The beni imo is a purple treasure of the Okinawan islands. Its striking purple presence can be found nearly in every part of the islands. The popular sweet potato is delicious and comes in all forms you will never imagine a sweet potato can take.
1. Beni imo tart
The beni imo tart is made of soft dense sweet potato on top a buttery crust. This is by far the most popular beni imo item you must try when you visit Okinawa. It makes a great 'omiyage' present to give to friends and family when you return home.
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2. PABLO
Can't go wrong with Pablo tarts! The pairing of the deliciously sweet and fragrant sweet potato and the cheese goes sooooo well together. Yums! Do try their other sweet potato cheese flavour snacks which are great as souvenirs too.
3. Beni imo croquette
You can find this easily as a snack in the izakayas. Crispy on the outside with soft beni imo fillings makes for a great treat anytime of the day!
4. Pretty beni imo desserts
Mont blanc? Mousse? For those with a sweet tooth, you can definitely satisfy your cravings with the myriad of beni imo themed desserts that are tasty yet feel healthy at the same time (hey it's a root afterall right?)
5. Blue Seal Ice Cream
You can't leave without trying the ice cream of Okinawa! Born in America, but raised in Okinawa, Blue Seal is the loved ice cream of locals and tourists alike! Known for its old school American feel which brings back childhood memories of a retro ice cream parlour, and the fusion with uniquely Okinawan flavours such as the Shiiquasa, an Okinawan citrus fruit, and of cos Beni Imo and Purple Yams, they are a delicious treat!
6. Conbini goodies
Conbinis (The local Jap convenience marts) in Japan are my absolute favourite pit stops! I just have to 'venture' into them each & every time i see them. They have everything from an eye boggling variety of snacks, to microwaveable meals, oden, fried chicken, delicious drinks smoothies and teas, and a huge range of ice cream which I love so much! Grab a beni imo ice cream or slushie anytime you feel like having one!
7. Kit Kat
If you have friends and family back home who really love sweet potatoes, be sure to grab a few packs of the beni imo Kit Kat as gifts for them. The creamy flavour of the beni imo really comes through and are a delight to eat. It's also worth noting that this specialty of the Okinawan region is one of the top Kit Kat flavours available.
8. SNACKS
Grab you hands on the different beni imo snacks you can find. Featured above are beni imo mango tarts, sweet paste cookies and crunchy beni imo sticks!
9. Sata Andagi (Doughnuts)
You can find these loved doughnuts everywhere in Okinawa! The most common is the native Okinawan brown sugared doughnuts and they usually come in the form of deep fried dough balls, with a dense cakey like texture. In the conbinis, you can find the beni imo version and they make a great hearty treat!
10. Donki Sweet Potatoes
Although this is not considered as beni imo, cos it's not purple in colour. It surely deserves its own spot as one of the must eats in Japan's Donki stores. It's unmistakable aroma will surely draw anyone's attention to it. Eat it while it is piping hot and enjoy its caramelised sweetness and pillowy soft texture. The best part of having them in Japan? Not only is it half priced, but there's no queue at all! Look at all the bags of deliciousness waiting in the heater for you :)
Naha, Okinawa
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