Tom If you’re travelling to Okinawa, you’d not only be visiting the attractions in Okinawa but also try out authentic Okinawa cuisine! In this post, we’ll be sharing some of the must-try Okinawa Food that we’ve tried during our travels in Okinawa!
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What to eat in Okinawa – 1. Okinawa Soba / Soki Soba
Almost everywhere you go in Okinawa, you’ll be able to see the characters 沖縄そば, which means Okinawa Soba. At first, we thought that it could be a “tourist trap” designed to attract tourists to eat something which may not have been originally Okinawan. After our visit to Taste of Okinawa, we were told by our guide Rina, that Okinawa Soba is authentically local Okinawan cuisine.
Okinawa Soba is like a cross between ramen and udon, in the sense that the wheat-based Okinawa Soba resembles the more commonly known udon and is served in a ramen-based broth. Okinawa Soba is usually served in 2 versions. The normal version, served with slices of pork belly or the Soki Soba that is served with boneless pork ribs. For a little added spice, you can add the koregusu (local awamori infused with red chili). Remember just a few drops will do!
What to eat in Okinawa – 2. Seafood Don (Kaisen Don)
Besides its pork-related feasts, Okinawa is also known for its seafood. During our visit to a local seafood restaurant, we noticed many locals ordering cooked whole fish (and of course Okinawa Soba – see above). At 味華海鮮食堂 (Okinawa Henza Seafood Restaurant), we tried the seafood don and were surprised at the variety and portion of the fish slices served. Fresh, sweet and mouth-watering slices topped over japanese rice. Yum! Something that Kate will never understand… 😛
What to eat in Okinawa – 3. Okinawa Sea Grapes (Umibudo)
Sometimes, your seafood bowl may come with generous portions of Okinawan Sea Grapes as well. As the name suggests, they come in bunches just like grapes. As you chew on them, they literally “pop” in your mouth to release succulent bursts of fresh sea flavours. A must-try Okinawan dish!
What to eat in Okinawa – 4. Unagi Don
Still on the topic of seafood in Okinawa, we’d also recommend trying out the unagi don here. The prices are really reasonable and tastes just as good as the unagi don that we tried at Narita. The meat is chunkier, grilled to charred perfection and substantially cheaper as well (1500 yen vs 2000 yen in Narita).
What to eat in Okinawa – 5. Goya Champuru (Stir Fried Okinawa Bitter Gourd)
When you’re in Okinawa, we STRONGLY recommend trying the Goya Champuru – the “soul food of Okinawans”. It is a stir-fry dish that combines the local Okinawan bitter gourd with tofu, egg and sometimes pork and/or spam. The star of the show is definitely the Okinawan Bitter Gourd (aka Goya). Not only does it look beautiful when it is thinly sliced (Goyas have a uniquely uneven outer texture), it also does not taste as bitter as the ones we have in Southeast Asia. Moreover, after a light stir fry, it still retains its slight crunchy goodness. Enjoy!
What to eat in Okinawa – 6. Miso Pork Rafute
As part of the cooking experience at Taste of Okinawan, we also got to cook another local delicacy – miso pork rafute. The pork belly is first boiled in water to remove some of the fats and also to tenderise the meat. It is then reduced in a miso sauce over low heat for 30 minutes. That’s where the miso flavours get infused into pork belly. Tender and flavourful meat that goes perfectly with a warm bowl of rice. Shiok!
What to eat in Okinawa – 7. Pig Trotters / Stewed Pork Leg
As we’ve mentioned earlier, Okinawa is famous for its pork cuisines. We found the Okinawan Stewed Pig Trotters especially tender and delicious. During our visit to Karakara Okinawan Buffet, there was an entire pot of stew pig trotters and we could not help ourselves as we went for seconds, thirds and forths…
What to eat in Okinawa – 8. Pork Tenderloin Cutlet Set / Dinner at basement
While the pork tenderloin cutlet is not originally from Okinawa, we saw many restaurants (basement food courts) selling this japanese dish. As always, we love the outer crisp textures and juicy deep fried pork within. However, we’ve got to caveat that the best japanese pork katsu is still at Yabaton in Nagoya…
What to eat in Okinawa – 9. Pork Ramen
Still on pork, we were surprised to find delicious pork ramen while we were in Naha City Okinawa. If you’re craving for some great tasting ramen, visit Akamaru Ramen (close to Hotel Aqua Citta Naha). Though the soup base is not the tonkotsu flavour (which we love), we were pleasantly surprised by the richness that can be achieved by this miso-based rendition. Go for the LL portion where generous portion of crisp and sweet beansprouts (no raw tau geh taste at all!) are heaped atop the piping hot ramen. Warmed us up nicely during the cold rainy evening 🙂
What to eat in Okinawa – 10. Pork Beef Curry
After a relaxing day out at Okinawa Ocean Expo Park, we decided to visit Papaya Restaurant, near to our stay at Wisteria Condominium. This time, we tried the pork beef curry with onsen egg where we were thrilled by the flavour of mixing the yolk of the onsen egg into the curry. The grilled beef and tender pork belly was enjoyed with mouthfuls of curry mixture and rice.
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Okinawa Food – 11. Motobu Beef
While Kobe and Takayama have their own versions of the A5 beef, Okinawa’s reply is the Motobu Beef! At もとぶ牧場 那覇店, a Motobu Beef restaurant, we had a treat as well. You could see the oil forming on the beautifully marbled pieces of beef after a light grill. The rich beef flavours ensued on each bite.
