Hello, fried chicken lovers!

I’m Binako, a writer for Sarukuma — and someone who loves an early breakfast!

Today I’m taking you to Ishihara in Kumamoto City’s Higashi Ward to visit a charming little spot called “Chicchi no Karaage / Okan no Horumon” — a made-to-order karaage (Japanese fried chicken) shop run by the friendliest “okan” (mom) in town.

The shop sits on a side street just off the East Bypass (Higashi Bypass), accessible from the road that runs by Tsuru no Yu, a local public bath. It comes up easily on GPS navigation, so you won’t have any trouble finding it.

There’s a parking lot conveniently located right next to the shop.

Right next to the order window you’ll also find a vending machine, so you can grab a cold drink to go with your meal (it’s just out of frame in the photo).

Karaage (Japanese Fried Chicken)
Garlic Soy Sauce — 100g, 220 yen
Ginger Salt — 100g, 220 yen

Bento Box Meals:
Garlic Soy Sauce Bento — 390 yen
Ginger Salt Bento — 390 yen
Mixed Bento — 390 yen
Large Bento — 420 yen
Extra-Large Bento — 490 yen

The menu is refreshingly simple and easy to navigate.

The full menu is also displayed in large print on the wall, but it doesn’t hurt to decide what you’d like ahead of time!

Recommended Menu Items

Other delicious options include:
Okan’s Simmered Horumon (Beef Offal Stew) — 440 yen
French Fries — 170 yen
Chicken Cartilage Karaage — 300 yen

Chicken Wings (Tare / Sweet Soy Glaze)
1 piece — 150 yen / 5 pieces — 700 yen

Chicken Wings (Plain)
1 piece — 140 yen / 5 pieces — 650 yen

Today, I went with the
Mixed Bento — 390 yen
— a perfect way to try both flavors!

The Mixed Bento comes loaded with two pieces of garlic soy sauce karaage and two pieces of ginger salt karaage on a generous bed of rice.

First up: the garlic soy sauce karaage.

The pieces are nice and big — beautifully plump and golden-crisp on the outside.

Oh wow — the garlic soy sauce flavor really sinks in!
The meat is dense and incredibly juicy. It’s not greasy at all, making it surprisingly light and easy to eat.

Next, the ginger salt karaage.
Take a look at the bottom right of the photo.
You’ll spot mayonnaise and pepper packets — perfect for those who like to mix things up or add their favorite condiments.

The ginger aroma and flavor are absolutely amazing!!

You don’t often see ginger salt at karaage shops, but trust me — this one is a winner!

The salt keeps it refreshing, while the punch of ginger makes it light and easy to enjoy.
It warms you up from the inside out — body and soul!

And the chicken itself? Absolutely delicious!

Even though it’s just a regular-sized portion, the rice is generous, and the kinpira gobou (sweet-savory braised burdock root and carrot) side dish was outstanding!
The sweet and savory flavor of the burdock and carrot pairs perfectly with rice — you’ll be reaching for seconds in no time.

I got so caught up enjoying the food that I forgot to take a few key photos — but seriously, you just have to come and try it for yourself.

Definitely add this hidden gem to your Kumamoto food itinerary!

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Frequently Asked Questions

※Information is accurate as of the time of reporting. Prices and hours are subject to change. Please confirm before visiting.