diners chowing down on burgers.

One small piece of news for fellow Mompari fans: with Mr. Nakayama’s independence, Mompari has stopped serving burgers. So if you want that legendary burger, this is now THE place to find it! ♫
To get there, turn at the intersection by the Daily Yamazaki Kumamoto Sunahara store on the Kumamoto Port Line, heading toward Akita.
Look for the Akita Funeral Hall sign as a landmark.

The shop occupies the former location of “Gyoza no Yukimatsu” — easy to spot right along the road. (^^)/

Bonus: the area has lots of other beloved local eateries nearby!
Always-busy lunch favorite: Forest

[Forest – Sunahara-machi, Minami-ku, Kumamoto] A cozy, family-friendly lunch spot

Once you try it, you’ll come back: warm, fluffy onigiri at Tururatta

[Tururatta – Magoshiro-machi, Minami-ku, Kumamoto] More than just big — soft, warm rice balls

Word-of-mouth fame that reaches beyond the prefecture: La vigne

[La vigne – Aitomi-machi, Minami-ku, Kumamoto] A small countryside cake shop loved by all ages

This neighborhood is a real foodie cluster!
Parking is right here.
There are 3 spaces beside the shop.
As noted at the entrance, please don’t park at neighboring shops across the street.

★ On weekends and holidays only, you can use 4 parking spaces at Kizuna Dental Clinic across the road.

Look for the “Kosobaba” (虎鼠) sign as your marker.

The interior is rich with natural wood — a stylish vibe that feels just right for a burger spot!
The calm color palette gives it a subtle Japanese touch too. (^^)
Plenty of seating means you can settle in and relax! ♫If you have time, the dine-in option is great for enjoying burgers fresh off the grill! ♫Here’s the burger menu!

・Homemade Bacon Cheeseburger — 1,050 yen
・Pulled Pork Burger — 1,050 yen
・Teriyaki Cheeseburger — 950 yen
・The Works Burger (Yokubari) — 1,400 yen
・Fish Burger — 700 yen

And some unique twists you won’t find everywhere!?
・Melon Pan Bacon Cheeseburger — 1,100 yen
・Dashimaki (Japanese Omelet) Burger — 600 yen
・Dashimaki Cheeseburger — 700 yen

For kids:
・Kids Burger Set — 800 yen
★ Kids Burger Set and 1-Pound Burger are dine-in only

Mr. Nakayama: “I was already making cakes too, so I thought I might as well sell them!” Σ(･ω･ﾉ)ﾉ
・Cheesecake (whole) — 800 yen
★ Sold frozen

So many options — you’ll want to come back again and again!
He bakes the bread, makes the cake, AND crafts amazing burgers.
Is there anything Mr. Nakayama CAN’T make?There are sides too! ♫

・Ume Set — +250 yen
(Your choice of burger + drink)

・Take Set — +450 yen
(Your choice of burger + drink + fries)

・Matsu Set — +550 yen
(Your choice of burger + drink + fries + nuggets)
(Or burger + drink + fries + fish)

For takeout, sides are sold à la carte only:
・Fries — 250 yen
・Fries & Nuggets — 450 yen
・Fish & Chips — 450 yenThis is the photo from the top of the article!
What Mr. Nakayama is holding is the meat that will become house-made bacon!

“I’m just about to smoke this!” he said.
When I asked if I could take a photo, he cheerfully said, “Sure!”
…and his wife chimed in, “He loves having his picture taken!” (^^)/

Such a warm, friendly couple! ♫The sizzle of the patties on the grill, that mouth-watering aroma…!When I visited, there weren’t many customers so I didn’t have to wait long! ♫
But takeout orders and walk-ins were nonstop!

It’s not unusual for items to sell out before closing time!

Since this is a buzzy new opening, if you’re short on time, advance orders are welcome!
Please call to order rather than messaging via Instagram DM.

Sometimes they may not notice messages while busy serving, so allow plenty of time when visiting (^^)/

Kosobaba BURGER & cheesecake — Recommended Menu

Wow, doesn’t that look amazing?! ♡

I couldn’t resist trying the Melon Pan Bacon Cheeseburger! ★
I ordered it as a Take Set with fries and a drink!

The slightly sweet cookie-topped melon pan bun pairs perfectly with juicy, savory-sweet meat.
I’m a huge fan of sweet-meets-savory combos like this!!
Next to the register you’ll find straws, burger wrappers, hand wipes, and more! ♫

Pop your burger into the wrapper and take that big satisfying bite (●＾o＾●)
Just be careful not to dislocate your jaw, hehe (￣▽￣)“Here’s some maple syrup to mix things up! ♫”

The maple syrup is dine-in only!
These burgers are big and hearty, so being able to switch up the flavor lets you enjoy every bite to the very end (●＾o＾●)Sorry for the slightly out-of-focus shot (ーー;)

The fluffy, potato-y fries are amazing too!
Burgers and fries — the perfect pair!

The bite-sized pieces are great for kids too! ♪Whether you’re a Mompari burger fan, a general burger lover, a curious foodie, or a local — come on in!

Hearty bites and serious volume await!
Find your new favorite burger at Kosobaba (●＾o＾●)

[Mompari – Mifune-cho, Kamimashiki District] Burgers at a cake shop?! The cakes are popular, but the burgers rival specialty shops!

[Forest – Sunahara-machi, Minami-ku, Kumamoto] A cozy, family-friendly lunch spot

[Tururatta – Magoshiro-machi, Minami-ku, Kumamoto] More than just big — soft, warm rice balls

[La vigne – Aitomi-machi, Minami-ku, Kumamoto] A small countryside cake shop loved by all ages

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※Information is current as of the time of reporting. Prices and opening hours may change. Please check before visiting.