Welcome to Haikara-tei

Hello, travelers!
I’m Sunny, a writer for Sarukuma 🐩

Today I’m taking you to Ozu Town in Kikuchi District, Kumamoto Prefecture, to a charming little restaurant called
Haikara-tei (ハイカラ亭).

Tucked along the old highway just steps from the Ozu Town Hall, this is a place I’d been curious about every single time I drove by!

Parking is convenient: 3 spaces right in front of the restaurant and another 4 spaces just across the street.

The restaurant was packed with happy diners, so I couldn’t snap as many interior photos as I wanted, but trust me —
the inside is a CLASSIC Japanese yoshoku (Western-style) restaurant!

Get this: the building is over 120 years old.
The atmosphere is absolutely magical ♡

Upstairs, there’s a traditional tatami-style zashiki seating area.

I really wanted to peek up there… but I’ll save that for next time!

Right by the entrance and at the foot of the stairs, you’ll spot a wall lined with autographs!

You’ll even find a signature from a famous celebrity that everyone in Japan would recognize ✨

Now, on to the menu!

The Service Lunch is a fantastic value — it pairs the daily main dish with side dishes, soup, and a drink for one irresistibly affordable price.

Beyond the Service Lunch, there’s a wide range of classic yoshoku dishes to explore.Today’s Service Lunch main was Chicken Nanban — crispy fried chicken with a sweet-and-sour glaze and tartar sauce!Today’s Recommendations — honestly, every single one looks amazing 🤤

The single-plate dishes are also impressive.

And of course, plenty of drinks to pair with your meal!

A great selection of takeout options too!

What We Ordered at Haikara-tei

Here’s what we tried:

・ Drink Lunch (Chicken Nanban) — 800 yen
Wait… THIS is Chicken Nanban?! (ﾟдﾟ)

It’s almost too pretty to eat ♡
The set comes with a small side dish, Japanese pickles, and a fresh salad.

Oh, and a post-meal drink too! (Choose from coffee, oolong tea, or orange juice.)Mmm ♡

Absolutely DELICIOUS!!

I’ve never had such an elegant, veggie-packed Chicken Nanban in my life!・ Beef Loin Cutlet Set (with rice, salad, and drink) — 1,620 yen

Topped with a rich, authentic demi-glace sauce — this is grown-up flavor at its finest.

And of course, absolutely scrumptious ♡

・ Kobe Omurice (with mini salad) — 890 yenThis omurice (Japanese omelet rice) is drizzled with three different sauces — ketchup, white sauce, and demi-glace — so you can enjoy three flavors in one dish!

What a delicious luxury!The ketchup rice is studded with finely diced onions, carrots, and sausage.

And the egg? Silky, runny, cloud-like fluffy perfection!

I genuinely have no idea how the chef cooks an egg this beautifully…・ Kids’ Omurice (with orange juice) — 730 yen

A mini version of the Kobe Omurice, perfect for little ones.

Bonus points: it comes with juice for dessert!

The kids especially loved the white sauce ♪

Frequently Asked Questions

※ Information current at the time of visit. Prices and hours are subject to change — please confirm before visiting.