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When people think of Okinawa, the beautiful ocean and abundant nature come to mind, but what is even more appealing is the food!
Okinawan cuisine is rich in character, making the most of its unique history, culture, and tropical ingredients.
There is a wide variety of food available, from classic favorites such as goya chanpuru and Okinawan soba noodles to tourist favorites such as taco rice and fried gurukun, as well as traditional sweets such as sata andagi and chinsuko.
All of them have long been loved by the locals, and you can experience the climate and culture of Okinawa by eating them. This article introduces a selection of recommended dishes and sweets that you must not miss on your trip to Okinawa!
- 1 Standard Okinawan Cuisine
- 1.1 Goya Chanpuru: Stir-fried bitter melon, tofu, pork, and egg.
- 1.2 Fu Chanpuru: Fu stir-fried with egg and vegetables.
- 1.3 Somen Chanpuru: Okinawan fried noodles stir-fried with boiled somen noodles.
- 1.4 Chanpon (Okinawan style): stir-fried vegetables and egg over white rice.
- 1.5 Raftae: Tender tripe of pork cooked in a stew.
- 1.6 Soki (spare ribs): Tender braised pork bone-in meat.
- 1.7 Mimigarh: dressed pig's ear.
- 1.8 Taco: Okinawan version of a tortilla topped with ground meat and vegetables.
- 1.9 Okinawa soba: A noodle dish unique to Okinawa, served in a broth made from pork bones and dried bonito flakes.
- 1.10 Soki soba: Okinawa soba with spare ribs on top.
- 1.11 Yaeyama soba: Soba made with straight noodles from the Yaeyama region.
- 1.12 Juicy: Okinawan-style cooked rice with pork and kelp.
- 1.13 Taco rice: Taco ingredients on rice.
- 2 Soups and stews
- 2.1 Inside soup: A light, clear soup made from pork offal.
- 2.2 Inamduchi: A thick soup of pork and vegetables stewed in a miso base.
- 2.3 Ikasmijiru (squid soup): a black soup made with squid meat.
- 2.4 Nabeh Rambusi: a dish of loofah and miso paste stewed together.
- 2.5 Hijer soup (goat's soup): a soup made with goat meat with a unique flavor.
- 2.6 Bone broth: A thick soup made by slowly simmering pork bones to concentrate the flavor.
- 3 Side dishes and small dishes
- 3.1 Kubuiriti: Kelp stir-fried and boiled with pork and vegetables.
- 3.2 Papaya Ilici: A dish of stir-fried green papaya strips and pork.
- 3.3 Hirayachie: Okinawan-style okonomiyaki. Grilled thin and eaten as a snack.
- 3.4 Andan Sue: Seasoning made with pork oil and miso.
- 3.5 Mozuku Tempura: Okinawa's specialty mozuku seaweed deep-fried in a batter.
- 4 Confectionery and Sweets
- 4.1 Po-Po: Okinawan-style crepe made of thinly baked brown sugar-filled dough.
- 4.2 Sata andagi: Okinawan doughnut. Crunchy on the outside, moist on the inside.
- 4.3 Chinsuko: Traditional confectionery handed down from the Ryukyu Dynasty.
- 4.4 Jeermami Tofu: sticky tofu made from peanuts.
- 4.5 Moochie (devil's rice cake): rice cake wrapped in shell leaves.
- 4.6 Brown Sugar Sweets: Various sweets made from Okinawa's specialty brown sugar.
- 5 Seafood and seaweed dishes
- 6 Pork and goat dishes
- 7 Okinawa Drinks
- 8 summary
- 9 Climate and Clothing by Month
- 10 If you want to enjoy Okinawa, get discount tickets online!
- 11 special feature article
Standard Okinawan Cuisine
Goya Chanpuru: Stir-fried bitter melon, tofu, pork, and egg.
Goya Chanpuru is a staple of Okinawan home cooking, with the bitterness of bitter melon (bitter melon) and the gentle flavors of tofu, pork, and egg creating a perfect balance.
