Introducing Gochiso Salad Potiron

Hello travelers!
The morning chill has me shivering — surprise after surprise after surprise!
This is Binako, your Sarukuma writer.

Today I’m taking you to a charming little spot tucked away in Takahira, Kita Ward, Kumamoto City:
“Gochiso Salad Potiron”.

This cozy shop is run out of the owner’s home, blending beautifully into a quiet residential neighborhood — a true hidden gem that feels distinctly local.

There’s room for one car right out front — perfect for a quick stop during your Kumamoto road trip.

Heads up: there are stairs at the entrance, so parents visiting with little ones often carry their kids in their arms when they come in.

The display case inside is a feast for the eyes: quiches, lasagna, and a parade of beautifully prepared Western-style deli dishes you’d rarely see on a Japanese home dinner table.

You’ll find three different salads on offer.
(Heads up: the roast beef salad sold out in mere seconds right in front of me!)
These salads are absolutely overflowing with fresh vegetables — your daily greens are sorted in one bite.

I almost said out loud, “This HAS to be delicious.” I’m talking about the slow-braised spareribs and the mussels in sauce — the kind of dishes you’d basically never attempt at home.

There’s a homemade pasta sauce set, and here’s the best part — it comes with the recipe! It’s like getting a mini cooking class to take home.

Right next to it, you’ll spot a velvety sweet potato potage made with seasonal Japanese sweet potatoes — pure autumn comfort in a cup.

Right beside the display case, you’ll find an irresistible selection of homemade breads.

Baguettes come in several sizes for different ways to enjoy them. There are also chocolate-filled and cheese-filled French breads tempting you from the shelves.

And the showstopper: scones for just 170 yen each. Seriously, that’s a steal! Any scone fan will be wiping away tears of joy at this price point.

They’ve got wine, too — so go ahead and pour yourself a glass in your fanciest stemware and toast with a stylish “cheers!”
(I don’t drink, so I just pretend.)

They also offer house-made dressings — definitely worth grabbing a bottle to take home as a delicious souvenir of Kumamoto ♪

Potiron also takes reservations for hors d’oeuvre platters — perfect if you’re hosting a gathering, party, or special event during your stay. Their elegant Western-style spreads are sure to impress your guests with something truly unique ♪

Recommended Menu Items at Gochiso Salad Potiron

This time around, I picked up:
・Seasonal Colorful Salad (702 yen)
・Spinach and Bacon Quiche (410 yen)
・Mini Baguette (120 yen)
And just like that, an effortlessly luxurious dinner was ready to go.

The salad arrived with its own dressing — a refreshing French dressing that brought the whole bowl to life. The vegetables were chopped chunky and substantial, and my son was absolutely thrilled with every bite.

The mini baguette is delicious lightly toasted and eaten on its own. Top it with cheese, dunk it in soup — the possibilities are endless and you’ll never get bored.

I warmed the quiche back up in the microwave before serving. It turned out to be such a massive hit with my son that I only got one bite for myself!

Just arrange everything on the table and — voilà — an instant feast.
Plating counts as cooking, right?

If you’re exploring Kumamoto, definitely add this gem to your list!

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Frequently Asked Questions

※Information current at time of visit. Prices and hours may change. Please confirm before visiting.