Kumamoto has a rich culinary history that is reflective of its geographic location and cultural heritage. One of the distinguishing features of Kumamoto's cuisine is its use of fresh, local ingredients from both the sea and the mountainside. The region's food is influenced by traditional Japanese culinary practices while also featuring a number of unique local specialties. In particular, Kumamoto is famous for its high-quality produce, including citrus fruits like the dekopon, and vegetables. Due to its history as a castle town during the Edo period, there's also a notable presence of historical recipes that have been preserved over generations.