This dish is a nutritious way to support a body that is easily fatigued in hot weather! The bitter taste of the bitter melon speaks to the abundance of vitamin C and potassium, while the tofu and egg complement the protein.
The delicious flavor of the pork pulls the whole dish together, and the simple seasoning enhances the original flavor of the ingredients. This dish is loved by locals and tourists alike as a symbol of Okinawa’s food culture, and is perfect for preventing summer fatigue. The seasoning differs from household to household, and the variation is one of the charms of this dish.
Fu Chanpuru: Fu stir-fried with egg and vegetables.
Fu Chanpuru is a traditional Okinawan stir-fry with fu, characterized by the gentle flavor of eggs and vegetables. The fu has a unique sticky texture that goes well with the richness of the egg and crunchy vegetables.
The fu is returned in broth and then stir-fried to infuse it with Okinawan flavor. The light seasoning brings out the natural flavor of the ingredients and allows you to enjoy the contrast of textures in this dish.
It is a popular home-style dish, and since many recipes do not use meat or fish, it is recommended for those who are health-conscious. There are many variations that make use of local vegetables, and you can enjoy tasting different hu chanpuru depending on the region you visit.
Somen Chanpuru: Okinawan fried noodles stir-fried with boiled somen noodles.
Somen Chanpuru is a unique Okinawan dish made by stir-frying boiled somen noodles. With its simple yet rich flavor, it is especially popular as a lunch or light meal at home.
It is characterized by the softness of the somen noodles and the savory flavor created by stir-frying, and the standard ingredients are simply eggs and vegetables. In some cases, tuna or pork may be added.
It is seasoned quickly with salt or soy sauce and finished to enjoy the flavor of the ingredients, making it a dish that can be easily enjoyed. It is especially popular among the locals during the hot summer months, and is a great alternative to cold somen noodles when you are tired of them! You can enjoy a simple taste different from that of Okinawan soba.
Chanpon (Okinawan style): stir-fried vegetables and egg over white rice.
Okinawan-style chanpon is a hearty dish of stir-fried vegetables and eggs served over white rice. Unlike Nagasaki chanpon, which is known throughout Japan, stir-fried ingredients are the star of the dish, with cabbage, carrots, and pork being the most common ingredients used.
The egg holds the whole dish together, and the well-seasoned stir-fried vegetables complement the rice. This dish has become a staple in the home, and its simple but never boring flavor is appealing.
It is served as a standard menu item at local teishoku restaurants and is also popular among tourists. This dish, which provides a full stomach in a single serving, is recommended for lunch on a busy day or to replenish stamina! It is a dish that gives you a taste of Okinawa’s unique food culture.
Raftae: Tender tripe of pork cooked in a stew.
Raftae is a traditional Okinawan dish made by slowly simmering three slices of pork. The fat of the pork tripe is melt-in-your-mouth tender, and the sweet and spicy sauce is well soaked into the meat.
The use of Okinawa’s unique awamori and brown sugar gives it a distinctive deep flavor. The softness of the rice is so addictive that it crumbles into pieces when you put it in your mouth. It is often eaten as a feast for celebrations and special occasions, and is also popular among tourists.
It is served as a staple menu item at local eateries and izakayas (Japanese style pubs) because of its excellent combination with white rice. Although the ingredients are simple, the depth of flavor created by carefully simmering the fish symbolizes the charm of Okinawa’s food culture.
Soki (spare ribs): Tender braised pork bone-in meat.
Soki is a dish of tender braised pork bone meat, so tender that the meat comes loose from the bone. It is often served on top of Okinawa soba, but can also be enjoyed as a stand-alone dish.
Awamori, brown sugar, and soy sauce are used as seasonings, giving it a sweet and rich flavor. By simmering the fish, excess fat is removed, giving it a juicy yet refreshing aftertaste. It is a popular local home-style dish, and is also popular as an accompaniment to alcoholic drinks.
