“Sashimi”: Kumamoto Horse Meat Specialty Restaurant, Uma-zakura
Basashi (horse meat sashimi), the most popular way to enjoy horse meat, depends entirely on freshness. It could be said that the key to a great experience is finding a restaurant that prioritizes maintaining that freshness above all else. “Kumamoto Horse Meat Specialty Restaurant Uma-zakura,” located in the heart of downtown Kumamoto, is one such establishment. We spoke with Mr. Takeo Otsuka, the manager of the Uma-zakura Group, about their uncompromising commitment to quality.
Horse meat sashimi with an uncompromising commitment to freshness.
“Because horse meat loses its freshness quickly, the speed at which it moves from slaughter to processing and then to freezing is the key to its deliciousness,” says Mr. Otsuka. It is said that the horse meat served at Uma-zakura is selected only after personally inspecting ranches and processing facilities across the country to confirm the rearing conditions and processing methods.
“Freshness is the lifeblood of horse meat. Since it is rich in iron, oxidation progresses when it is exposed to air, causing the color to change from pink to red, and then from red to gray,” Mr. Otsuka explained. To maintain this freshness, Uma-zakura strictly manages the temperatures both inside and outside their freezers. They then slowly thaw the meat starting from the day before up until twelve hours before serving it to their customers.
Furthermore, according to Mr. Otsuka, the horse meat around February and March has a high fat content, and he feels the umami is even more intense compared to other seasons. This adds a new level of excitement to the pleasure of eating basashi on a winter night in Kumamoto.
Mr. Kensei Otsuka. He joined the Uma-zakura Group in 2007. Currently, he is active as the General Manager of the Uma-zakura Group.
The Shimotori branch is open for dinner only, but the Ginzadori branch also offers lunch service exclusively on Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays.
Special Selection Horse Nigiri Sushi: 4-Type Assortment
Premium Fatty, Medium Fatty, Lean Meat, and Seared Medium Fatty. The distinct umami of each cut harmonizes with the rice, making this a highly satisfying sushi platter. / 2,100 yen per serving (tax included).
Special Selection Basashi Platter (6 Varieties)
An assortment set that allows you to enjoy six different varieties: Marbled Basashi, Premium Basashi, Special Premium Lean Basashi, Lean Basashi, Futaego (Belly) Basashi, and Tategami (Mane) Basashi. The cherry-blossom pink color is proof of its excellent freshness. / 6,400 yen for 2 servings (tax included).
*The photo shows a serving for one person.
Sakura Seiro-mushi (Steamed Horse Meat in a Bamboo Steamer)
A trademarked product of Uma-zakura. By steaming high-quality horse meat that is fresh enough to be eaten raw, the excess fat is removed while the umami is concentrated, creating an exquisite dish. Another enjoyable aspect is being able to change up the flavor profile with two types of dipping sauces: a special Japanese-style sauce and a cashew nut sauce. / 11,000 yen for 2 servings (tax included).
Uma-zakura’s “Marbled Basashi” uses the highest-quality cuts of the belly, and the rich sweetness of its clean, refreshing fat spreads through your mouth. Please be sure to try it.
