Introducing RICO Basque Cheesecake Specialty Shop

Hello there!
I’m Binako, a writer for Sarukuma who always gets hungry watching big-eater videos on YouTube!

Today I’m excited to introduce you to a brand-new gem located in Komori, Nishihara Village, Aso District, Kumamoto Prefecture — “RICO Basque Cheesecake Specialty Shop,” which had its grand opening on February 5th.

On opening day, I arrived before the doors opened — only to find a line wrapping around the entire shop and a long traffic jam of waiting cars.
Within 30 minutes of opening, everything had sold out, and I went home empty-handed.
So the next day, I came back determined to redeem myself!

Learning from the previous day, I arrived about 90 minutes early. The parking lot was already packed with cars, but I managed to grab a numbered ticket!

As opening time approached, the line had grown enormous, and even before the shop opened, all the products were already accounted for through the ticket system.By the way, RICO’s parking lot is located behind the shop.

Inside, they also sell cake by the slice:
・THE RICO — 480 yen
・Matcha and Black Bean Basque — 530 yen
・Black & White Sesame Basque — 540 yen
・Silk Sweet Basque — 460 yen
An array of irresistible Basque cheesecakes lined up beautifully.

The Endless Possibilities of Basque Cheesecake

I was so overjoyed and relieved to actually be able to buy one that I asked the staff to take a photo of me. (What was I doing?!)

I handed in my ticket, exchanged it for the product, and clutched my long-awaited Basque cheesecake tightly in my hands.

Even the paper bag was adorable, and the moment it was in my hands my heart was dancing with joy — I literally sang at the top of my lungs on the drive home!

Recommended Menu at RICO Basque Cheesecake Specialty Shop

Finally… finally… I get to taste this Basque cheesecake.

Confession: this was actually my very first time trying Basque cheesecake.

As a self-proclaimed cheesecake lover, this is something I’ve wanted to try for ages, so my excitement was uncontainable.

The moment I opened the box, a wonderful toasty aroma surrounded me
and my hunger meter was on the verge of breaking down.

Beneath that beautifully caramelized top, you could clearly see how silky and molten the inside was.
So this is… Basque cheesecake…
My mouth was watering.As my fork pierced through the cake, I just wanted to give myself a pat on the back for everything I’d been through that day.
“Well done — now eat to your heart’s content.”

It was so moving I almost cried with the very first bite.

The toasty aroma that filled my mouth, the rich, indulgent sweetness, and the melty cheese richness wrapped around me like a soft, warm hug.

The gentle sweetness and the calming aroma drifting up through my nose felt almost… motherly.

It’s not just sweet — the rich, deep flavor and the toasty caramelization mingle exquisitely. While it makes a perfect afternoon treat, it would also pair beautifully with wine or other adult beverages.

Both the slices and the whole cakes sell out quickly after opening, so plan to arrive early and give yourself plenty of time before they sell out!

I hope you, too, get to experience the magic of this incredible Basque cheesecake!

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Frequently Asked Questions

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