Lately, with a series of dinner parties and events, I’ve found myself yearning for something gentle on the body. That’s when I stumbled upon a spot offering congee (rice porridge) for breakfast! 

At Ganjin Shokudo, you can enjoy an authentic morning porridge at a reasonable price. Let’s dive right in!

A Cafe With a Simple and Chic Atmosphere

Located on the first floor of the Kourantei Building along Shimotori Street, Ganjin Shokudo greets you with a simple yet ultra-stylish entrance that excites the senses!

The interior features both table and counter seating, enveloped in a calm ambiance.

The counter seats are spacious, allowing you to relax and enjoy your time.

At Ganjin Shokudo, you order in advance at the register.

Beside the register, an array of dim sum treats are available! From youtiao (deep-fried dough sticks) to scallion pancakes, baozi (steamed buns), and Taiwanese-style zongzi (sticky rice dumplings)… it’s not so easy to find this kind of extremely authentic Chinese food in Kumamoto.

Four Breakfast Menu Options

Start your day right with one of these hearty yet reasonably priced breakfast options:

・ Morning Ganjin Set Meal: ¥660

・Squid Ball and Coriander Pho: ¥770

・ Brown Sugar Pancakes: ¥750

・ Congee: ¥550

Start your day right with one of these hearty yet reasonably priced breakfast options:

・ Morning Ganjin Set Meal: ¥660

・Squid Ball and Coriander Pho: ¥770

・ Brown Sugar Pancakes: ¥750

・ Congee: ¥550

I opted for the Morning Ganjin Set, which included congee, a vegetable salad, baked egg, youtiao (deep-fried dough sticks), and the tea of the day, which happened to be Tieguanyin. 

The congee had a noticeable chicken broth base, and was simple yet deeply satisfying, providing a comforting start to the day.

Dipping the youtiao bread stick, straight into the congee is the classic way this combination is enjoyed in China. The youtiao becomes softer, enhancing the congee with added richness and flavor—a perfect blend of textures and tastes. It’s truly two birds with one stone.

The Baked Egg is a Ganjin Shokudo original, featuring a crispy, egg-topped scallion pancake. This savory pancake paired wonderfully with the soy-scented egg. The generous serving of vegetables also meant starting the day energized and refreshed. The Chinese tea had a delightful aroma and tasted delicious.

Post-lunch, the menu shifts to a la carte dishes, sweets, and Chinese tea.

They offer authentic Chinese desserts like Ma La Gao (steamed sponge cake) or black sesame balls. It’s great that you can also enjoy authentic Chinese tea for an additional ¥250!

During café hours, enjoy tea served in a traditional teapot, or “chafu”. With this option, you can brew the tea about 4-5 times so you can truly appreciate the tea. (\1000～). It’s a popular choice for sharing among friends.

I’m eager to return for a leisurely café time experience next time.

Vegan Options Available for All Menu Items

At Ganjin Shokudo, every menu item can be made vegan upon request. By mentioning your preference when ordering, you can have the chicken broth in your porridge replaced with vegetable broth, and any side dishes containing animal products can be substituted with vegan-friendly alternatives. This inclusivity has attracted a diverse clientele, including international visitors and regulars who appreciate the wide range of options available.

Summary

Ganjin Shokudo offers a unique opportunity to enjoy an authentic congee breakfast right in center of Kumamoto City, with satisfying lunch and café time options as well.

It’s a perfect spot for anyone looking to enjoy a meal that’s gentle on the body.

Ganjin Shokudo