This dish is closely connected to the climate of Okinawa and gives visitors a direct taste of the local flavor.
Mimigarh: dressed pig’s ear.
Mimigar is an appetizer-like dish of thinly sliced pork ears dressed with vinegared miso or ponzu. It is characterized by its unique crunchy texture, and its delicious flavor spreads with each bite.
Low in calories and rich in collagen, it is popular among beauty and health-conscious people. The seasoning is light and refreshing, perfect for Okinawa’s hot weather. It is a standard snack at izakaya (Japanese style pubs) and goes great with beer or awamori (Okinawa rice wine).
Mimigarh is one of the ingredients that symbolize the food culture of Okinawa, and there are differences in cooking methods and seasonings depending on the region. It is a popular dish that tourists can easily try.
Taco: Okinawan version of a tortilla topped with ground meat and vegetables.
Okinawan tacos are a simple dish of ground meat, lettuce, tomato, and cheese on a tortilla. Unlike tacos of Mexican origin, these tacos have an Okinawan twist.
The filling is spiced taco meat, and the tortillas can be soft or crispy.
There are also many restaurants specializing in tacos, which are very popular among young locals and tourists! While it is a quick and easy fast food, you can enjoy its robust flavor. This dish, which has its roots in taco rice, is one that reminds us of the history of cross-cultural exchange in Okinawa.
Okinawa soba: A noodle dish unique to Okinawa, served in a broth made from pork bones and dried bonito flakes.
Okinawa soba is an Okinawan dish characterized by a broth made from pork bones and bonito flakes and unique thick, flat noodles. The noodles have the firmness and stickiness of Chinese noodles and absorb the flavor of the broth.
The standard toppings are sampan meat, kamaboko, and green onions, and depending on the household or restaurant, red ginger and chopped kelp may also be added. The dish has a refreshing taste, but the richness of the pork bone and the flavor of bonito spread in your mouth, giving you a taste of Okinawa’s culture.
It is an indispensable local delicacy for tourists, and a wide variety of restaurants, from long-established establishments to modern ones, can be enjoyed. The simple yet profound flavor of these dishes is so appealing that you will want to eat them again and again.
Soki soba: Okinawa soba with spare ribs on top.
Soki Soba is a luxurious dish of Okinawa soba topped with tender braised spare ribs (soki). The flavor of the meat on the bone of the soki blends into the broth, adding to the depth of the soup.
The meat is so tender that it melts in your mouth because the fat has been thoroughly cooked. The pork bone and bonito flakes broth is combined with the sweet and spicy flavor of the soki to give the dish an even deeper taste.
The soup is hearty, yet the lightness of the soup pulls the whole dish together. This dish, a step up from Okinawa soba, is perfect as a feast for a special occasion or as a reminder of your sightseeing trip.
Yaeyama soba: Soba made with straight noodles from the Yaeyama region.
Yaeyama soba differs from Okinawa soba on the main island of Okinawa in that it features thin, straight noodles and a more refreshing broth. The broth is based on bonito or pork bones, but may have an accentuated sweetness depending on the region.
Common toppings include tripe, chopped green onion, and fish cake, and the ingredients enhance the flavor of the soup and noodles. Local ingredients and culture are concentrated in a single bowl, creating a simple yet unique flavor.
It is a must-try dish when visiting the Yaeyama Islands, and can be easily enjoyed at local eateries. It is popular among tourists because of its gentle flavor that lets you feel the peaceful atmosphere of the islands.
Juicy: Okinawan-style cooked rice with pork and kelp.
Juicy is Okinawan-style cooked rice with pork, kelp, carrots, and other ingredients cooked in a broth. The flavor of the ingredients soak into each grain of rice, giving it a moist texture and deep flavor. It is loved as a home-style dish and often appears at celebrations and special events.
The seasoning is mostly soy sauce-based, with a slight sweetness. The nutritional balance is good, and the aroma of the broth is appetizing.
