Travel to Okinawa during the hot summer and slowly explore these gourmet treasures
When it comes to summer paradise, Okinawa is undoubtedly one of the most desirable holiday destinations. The blue sky, white sandy beaches and azure waters complement each other, showing its most charming side. However, in the hot summer, the sunshine in Okinawa, which has a tropical climate, is particularly strong. Fortunately, there are many nutritious local foods that can help people resist the hot summer and provide enough physical strength.The food is also loved by the people of Okinawa, but there is a difference between "Ryukyu cuisine" and "Okinawan cuisine". "Okinawa" was called "Ryukyu" in ancient times. "Ryukyu cuisine" refers to cuisine made in traditional cooking methods, characterized by the use of a lot of pork and Okinawan ingredients, such as pork noodles and fried pork. "Okinawan cuisine" refers to cuisine influenced by American food culture, with a higher overall calorie content, and uses modern ingredients such as luncheon meat and ketchup. Representative dishes include taco rice and luncheon meat fried rice.
1. Ryukyu stir-fry
"Ryukyu Mixed Stir-fry" is called "Champuru" in the Okinawan dialect, which means "mixed". Common ingredients include bitter melon, cabbage, onion, carrot, bean sprouts, island tofu, pork, tuna, eggs, etc. As the name suggests, it is to stir-fry various ingredients together, such as "bitter melon scrambled eggs" and "corn fried pork shreds". Among them, the most representative bitter melon is called "the king of summer vegetables" and is rich in vitamin C. After adding eggs and tofu, stir-fry them quickly over high heat. Eating a bite is like injecting endless energy to resist fatigue.
Recommended tasting restaurant: Ayagu Canteen
Ayako Shokudo, a popular restaurant in Shuri, is loved by locals for its good quality and cheap dishes. There are more than 80 dishes on the menu posted on the wall, most of which are priced around 600 yen. The bitter melon fried egg set meal here is extremely luxurious. The bitter melon fried egg main dish has a lot of ham, bacon and island tofu, and there is also sashimi as a side dish. It is common to share a table with strangers here, and you can blend in with the local people while enjoying the food.
Restaurant name:
Restaurant address: 2-128-1, Shuri Kubagawa-cho, Naha City, Okinawa Prefecture
2. Taco Rice
Taco rice, which also belongs to the mixed culture of "Champuru", is a unique local delicacy that has been transformed from the American food culture influenced by Mexican cuisine to Okinawa. The original taco rice shop "Parlor Chisato" is located near the gate of the U.S. military base in Kinbu-cho in the northern part of Okinawa. The owner at that time, Gioho Matsuzo, put a lot of lettuce, minced meat, cheese, minced meat, tomatoes and other ingredients on the rice, which was large and rich. The cheap and generous taco rice is eye-catching, and the simple but addictive taste has captured the stomachs of many people, and soon became a special Okinawan dish.
Recommended restaurant: KING TACOS Jinwu Main Store
In addition to the main store, there are many chain stores throughout the county, which shows how popular it is. The taco rice specialty store "KING TACOS King Take Main Store" is surrounded by American style. In addition to "taco rice", the store also provides "taco tortillas" and "taco burgers". The large pieces of ground beef are juicy and tempting, and the sweet tomato paste sauce complements each other. The different tastes of various ingredients intertwine on the tip of the tongue, which makes people's appetite in the hot weather.
Restaurant name:
Restaurant address: 4244-4 Kintake, Kintake-cho, Kunigami-gun, Okinawa Prefecture (Kintake Main Store)
3. Sea Grapes
Okinawa's specialty "sea grapes" have an addictive bursting taste. They are named after their grape-like shape and are also known as green caviar. Sea grapes are rich in minerals and hyaluronic acid, and are a rare beauty ingredient. They are delicious when eaten directly, and are also suitable as salads and mixed vegetables. Since sea grapes are difficult to transport in cold storage and can only be stored for about 3 days at room temperature, they are considered high-end ingredients in Japan, but in Okinawa, you can enjoy fresh and high-quality sea grapes at a relatively affordable price, which is definitely not to be missed.
Recommended restaurant: Yuanzu Sea Grape
Located near the scenic spot Manzamo, the "Original Sea Grape" family restaurant is said to be the original store of "Sea Grape Donburi". The carefully selected sea grapes are winners of the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Award and the Emperor's Cup Award for Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries. They are large and have excellent bubbles.
The signature "Sea Grape Donburi" is a large amount of sea grapes, sweet potato paste, sea urchin and salmon roe stacked together, just like the fresh sea breeze with bright sunshine, full of brilliant colors.
Restaurant name:
Restaurant address: Onna 6092-1, Onna Village, Kunigami District, Okinawa Prefecture
4. Peanut Tofu
"Peanut tofu" has always been regarded as a nutritious and precious delicacy during the Ryukyu Dynasty. Peanut juice and yam residue are used as raw materials. After adding water and boiling, it condenses into blocks similar to tofu. It has a smooth and elastic taste. Although it is called tofu, it does not contain soybeans. Peanuts are rich in zinc, vitamin C and E, and have anti-aging and cholesterol-lowering effects. Peanut tofu has a chewy and solid texture, coupled with a strong peanut flavor. It is a must-order appetizer for many locals when they have a poor appetite. Many people also like to use it for breakfast, or pour syrup on it, it is a delicious dessert.
Recommended restaurant: Factory Cafe
The peanut tofu specialty store "Hua Shang" located in Shintenchi Market Street, Makishi, Naha City, has been continuously researching and adding "tapioca starch" as a coagulant to give the peanut tofu a unique chewy texture. In order to let everyone taste the freshly made peanut tofu, the "Hua Shang Factory Cafe" was specially opened. In addition to brunch and afternoon tea, the highlight is of course the freshest peanut tofu. You can add mustard, original sauce, vanilla salt, olive oil, etc. to try different flavors according to your personal preferences. If you are lucky, you can also see the process of the on-site craftsmen making peanut tofu, which is particularly novel and interesting.
Restaurant name:
Restaurant address: 2F, 5-1-2 Kinjo, Naha City, Okinawa Prefecture (Naha Kinjo Store)
5. Snow Salt Ice Cream
Miyakojima is said to have the most transparent coast in Okinawa. The underground seawater contains Ryukyu limestone. The unique landform has cultivated "snow salt" known as the "treasure of the island". Snow salt, which is as delicate and white as powder snow, is known as the world's first in the variety of minerals it contains and can meet the various needs of the human body. Okinawans transform the snow salt given by nature into various exquisite delicacies. Many desserts on Miyakojima are added with snow salt, and its unique "sweet and salty taste" is endless. Among them, the most popular "snow salt soft serve ice cream" in summer is in harmony with the blue sky and white clouds, becoming a sweet summer memory in the hearts of many people.
Recommended restaurant: Snow Salt Factory
After visiting the snow salt production plant for free, enjoying snow salt soft serve ice cream is definitely one of the must-dos when visiting Miyako Island. Snow salt soft serve ice cream with 12 different flavors of "special salt" such as "cocoa", "pineapple", and "green citrus" is even more addictive. Snow salt derivative products limited to Miyako Island are sold here, such as snow salt cakes, snow salt bread, snow salt annual ring cakes, snow salt soda, etc., which are all suitable as souvenirs. If you have the chance, you should check it out.
Restaurant name:
Restaurant address: 191 Hirara Karimata, Miyakojima City, Okinawa Prefecture
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