Introducing Kentaro

Hello, travelers!
This is Igaguri, a writer for Sarukuma.

Today we’re heading to Koganoue-machi in Yatsushiro City, Kumamoto Prefecture, to visit a beloved local udon shop:
“Kentaro”.

The shop is closed on Sundays and shuts the doors as soon as the noodles sell out, so we showed up at 11 a.m. on a Saturday — only to find several groups already waiting outside!

Even with a crowd, the staff were wonderful — handing out menus and taking orders while we were still waiting outside.

They even had paper fans for the kids.
When you’re traveling with little ones, small touches like this really win you over.

The interior is cozy: a counter, a couple of table seats, and around four low tatami-style tables.

Recommended Menu at Kentaro

Chicken Tempura & Burdock Tempura with Plum-Yam Bukkake Udon
The summer-only eggplant tempura also catches the eye, but the real surprise is the “Kids’ Meal”!

Yes — they’ll even prepare it cooler in temperature and softer in texture on request!
That’s seriously thoughtful service.

When we were finally seated, the table was already set with water for everyone — plus children’s tableware ready to go!

(Guests who’d ordered onigiri rice balls already had them at this point too!)

Almost the moment we sat down, the “Kids’ Chicken Tempura Udon” (370 yen) arrived!

It even came with Anpanman snacks and child-safe scissors ✂

And the chicken tempura even came with ketchup on the side for the kids!

How thoughtful is that?! ( ﾟДﾟ)

For the adults, we ordered the Chicken Tempura Plum-Yam Bukkake Udon for 800 yen,

and the Cold Zaru Udon topped with Burdock Tempura for 670 yen!

The noodles have that signature firm, springy bite — true Sanuki udon at its best.

Each strand is long and thick, and the portion easily felt like 1.5 servings!

The chicken tempura and burdock tempura were both absolutely delicious!

Kumamoto’s Three Great Sanuki Udon Shops are:
Kentaro
Yama Momiji
Sanuki Udon Mishima
All three are famously busy and beloved by locals.

But Kentaro stands out for its truly outstanding hospitality toward families with kids!

If you’re traveling around Kumamoto, why not take a day trip down to Yatsushiro for some authentic Sanuki udon? (^_-)-☆

Frequently Asked Questions

*Information is accurate at the time of reporting. Prices and hours may change. Please confirm before visiting.