It is delicious as an onigiri (rice ball) and easy to carry, making it an ideal accompaniment to picnics and events. Often served at set restaurants and home-style stores in tourist areas, it is a dish that offers a simple taste unique to Okinawa.
Taco rice: Taco ingredients on rice.
Taco rice is a hearty dish of rice topped with taco ingredients, a unique Okinawan idea. Ingredients such as ground beef, lettuce, tomatoes, and cheese are placed on rice and topped with spicy salsa.
This uniquely American-influenced Okinawan dish is especially popular among young people and tourists. One plate of this dish will fill you up, and the spicy seasoning will whet your appetite. It is popular both as a home-style dish and as a standard menu item at cafes and diners, and is easy to eat.
This dish represents a fusion of Okinawan and American cultures, and is one of the local foods that should not be missed during a visit to Okinawa.
Soups and stews
Inside soup: A light, clear soup made from pork offal.
The inside soup is a traditional Okinawan clear soup made from pork offal and is characterized by its light and refreshing flavor. The offal is carefully pre-processed and has few peculiarities, and the more you chew it, the more the flavor gradually spreads.
Konnyaku and daikon radish are often used as ingredients, which go well with the refreshing soup. Often served on special occasions such as celebrations, weddings, and funerals, it is deeply rooted in local culture.
Ginger is added as a condiment to enhance the flavor and give the dish a more refreshing aftertaste. This dish is easy on the stomach, and is a taste of Okinawan food culture. It is also served at homey eateries in tourist areas, where it can be easily enjoyed.
Inamduchi: A thick soup of pork and vegetables stewed in a miso base.
Inamduchi is a thick soup made by simmering pork, root vegetables, and konnyaku in a miso base, and can be considered the Okinawan version of pork miso soup. The deep richness of miso spreads throughout the soup, infused with the flavor of pork and the sweetness of vegetables. It is especially perfect during the cold season or when you want to strengthen your body, and is loved by the locals.
It is rich in ingredients, filling and hearty enough to be a main dish. Often served at celebrations and family gatherings, it is a dish that gives a sense of local warmth. It is a familiar taste of home, and can be arranged using ingredients and seasonings unique to Okinawa.
Ikasmijiru (squid soup): a black soup made with squid meat.
Ikasumi soup is an Okinawan dish with an impressive black soup made with plenty of squid meat. Although it looks bold, the soup is deep, rich, and delicious, and the flavor of squid can be fully appreciated.
Squid meat and island vegetables are often used as ingredients, creating a perfect balance between the richness of the broth and the lightness of the vegetables. Squid meat is rich in minerals, making this dish highly nutritious.
It is popular in local restaurants and as a home-style dish, and is also popular among tourists as a challenging dish that is uniquely Okinawan. Once you try it, you will become addicted to the taste, and you will feel the traditions and the bounty of nature of Okinawa in this special soup.
Nabeh Rambusi: a dish of loofah and miso paste stewed together.
Nabehranbushi is a tender dish made by simmering Okinawa’s specialty loofah in miso paste. The loofah becomes tender and tender when simmered, and matches perfectly with the richness of the miso.
The addition of pork and tofu increases the volume of the dish, making it a simple yet satisfying dish. It is a familiar Okinawan home-style dish, and has a nostalgic flavor for the locals. Healthy and nutritious, it is especially useful as a dish to heal the body during the hot season.
Using traditional Okinawan ingredients and seasonings, this dish offers tourists a unique Okinawan food culture experience.
Hijer soup (goat’s soup): a soup made with goat meat with a unique flavor.
Hijiru soup is a traditional Okinawan soup made with goat meat, characterized by its unique aroma and rich flavor. Goat meat is believed to be good for nourishment and is often eaten when one wants to build up stamina in particular.
The soup is concentrated with the flavor of the meat, and ginger and garlic are sometimes added to soften the aroma. The seasoning is simple and designed to allow the unique flavor of the goat meat to be fully appreciated.
