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Introducing Panda Shokudo

Hello travelers! This is Gussan, writer for [SaruKuma].
Today I’m thrilled to introduce Panda Shokudo, located in Hosui, Shisui-machi, Kikuchi City, Kumamoto Prefecture.
This wonderful eatery opened its doors on January 16, 2023.

The space was previously home to a teishoku (set meal) restaurant called “Meshimaru,” but when Meshimaru decided to focus exclusively on delivery service, Panda Shokudo took over the location.
By your next visit, you’ll see the brand-new sign in place!
The restaurant is conveniently located right next to “Michi-no-Eki Shisui” (a popular roadside station), with the Hotto Motto bento shop visible just across the street.
Look for the bright red signboard and the food truck decorated with a charming panda illustration—you can’t miss it.
“Wait, a food truck?”
That’s right! Panda Shokudo is the brick-and-mortar version of the famous “Panda-go Kumamoto” karaage (Japanese fried chicken) food truck.
If you’ve spent time around Kumamoto’s events and festivals, chances are you’ve already seen—or even sampled—their delicious karaage.

This food truck specializes in “tare-kara” (sauced karaage) with an exciting variety of flavors including yuzu pepper, soy sauce, and curry spice.
It’s the kind of crispy-on-the-outside, juicy-on-the-inside fried chicken that has my own kids absolutely hooked.

So when the team behind “Panda-go Kumamoto” opens a sit-down restaurant, you know the food is going to be incredible. Time to head over with confidence!
Parking is convenient, with about 10 spaces available in front of and beside the restaurant.
Here’s the entrance.
We visited during lunch hours, but in the evenings you can also stop by for takeout karaage to go.
The interior is bright and airy with wide aisles and plenty of natural sunlight.
There are 6 counter seats, and
3 raised tatami-style table seats (a traditional Japanese seating arrangement).
The tables are spacious enough to comfortably accommodate up to four adults.
The table seat positioned a bit further away is reserved as a family-with-children priority seat.
When you have neighbors close on either side or behind you, it’s hard to relax during your meal, isn’t it?
Compared to the other table seats, this one has a lower step and more space around the table, making it perfect for families with active little ones.
They’ve even thoughtfully provided toys right beside the table.
Knowing the restaurant is family-friendly from the very start makes such a difference for parents traveling with kids!
When my friend came back from the restroom saying “the bathroom is like an aquarium,” curiosity got the better of me—and sure enough, there’s an actual fish tank inside! (laughs)
This is sure to delight kids who love fish or those still working on potty training.

Recommended Menu at Panda Shokudo

All set meals (teishoku) at Panda Shokudo are priced at 850 yen.

A: Salt Karaage Set
(salted fried chicken, rice, miso soup, pickles)
B: Sweet & Spicy Sauce Karaage Set
(sweet & spicy fried chicken, rice, miso soup, pickles)
C: Nanban Set
(nanban-style fried chicken with tartar sauce, rice, miso soup, pickles)
D: Grilled Chicken Set – Salt
(salt-sauce grilled chicken on hot plate, rice, miso soup, pickles)
E: Grilled Chicken Set – Garlic
(garlic-sauce grilled chicken on hot plate, rice, miso soup, pickles)

À la carte options also include:
Salt Karaage: small (5 pieces) 400 yen, large (10 pieces) 750 yen
Sweet & Spicy Karaage: small (5 pieces) 400 yen, large (10 pieces) 750 yen
Mapo Tofu: small 400 yen, large 750 yen
* Since Panda Shokudo just opened, the menu may change over time.
Be sure to check their Instagram for the latest updates!
This is what my friend ordered—the Grilled Chicken Set with Garlic Sauce.
The bold aroma of garlic and rising steam will instantly stimulate your appetite!
Take a closer look—generous chunks of chicken marinated in garlic sauce are tucked beneath a hearty bed of cabbage.
I tried a bite myself, and let me tell you, this is a stamina-boosting meal that will absolutely power you through the rest of the day.
And here’s what I ordered—the Sweet & Spicy Sauce Karaage Set.
Five plump, glistening morsels of sweet-and-spicy fried chicken sit majestically on the plate.
“Crispy on the outside, yet juicy inside”—reminiscent of Korean yangnyeom chicken, this perfectly balanced sweet-and-spicy flavor completely won me over.
The portion of white rice initially looked generous, but I devoured every grain before I knew it.

And don’t overlook the salad! It’s a simple cabbage salad, but the dressing is so unbelievably delicious that it became utterly addictive!
* By the way, you can purchase the dressing as a takeaway item.
As a kind gesture, they served us complimentary mapo tofu (Sichuan-style spicy tofu).
It has a satisfying kick, and pouring it over rice creates a wonderful flavor change—definitely try it alongside your set meal!

If you’ve never tried karaage from Panda-go Kumamoto, I highly encourage you to experience that signature “crispy-yet-juicy” magic for yourself.
As a bonus tip, Panda Shokudo is just a stone’s throw from Koshi Park (Confucius Park), which I’ve covered in a previous article—making it a perfect combo for a day of park play and a satisfying meal!

[Koshi Park] Picture-Perfect! A Family-Friendly Spot with a Chinese Atmosphere [Shisui-machi, Kikuchi City]

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