Okinawa Food – 12. Hamburger
While staying at Ada Garden Hotel Okinawa, we decided to have dinner at the in-house restaurant. This time, we were served with a grilled hamburger patty. We were like…”WHAT?!?!” – without saying it out loud of course. However, after biting into it, we realised why the set was 2000 yen. The hamburger patty was actually made with really beef slices! On each bite, we could see the thinly sliced beef “torn” away from the hamburger. The grilled fresh 野菜 (ya sai) beneath the burger patty was also sweet and crunchy – including the thinly sliced goya!
Okinawa Food – 13. Tortilla Beef Roll
If you’re visiting Umikaji Terrace Senagajima, we’d recommend Hammock Cafe for a light brunch and relaxing time on one of the hammocks. We thoroughly enjoyed the tortilla beef roll with its nicely toasted wrap and tender beef within. After the meal, you can also have a nap on one of the hammocks. Depending on the weather, you can choose to be seated indoors or outdoors. Yes, we actually dozed off here…
Okinawa Food – 14. Coney Dog @ A&W
If you’re driving past Makiminato on highway 58 in Okinawa, you’ll spot this super retro branch of A&W at Makiminato. Opened since 1969, this branch of A&W still retains its retro feel with its outdoor drive-through ordering points and self-service unlimited root beer! The coney dog was SOOOOO good!
Okinawa Food – 15. Yaki Soba
While trying to order a Soki Soba, our order was mistaken for Yaki Soba (stir fried soba). Thankfully, this rendition of the Okinawa wheat noodles was also delicious. Somehow, spam is also part of the deal – probably due to the American influence on the island. If you’ve had enough of Okinawa Soba, Yaki Soba could be a nice alternative.
Okinawa Food – 16. Tan Tan Noodles
Still on noodles, Kate recommends the cold tan tan noodles from Akamaru Ramen shop. The sesame-based sauce served with an ever-so-slight-tinge of spice, makes this cold bowl of noodles so appetizing. A plate of gyoza is also in order when dining here. In fact, in Okinawan, we also saw several restaurants that specialises in gyoza. The ones we’ve tried in Okinawa, have never disappointed.
Okinawa Food – 17. Tofu Set
Okinawa is also known for its tofu. Not the silky type but the slightly firmer version. We realised that however its prepared, whether in a soup (like in the picture) or part of the Goya Champuru, the soya goodness of the tofu always shone through. Love the texture, love the taste. Not to be missed when you’re in Okinawa! Perhaps, this is the secret to the longevity of the Okinawans…
Okinawa Food – 18. Jimami Tofu
Okinawa also has a special kind of tofu that can’t be bought elsewhere. It is the Jimami Tofu. Jimami tofu is a peanut-based tofu that is usually taken as a dessert. The version we got from the supermarket came with a soya sauce – an interesting way to try jimami tofu but we prefer the natural version. It does taste peanuty and has an almost mochi-like texture. A soothing after meal dessert.
Okinawa Food – 19. Aserora Drink
Aserora is a type of cherry that is commonly found in countries like Brazil, Mexico and Peru. In Okinawa, we got to try a frozen drink version of the cherry and found it to be rather appetizing and refreshing. Sweet with a slight tinge of sour.
Okinawa Food – 20. Awamori
While the rest of Japan enjoys sake, Okinawa has an alcoholic drink of its own, known as Awamori. Awamori is made from long grain rice using the distillation process. Thereafter, it is aged in earthen vessels known as “kara-kara”. It is also used to make a type of chili flavouring known as koregusu where awamori is infused with chili.
Okinawa Food – 21. Orion Beer
Did you know that Orion beer comes from Okinawa? At Orion Happy Park Okinawa, you’ll be able to taste freshly brewed draft Orion beer, FOR FREE! All you have to do is head to Orion’s website and make a booking prior to your visit. Freshly brewed beer always tastes best at the brewery. This was the case with Orion. Delicious!
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Okinawa Food – 22. Sata Andagi
Sata andagi is like a cousin of the doughnut. Essentially, it is fried dough with a nice little twist. In Okinawa, the famous Okinawan black sugar is used. This grants the sata andagi a nice smokey flavour instead of the usual “flat sweetness”. Enjoy it freshly fried – crisp on the outside and chewy on the inside.
Okinawa Food – 23. Sea Salt Ice Cream
While in Okinawa, don’t forget to try the sea salt ice cream. Love the rich milky taste coupled with the slight tinge of uplifting saltish-ness from the Okinawan sea salt.
Okinawa Food – 24. Mango Daifuku
At Umikaji Terrace, we found an unbelievable dessert at SunRoom Sweets known as Mango Daifuku. It has 5 different textures rolled into it including the outer mochi covering the cream, tart, cake and puree. Whoever created this amazing dessert is a culinary genius!
Okinawa Food – 25. Mont Blanc
You knew that it would be on this list didn’t you? How can we miss out this deliciously created chest-nutty dessert when we talk about food in Japan? In Okinawa, try out Mont Blanc with additional chest nuts added on the for added flavours!
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We hope you have enjoyed our entire coverage of our travels in Okinawa, including the Okinawa Travel Itinerary, Things to do and Attractions in Okinawa as well as the MUST-TRY Okinawan Cuisine!
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