It is a special local dish served at celebrations and events, and offers tourists a great opportunity to experience Okinawa’s unique food culture. It is a dish with an addictive flavor that you will become accustomed to.
Bone broth: A thick soup made by slowly simmering pork bones to concentrate the flavor.
Bone broth is an Okinawan dish in which the main ingredient is a thick broth made by slowly simmering pork bones. The richness and flavor from the pork bones permeate the entire soup, making it flavorful and nourishing.
The meat and gelatinous material remaining between the bones is softened and stewed, making it easier to eat and more nutritious. Ingredients often include island vegetables, daikon radish, and konnyaku, making it a satisfying meal. It is a popular Okinawan home-style dish, and is popular as a dish to heal a tired body.
For tourists, it is a hidden specialty that can be tasted at local restaurants and taverns. It is a rich drink that directly reflects the climate and culture of Okinawa.
Side dishes and small dishes
Kubuiriti: Kelp stir-fried and boiled with pork and vegetables.
Kubuiriti is a traditional Okinawan home-style dish made by stir-frying kelp with pork and vegetables.
Ilichee” means “stir-fry stew,” and it is a dish in which the richness of kelp, the flavor of pork, and the sweetness of vegetables are perfectly intertwined.
Cut kelp is often used, and the kelp is simmered softly, allowing the flavor to permeate the entire ingredient. Highly nutritious and rich in minerals and dietary fiber, it is popular among health-conscious people.
Familiar as the taste of home, it is characterized by the ability to enjoy the natural flavor of the ingredients without the use of special seasonings. Appearing at celebrations and everyday tables, it is a dish with a strong presence that supports the local food culture.
Papaya Ilici: A dish of stir-fried green papaya strips and pork.
Papaya ili chi is a simple but nutritious dish of shredded green papaya stir-fried with pork and vegetables.
The crunchy texture of the green papaya and the richness of the pork are a perfect match. The basic seasoning is salt or soy sauce, and the refreshing flavor is perfect for the hot, Okinawan-like weather.
Papaya is treated as a vegetable and contains abundant enzymes that aid in digestion. It is a staple of local home cooking, especially favored by women and health-conscious people.
It is popular among tourists as a dish that allows them to enjoy unique Okinawan ingredients in a casual way, with many arrangements made by each household.
Hirayachie: Okinawan-style okonomiyaki. Grilled thin and eaten as a snack.
Hirayachie is the Okinawan version of okonomiyaki, a dish made by mixing flour with water and then baking it thinly with green onions and chives.
Ingredients are simple, with pork or tuna sometimes added, but the flavor is simple, seasoned quickly with miso or soy sauce. Because it is easy to prepare, it is popular at home as a snack or light meal.
The thinly baked dough is crispy on the outside and chewy on the inside, and can be served with dipping sauce or as is.
It is a popular dish for tourists to experience the simple taste of Okinawa, and can be found at local markets and home-style eateries.
Andan Sue: Seasoning made with pork oil and miso.
Andansu is a unique Okinawan condiment based on pork oil and miso paste, and is immensely popular as an accompaniment to rice.
As the names “under” (oil) and “anthou” (miso) suggest, it is characterized by its rich, flavorful richness, and just a little goes a long way to enhance the overall taste of a dish. It is usually made with shredded pork or deep-fried dregs, and has a sweet and spicy flavor.
Because it can be preserved, it is also used in lunch boxes and as an emergency ration. Locals use this versatile seasoning as a garnish for rice balls and as a dip for boiled vegetables. It is a hidden gem that supports Okinawan home cooking and is recommended as a souvenir during your trip.
Mozuku Tempura: Okinawa’s specialty mozuku seaweed deep-fried in a batter.
Mozuku Tempura is a crispy tempura dish made with an abundance of Okinawa’s specialty mozuku seaweed, coated in a batter and deep fried.
