There are many delicious things to eat in Okinawa. I was surprised during my first interaction with the Okinawan cuisine, as it was vastly different from what you would get from mainland Japan. Perhaps it's the influences from its neighbouring countries, Taiwan & Korea, perhaps it's the rich variety of local produce mixed with its own food culture and traditions. You must try for yourself what Okinawa has to offer.
1. Kokusai Dori Yataimura - Izakayas
Kokusai Dori Yataimura is a new dining scene located at a 10 mins walk from the Makishi monorail station. After getting off the station, look out for the main entrance which is marked with a sign that says Kokusai Street Food Village 国際通り屋台村. This is your one-stop alley for booze and food.
Lined with izakayas offering yakitori, sushis, and morsels of okinawan eats to go along with your drinks, the smoky alley draws crowds of rowdy locals and tourists alike. To make the most of the selection, izakaya-hop with your friends. Expect to line up for grilled skewers, locally sourced sashimi, okonomiyakis, gyozas and deep-fried food.
Try the sea grapes (Umi Budo) whose texture resembles ebi roes or caviar, but much crunchier and with a hint of seawater. While you are at it, why not try some flame grilled buttered scallops or fried shrimps with salt and pepper with a squeeze of lemon that cannot go wrong.
Kokusai Dori Yataimura
Address: 3-11 Makishi, Naha 900-0013, Okinawa Prefecture
Opening hours: 11am-11pm
Guides to the Izakayas:
2. Ryukyu Sabo Ashibiuna Restaurant
Located near Shuri Castle - one of the must see tourist spots in Naha, this Okinawan traditional restaurant offers Ryukyu cuisine in an old machiya (traditional wooden townhouse). As soon as you slip off your shoes and walk across the tatami mats indoors, you know you are in for a special experience.
We had the goya champuru (bitter gourd stir fry with tofu and eggs). The goya had a slightly bitter taste to it which was refreshing. Next up was the stewed brinjal with miso sauce. The savoury sauce was addictive and we scooped them over our rice lavishly. Both of the dishes were best eaten with rice. Lastly, we tried the ubiquitous Okinawan soba. The noodles are somewhat like udon, but thinner and flatter and they come served with fatty stewed pork and scallions.
The meal was rounded up with a serving of their local fruits. We had slices of the well-known Okinawan pineapple which were really sweet and juicy. You must have some pineapples when you are in Okinawa!
You may choose to sit outdoors for an atmospheric dining experience, a relaxing outdoors zone facing a garden courtyard.
Ryukyu Sabo Ashibiuna Restaurant
Address: 2-13 Shuri Tonokuracho | beside the Naha-city Shuri Library, Naha 903-0812, Okinawa Prefecture
Opening hours: 11am-3pm, 5pm-11pm
3. Home-styled Okinawan Cuisine
One of our favourite experiences in Okinawa is tucking into hearty home-styled dishes during dinner time. Wander into the small local eateries in Naha for authentic Okinawan fare. The eateries usually offer a comprehensive menu of champuru, Okinawan soba, Rafute (stewed pork belly) and seafood (fried, stewed, you name it) so you can try all of what Okinawa has to offer in one sitting. The simple delicious home-cooked meals will put a smile on your face.
4. Kaiten Sushi
We visited 2 of the Kaiten sushi chains - Hamazushi & Muten Kurasushi at Nago City. If you are tire of the exotic Okinawan cuisines, you can always count on the conveyor belt chains to satisfy your sushi cravings. They are cheap and good with a wide variety of offerings including your standard udon, ramen and even nuggets and fries. Take comfort in the myriad of sushi plates going at 100 yen and gorge yourself silly with them.
Kurasushi
Address: Nago City Okinawa Prefecture character Nago 4513
Opening hours: 11am-11pm
Website: http://www.kura-corpo.co.jp/en/
Hamazushi
Address: http://www.hamazushi.com/en/locations/
Opening hours: 11am-11pm
Website: http://www.hamazushi.com/en/
5. Mangoes
Fully ripened Okinawan mangoes are incredibly sweet and they are such a joy to eat. They can be found in abundance during summer (June- August) and you can choose to have it in its raw form from the markets, or enjoy them in their varied forms such as ice cream and desserts. We tried a breed called the 'Apple Mango' and the texture was unlike any other mangoes. It had a bouncy feel which reminds me of the Japanese Konnyaku jelly, super sweet and did not have the annoying fibrous strands that get stuck in the teeth. The Okinawan mangoes do not come cheap though, but they are definitely a treat and a perfect souvenir to bring home for loved ones.
6. SPAM
The US military brought SPAM in its rations to Okinawa and since then, SPAM has become a staple in not just the Okinawan households but also in local restaurants. Did you know that Okinawa is now one of the biggest markets for SPAM? It's delicious in the form of onigiris, champuru, miso soup and even as a main dish by itself. There's something oddly satisfying in a simple meal of fried eggs and pan fried SPAM with rice, and it's a great refuel during the trip.
7. Taco Rice
Taco rice was born in Okinawa, and it is a wonderful fusion dish of mexican seasonings, ground beef, lettuce, tomatoes, peppers, sour cream served over Japanese rice instead of the usual taco shells, with omelette and melted cheese on top of it all. You can choose to add avocados on the side for an extra creaminess. Mix it all up and you have one of the tastiest rice ever. You will know how much the locals love Taco Rice from the many packaged seasonings readily available in their marts, so that they can recreate this dish at home.
8. A&W
Check out the A&W located on the main shopping street at Kokusai Dori. This fast food joint is well loved by the Okinawan locals. The shrimp burger and curly fries were tasty, and who could resist the refillable root beers that they have?
A&W
Address: 2-1-21 Makishi, Naha-shi, Okinawa Operating Hours: 9:00am-10:00pm
9. Blue Seal
You can't leave without trying the ice cream of Okinawa. Born in America, but raised in Okinawa, Blue Seal is the most 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, besides the usual mint, they also have uniquely Okinawan flavours such as the Shiiquasa, an Okinawan citrus fruit, and of cos Beni Imo and Purple Yams. You may be able to have them in soft serves in some of their outlets. They are a delicious treat anytime.
Website: http://en.blueseal.co.jp/
10. Orion Beer
No guide to Okinawan cuisine would be complete without including Orion beer. Try this locally brewed ubiquitous in all convenience stores and restaurants. Have a light crisp original Orion beer that is fizzy with a clean aftertaste or the region specific flavoured Shiiquasa & Acerola ones. They are perfect during hot summer days and a great accompaniment to the sunsets by the beaches.
11. Conbinis
This is not specific to Okinawa, but I love love love everything that you can find in the Japanese conbinis (Lawsons and Family Marts are my absolute favourites). The tamago onigiri is a great breakfast choice with its soy-sauce flavoured rice, crispy seaweed and molten egg yolk. Enjoy the many Haagen-Dazs ice creams in double cheesecake fromage, sakura mochi, crispy pumpkin pudding, flavoured Starbucks lattes and Godiva ice creams. The list goes on and on.
Okinawa, Japan
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