Okinawa's local gourmet restaurants, must-try Japanese cuisine and popular restaurants all in one place

Influenced by the Japanese mainland and Southeast Asian countries, Okinawa has developed a unique "Okinawan cuisine". In addition, after World War II, the United States stationed troops in Okinawa, such as "SPAM" canned meat and American fast food, American food culture has gradually spread in Okinawa, and even combined local ingredients with fast food culture to form a unique Okinawan local cuisine.

This time, we will introduce the popular restaurants where you can taste these dishes in addition to traditional Okinawan cuisine.

01 Okinawan-style stir-fried bitter melon



When it comes to Okinawan cuisine, the most classic dish must be this stir-fried bitter melon. This dish was originally a traditional Okinawan family dish. As the number of Tourists gradually increased, many izakayas and other restaurants now sell it. The basic version is stir-fried bitter melon, ham, and eggs. Different stores even develop their own special stir-fried bitter melon with canned tuna, island tofu, etc. When tasting stir-fried bitter melon, it is perfect to have a glass of draft beer!

02 Okinawan-style braised pork



Another signature dish of Okinawan cuisine is Kame soba, which is made by stewing pork ribs in soy sauce and brown sugar. The pork is very tender and tasty. When you come to Naha, why not try to cook this delicacy yourself? Taste of Okinawa offers a cooking class where you can learn how to cook Kame soba and other traditional Okinawan dishes!

03 Kame soba（亀そば）



Kame noodles are a local delicacy of Irabu Island, one of the Miyako Islands. The noodles are chewy and cooked in a long-simmered broth, topped with pork cutlets, pork bones, bonito flakes, and Okinawan tofu. In the old folk restaurant "Irabu Men Kame" at the northern end of Irabu Island, you can try not only Kame soba, but also the signature soba noodles or Irabu noodles.

04 Sata Andagi and tapioca pearls



Sata Andagi is also known as "Okinawa donuts". It is made of wheat flour, sugar, eggs, and sugar. It is fried in a pan until the skin is golden and crispy, and the inside is soft and firm. Some shops add ice cream and fresh cream to the filling to add new flavors to traditional desserts.

In addition, Sata Andagi near Seifu Utaki in Minami-city Okinawa is called "Dragon Ball". It is made of tapioca starch and tastes softer than Okinawa donuts. Another less common dessert that is also on the local menu is tapioca balls, which are made of tapioca starch and are softer than Okinawa donuts. You can eat it outside Seifu Utaki in Minami-city Okinawa.

05 Sea Grapes



Sea grapes are edible algae that only grow in unpolluted waters and are common in Okinawa, Japan and the Philippines. They are named sea grapes because they look like grapes and are crystal clear. They are low in calories and contain a lot of minerals such as calcium, magnesium and dietary fiber, making them a very good food for women. They are mainly eaten raw, with soy sauce or vinegar. Sea grapes are often added as a garnish in Okinawan cuisine.

06 Okinawa Tofu



Okinawans place great importance on a balanced diet, and Okinawa's vegetables are also quite famous. The tofu of "Higa Tofu Shop" on Ishigaki Island is known as one of the best tofu in Okinawa. The shop opens early in the morning and offers a variety of generous tofu sets with side dishes such as eggs, ground beef and soy milk, starting at only 350 yen per serving. Higa Tofu Shop is located in a remote location, hidden on Route 208. On the way to Banna Park, if you see a dense palm tree, Higa Tofu Shop is behind it.

07 Peanut Tofu



Peanut tofu is different from the tofu made from soybeans. It is mainly made of peanuts, rice flour, sweet potato flour and other ingredients. It is more elastic than tofu made from soybeans. It is rich in vitamin E, so it is popular among girls. Peanut tofu is also one of the tofus unique to Okinawa. Okinawans often eat peanut tofu with sauces made of black honey, soy sauce and sugar. It is very suitable for drinking or hangover.

08 Pork and Egg Rice Balls



Pork and egg rice balls are a popular delicacy in Okinawa. Influenced by American culture, Okinawans have the habit of eating canned luncheon meat. After the pork in the luncheon meat is fried crispy, it is added with soft and tender eggs, sandwiched in rice wrapped in seaweed, and a little raw bean sprouts. It is one of the local foods of every Okinawan.

In addition to the classic original pork and egg rice balls, there are also flavors with many different ingredients. Don't forget to eat one when you have breakfast in Okinawa to experience this simple and delicious feeling.

09 "Blue Seal" ice cream



"Blue Seal" is an ice cream brand from the United States that has become popular in Okinawa. There are more than 30 original flavors of ice cream, such as "Red Taro" and "Salt-Gin Choko" that use ingredients unique to Okinawa. The flavor called "Blue Wave (Soda Smoothie & Pineapple)" is especially recommended. It is a soda ice cream with pineapple pulp. Both the color and the taste are very summery.

10 Taco Rice



Okinawa's taco rice originated from Mexican cuisine and is a famous "B-grade food (meaning cheap and delicious food)" in Okinawa. It uses minced meat, onions, lettuce and cherry tomatoes as the main ingredients, and uses ketchup, mayonnaise, TABASCO and other seasonings. It is stir-fried and eaten with rice, and cheese sTrips can also be added to add flavor. In Okinawa, it is a dish that even appears in school lunches. It is low in calories and balanced in nutrition, which is one of the reasons why taco rice is popular in Okinawa.

11 Awamori



Okinawa Awamori is a liquor made by distilling Thai rice with water. The average alcohol content is about 25 degrees. Many Okinawans are used to diluting it with water or adding ice cubes to enjoy it. There are also many bars that mix Awamori with other alcoholic beverages to make cocktails.

There are many brands of Awamori with different prices. You can buy it in convenience stores in Japan. According to the brewing time, there is also a distinction between old and new wines. New wines usually have a stronger alcohol taste and are more irritating, while old wines can taste the sweetness of alcohol.

12 "Orion" beer



"Orion Beer" is a beer brand that originated in Okinawa and is very popular among Japanese people. Among them, draft beer is a classic product, with a refreshing and sweet taste, and the cool shape and color of the bottle, which is quite Okinawan style. The beer factory in Nago City, Okinawa, provides free tours. In addition to learning about the history and production process of "Orion Beer", you can also taste the beer for free.

13 “Gunangi”




Located near Kokusai-dori in Naha City, "Yunangi" is a long-established Okinawan cuisine restaurant that has been operating since the 1970s. Due to many media reports, this restaurant is not only loved by locals, but also many tourists come here.

The must-order signature dishes here are stewed pork ribs and Okinawan braised assorted (フーチャンプルー), which are Okinawa's signature home-cooked dishes. They are simple but very delicious!

14. "Island Sake and Cuisine SHIMATOATE"




Located in Yatai Village on Kokusai-dori, the store offers more than 100 different types of awamori, as well as a variety of Okinawan cuisine, such as Tsukemozuku (pickled mozuku) and tempura. One of the most special dishes is a fried dish mixed with taro, shiitake mushrooms and pork. The staff will recommend different types of awamori and explain how to drink it.

15 “Blue Seal” branches on Kokusai-dori



Okinawa's unique American ice cream has many branches on Kokusai-dori. Each store sells different flavors, so don't be discouraged if you don't find the flavor you like at the first store. You may find it at the next store after walking a few steps! "Blue Seal" has many flavors full of Okinawa characteristics, and people living in Japan can also order home delivery. In the hot summer, "Blue Seal" is indispensable.