人吉亭 — Restaurant in Yamae

We stopped at Yamae Service Area (northbound) in Kumamoto and decided to grab a bite at 人吉亭, the on-site food court. It was a cozy, convenient option tucked right next to the 7‑Eleven.

The menu had plenty of comforting choices—ramen, udon, set meals, and fried plates. I went for the Kumamoto ramen and half fried rice set, and it hit the spot. The pork bone broth was rich and creamy, with a nice garlic kick from the black garlic oil, and the fried rice was flavorful and satisfying.

Another highlight was the karaage curry set, which came with hearty fried chicken coated in a flavorful sauce—it was just what we needed during our break.

The place was casual and clean, with quick service via vending machine tickets. It felt like the kind of spot where locals pop in after a long drive. Even late in the afternoon, it was buzzing enough to feel lively but not crowded.

Overall, 人吉亭 was the perfect pit stop meal—warm, tasty, and fast. A really solid option during a road trip...

For being in a roadside rest area, it is surprisingly good ramen. The tonkotsu soup base is full of flavor and really warmed us up on this cold winter day. I recommend the...

せっかく九州に来ているのでラーメンを食べたいという衝動が走りちょうど立ち寄ったサービスエリアに何とラーメン店があったので早速来店。熊本ラーメンとポップに、書いてあるので、期待値大でラーメンを注文。見た目は美味しいそうなフォルム。スープの味はかなりあっさりっていうか薄い気がしました。おろしにんにくがあったので投入しても薄い。麺も特に特長がない。具も今ひとつ。煮玉子かと思いきやただのゆで玉子でパサパサしていました。ポップではかなり美味しそうな感じを出していたので絶対濃厚で美味いと思っていたのですが、学食にあるような業務用の安い豚骨ラーメンでした。ラーメン好きなのですが初めて残しました。他の定食とかが美味しいそうでしたので今度立ち寄ったら定食を...