Introducing Kokoro Teishoku Kohal

Hello travelers! I’m Aikero, a writer for Sarukuma.

Today I’d like to introduce you to a charming local restaurant in Matsubase, Uki City,
Kokoro Teishoku Kohal (こころ定食こ春).I’ve been a regular here for about 10 years (●＾o＾●)
A decade ago, I used to come here with my then-boyfriend (now my husband), and these days we bring our children too. The whole family loves this place!

During weekday lunch hours, customers arrive non-stop from the moment it opens!
So I’d recommend either making a reservation, arriving right at opening time, or coming after the lunch rush.
Just note that they close as soon as they run out of rice, so be careful (>_<)Located right across from HI Hirose Matsubase Store, you may have spotted this signboard if you’ve ever passed through the area!Kokoro Teishoku Kohal’s parking lot has space for 4 cars on each side (8 total).
The lot is a bit narrow, so while it’s not a rule, parking from the back makes it easier for later arrivals to park.
Outside the entrance, you’ll find a board featuring the recommended menu items!
Doesn’t this menu alone get your hopes up!?Here’s a look at the interior of Kokoro Teishoku Kohal.
There are counter seats facing the kitchen and table seats by the window.
The space isn’t huge, but I’ve visited with a stroller before, so stroller access is no problem (^^)/Here’s the type of children’s chair they offer.
There are no built-in belts, so depending on your child’s age, bringing a portable chair belt might give you peace of mind.They serve cold water, but there’s also hot tea available on a self-service basis.
The handwritten menus on the wall give the place that classic, delicious Japanese teishoku (set meal) restaurant atmosphere!Alright! Now let me introduce the menu (^○^)
This is a seasonal menu item:
Pork Miso Soup & Salt-Seasoned Karaage Set — ¥980 (¥1,078 incl. tax)

You may have already guessed by now, but at Kokoro Teishoku Kohal, the salt-seasoned karaage (Japanese fried chicken) is incredibly popular!
And here’s another bonus — one free rice refill!!
Next, the popular menu items.
The Negitoro Bowl (minced fatty tuna with green onions over rice) lets you choose between 80g or 120g of negitoro.

While there are no photos on the menu, the descriptions list the number and size of items like oysters and shrimp, making it easy to picture what you’re ordering!
There’s also a great variety of meat and fish dishes, so it’s hard to choose!
(I always end up ordering the same thing though, lol)【Daily Lunch Specials】
Kokoro Set — ¥580 (¥638 incl. tax)
Shiawase (Happiness) Set — ¥780 (¥858 incl. tax)

The Kokoro Set is a half-portion version of the regular menu items.
The Shiawase Set is the Kokoro Set plus your choice of one ¥400 side dish.

Kids’ Lunch — ¥550 (¥605 incl. tax)
Curry lovers, take note!
Every Tuesday is Pile-It-High Curry Rice DAY! 1 plate ¥580 (¥638 incl. tax)
How much you can pile on is up to your skills!

Kokoro Teishoku Kohal Recommended Menu

Negitoro Bowl & Salt-Seasoned Karaage Set (with 120g negitoro) — ¥930 (¥1,023 incl. tax)
Includes negitoro bowl, salt-seasoned karaage, miso soup, small side dish, and pickles

Every time I visit, I think about trying something different, but I always end up ordering this… (￣▽￣)Note: the rice portion is the same whether you order 80g or 120g of negitoro!
And here’s the salt-seasoned karaage I love so much!
Crispy on the outside with the perfect amount of salt — absolutely irresistible!And here’s the Shiawase Set!
This day’s special offered a choice between sweet chili sauce chicken or tofu and kimchi champuru (stir-fry) — I went with the chili sauce chicken,
and from the ¥400 menu, I chose the bite-sized fried horse mackerel!

For those who want to try a variety of dishes, this is a great option ♪Here’s the Kids’ Lunch.
Normally the rice comes with furikake (rice seasoning) and the salt-seasoned karaage has black pepper, but I had them omit both for my child.
Not pictured, but they brought a small bottle of salt so we could season to taste.

My daughter is a light eater so this portion is just right, but if it seems small for your child, you can also turn the ¥400 side dishes into a set meal,
so feel free to order based on your little one’s appetite ♪
And here’s the salt-seasoned karaage as a single dish.
Yes, I know — how much do I love this stuff!? (￣▽￣;)
Everyone in the family loves it, so we always end up ordering more ♪
After your meal, you can enjoy a complimentary coffee (hot or iced) ♪
Note: this isn’t included with the Kids’ Lunch (>_<)

Takeout is available too ♪
While I highly recommend the salt-seasoned karaage, everything on the menu is delicious. So whether you’re already in Matsubase or
traveling from central Kumamoto City, Kokoro Teishoku Kohal is absolutely worth the trip!!
Come enjoy a delicious meal — you won’t regret it (●＾o＾●)

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Frequently Asked Questions

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