Sumibiyaki Yatsuda Kumamoto: Authentic Local Yakitori

Kumamoto Travel: Your Guide to Must-Try Eateries

Yakitori Sumibiyaki Yatsuda

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Text/Photos ©Hi-Bubu

When you travel to Japan, don't you find yourself wanting to discover those hidden local gems that tourists rarely stumble upon?

In bustling major tourist cities like Fukuoka or Osaka, where you find many Koreans (and international visitors!), these authentic spots can be a real challenge to uncover.

But in cities with a slightly lower profile, like Kumamoto, it's the perfect opportunity to seek out those truly authentic local eateries.

Today, I'm thrilled to introduce you to Sumibiyaki Yatsuda, an izakaya right in Kumamoto city center where you can savor yakitori with a truly local vibe.

Kumamoto Travel: Recommended Yakitori Spot

Sumibiyaki Yatsuda (Charcoal-Grilled Yatsuda) 炭火焼やつ田 (Sumibiyaki Yatsuda)

Operating Hours: 6 PM ~ 1 AM (Next Day) Closed: Sundays Location: In front of Kumamoto City Hall

As its name suggests, Sumibiyaki Yatsuda is a place that serves charcoal-grilled dishes.

It opens a bit late, at 6 PM, and operates until late at night.

Being right in front of Kumamoto City Hall, it seemed like a popular spot for city hall employees.

We had just finished dinner nearby and were craving yakitori, so we started looking at maps.

We decided to visit because it had a distinctly local feel.

Sumibiyaki Yatsuda: Inside Vibe

The restaurant is on the first floor of the building, but you have to go inside the building to find it,

making it a spot that an ordinary tourist would be highly unlikely to stumble upon by chance.

Stepping inside, it immediately felt like a genuine local Japanese izakaya, not some place designed to look like one,

and what was unique was the structure required us to take off our shoes upon entering.

Seating consisted of a counter space for about four people and two tables accommodating four each.

The interior was even smaller than it appeared from outside,

but this cozy atmosphere only enhanced its charm.

Sumibiyaki Yatsuda: The Menu

📍 Next up, let's dive into the menu.

Although there was no Korean menu available, I utilized Papago to translate the items.

Thankfully, since it wasn't a handwritten menu, the translation was almost perfectly accurate.

There were about 20 types of skewers, generally priced around 200 yen each,

along with a selection of simple à la carte appetizers, and noodle and rice dishes for a more substantial meal.

Also, though not listed on the menu, it seemed there was a separate *otoshi* (small appetizer charge) of around 300 yen.

The drink selection was extensive, featuring everything from draft beer, nihonshu (sake), shochu, and wine, to plum wine, chuhai, and highballs.

With draft beer priced at 630 yen, it wasn't exactly a budget-friendly restaurant overall.

What We Ordered & Taste Review

Next, I'll tell you all about what we ordered and how it tasted.

First to arrive were our beer and Calpis, along with the *otoshi* (appetizer).

Unlike places that usually serve inexpensive dishes like edamame or cabbage,

we were served a braised chicken drumette and a piece of tofu,

each simmered in soy sauce.

They were well-seasoned and tasted great.

It felt more substantial, like a small main dish rather than just an otoshi,

so I didn't feel like I was getting a raw deal.

And taking advantage of a brief lull when there were no customers,

I got to watch the owner cooking.

Seeing the ingredients grilled over real charcoal,

I knew there was no way it wouldn't be delicious.

I had thought the food prices were a bit on the higher side,

but seeing the care and effort put into it, it made perfect sense.

The menu items we ordered were four types: eggplant, chicken skin, gizzard,

and grilled pig's trotters.

The slight char from the charcoal grill made them look incredibly appetizing.

There are seasonings like shichimi and pepper on the table,

so feel free to sprinkle them on to your liking.

I took a bite of the skewers first.

The chicken gizzard had a wonderfully chewy texture and a distinct flavor that I loved,

and the chicken skin offered an amazing richness

from the fat that rendered out with each bite.

What's more, considering the slightly higher price point,

I was also pleased with the generous size of the skewers.

Next up was the seasoned eggplant skewer, topped with a sweet and savory soy-based sauce.

I already love grilled eggplant,

and with this sauce on top,

there was just no way it wouldn't be delicious.

The final dish was grilled raw pig's trotters, which is quite uncommon in Korea.

I remember it came with a slightly tangy sauce,

perhaps to complement a part of the pig that might naturally have a stronger flavor.

I personally love the chewy skin and tender meat,

and if I find a place that sells it, I often indulge.

It's definitely a dish that divides opinions,

so I only recommend it for those who are curious to try!

An Izakaya with Authentic Local Kumamoto Vibes

At Sumibiyaki Yatsuda, our light second round cost ¥3,870.

Considering the amount of food, the price wasn't bad,

and most importantly, since everything was grilled directly over charcoal,

the taste was absolutely guaranteed to be superb.

Furthermore, the interior decor exuded a wonderfully

authentic local vibe, and it felt even more special as it's a traditional Japanese-style seating (zashiki) izakaya, which is relatively uncommon in Japan.

However, as it's a local spot, smoking is permitted indoors,

and local patrons tend to smoke quite a bit, so please keep that in mind.

So, keep this in mind and enjoy some yakitori at a local restaurant during your trip to Kumamoto!

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