[Blog/Simmered Mist] In the backstreets of the backstreets! Kumamoto's "Dairoku" - stewed rice shochu

It was a night in Kumamoto. I didn't have a particular restaurant in mind for the night, so I spent 20 minutes scouting locations relying on my own "harunabi" (smartphone navigation). I decided on this restaurant, which had an entrance in a back alley and exuded the aura of a famous restaurant.

Dairoku

Founded in 1979, this restaurant is run by a husband and wife team and has been in business at its current location since 1991. The layout is typical of a traditional pub, with an L-shaped counter with about seven seats and two four-seater tatami tables.

Bottled beer (medium size) 600 yen

I enjoy a bottle of beer while watching a sumo wrestling broadcast at a loud volume.

The sumo tournament that day was the final match of the 13th day. I had been following it closely since the first day, so I couldn't help but enjoy the bar where the sumo was being broadcast! Good luck, Kotozakura!

Stewed offal 500 yen

Since it's Kumamoto, I thought they'd serve stewed horse offal, but it turned out to be a rich miso stew made with pork guts.

"Horse tripe has a strong smell, so we've always used pork tripe," said the proprietress.

Chive hotpot 950 yen

Taking advantage of the stamp of approval of the dish as a "Dairoku specialty," I ordered "Nira Nabe."

In addition to chives, the dish is packed with cabbage, burdock, tofu, and meatballs, and you can add noodles at the end for a satisfying and satisfying one-person hot pot. Adding yuzu pepper to the sweet soup really brings out the flavor!

Rice shochu

Speaking of Kumamoto, it's "rice shochu," so I ordered a set of "Kuma no Tokyuryu" (Kuma no Rapids) with water, a type of shochu from Hitoyoshi Kuma Shochu that's hard to find in the Kanto region. One gou of rice shochu makes about three glasses in a rocks glass, so it's a good deal.

I wish this style was available in Tokyo too.

Kuma no Toryū Rice Shochu 25° 1.8L Price: 1,897 yen (tax included, shipping not included) (As of February 22, 2025)

word used after one has been treated (esp. used after a meal)

I came across a wonderful bar run by an elderly couple at their own pace. I don't know if they have a successor, but it's such a relaxing bar! I hope it continues for as long as possible.

menu

I'm happy that the price includes tax!

Store Information

Great Record

Hours: 17:00-23:30
Closed: Sundays and public holidays
Address: 5-2 Shinshigai, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto City, Kumamoto Prefecture, 860-0803

Itsuki Foods 6-Pack Stick Ramen (Dried Noodles) Instant Ramen (Mail Order) Cash on Delivery and Delivery Date/Time Specification Unavailable Price: 1,080 yen (tax included, free shipping) (As of February 22, 2025)