It is characterized by the sea aroma of mozuku seaweed and the rich flavor brought out by deep frying, and the natural flavor spreads with each bite. Eggs and flour are used for the batter, which has a perfect balance of fluffy and crunchy texture.
Locals make it at home, and it is also readily available at restaurants and markets. This dish is perfect as a snack or as a snack with beer. It is one of the most popular local foods among tourists as it makes the most of Okinawa’s unique marine products.
Confectionery and Sweets
Po-Po: Okinawan-style crepe made of thinly baked brown sugar-filled dough.
Po-Po is an Okinawan-style crepe made by baking a thin layer of dough mixed with brown sugar. It is a traditional sweet and sticky texture that can be enjoyed.
The baked dough can be rolled up long and thin and eaten as is, or it can be wrapped with kurumayebi miso or anko (sweet bean paste), making it suitable for a wide range of arrangements. The savory flavor of brown sugar fills the mouth with a simple yet profound taste.
It is a popular snack among the locals and appears especially on festive occasions and events. Because it is easy to make, it is often prepared at home, and it is also sold to tourists at cafes and markets.
Sata andagi: Okinawan doughnut. Crunchy on the outside, moist on the inside.
Sata andagi is a typical Okinawan snack, a deep-fried sweet that means “sugar tempura.
They are crunchy on the outside and soft and moist on the inside, and their sweetness is adjusted with brown or white sugar. The round, deep-fried shape is adorable and ideal for celebrations and souvenirs. They are widely made locally as a family snack and can be enjoyed freshly fried.
Made with simple ingredients, this product has a traditional, rustic Okinawan flavor. It is sold at specialty stores and street stalls in tourist areas and is popular among tourists. It goes well with coffee and tea, and is loved by all generations.
Chinsuko: Traditional confectionery handed down from the Ryukyu Dynasty.
Chinsuko is a traditional confectionery that has been handed down since the days of the Ryukyu Dynasty and is characterized by its cookie-like texture, made primarily from butter, lard, flour, and sugar.
With its crunchy texture and subtle sweetness, it is popular locally for celebrations and as a gift. In recent years, arranged versions using brown sugar, red sweet potato, and salt have also appeared, offering a wide variety of flavors.
While it has a long history, it is loved by people of all ages because of its modern twist. It is also a standard Okinawan souvenir, and its cute and colorful packaging makes it a symbolic Okinawan sweet that is popular among tourists.
Jeermami Tofu: sticky tofu made from peanuts.
Jimami Tofu is a unique Okinawan sticky tofu made from peanuts (peanuts). Unlike most tofu, it is often served as a dessert or small dish.
It is characterized by its rich peanut flavor and sticky texture, and is usually served with sweet and spicy sauce or molasses. High in nutritional value, it is a healthy snack or light meal enjoyed by locals.
Its unique texture and savory flavor are a fresh surprise for first-time eaters. Sold at specialty stores and as souvenirs in tourist areas, it is the perfect sweet to experience Okinawa’s food culture.
Moochie (devil’s rice cake): rice cake wrapped in shell leaves.
Moochie is a traditional Okinawan sweet made from rice cakes wrapped in shell gingko leaves to ward off evil spirits.
Brown sugar and red sweet potato are often kneaded into the mochi, giving it a natural sweetness and chewy texture. The fresh aroma of shell gingko leaves is transferred to the mochi, enhancing its unique flavor.
It is customary to distribute them to family and friends on “Moochie Day,” which falls on December 8 of the lunar calendar, and is considered a seasonal tradition in the local area. Each region and each family has its own flavor and shape, and there are many variations.
It is an item that gives tourists a taste of Okinawan tradition and can be purchased at markets and souvenir stores.
Brown Sugar Sweets: Various sweets made from Okinawa’s specialty brown sugar.
Sweets made from Okinawa’s specialty brown sugar are characterized by their natural sweetness and richness, and are an essential part of the local diet.
There are many varieties of brown sugar buns, brown sugar sponge cakes, and brown sugar cookies, each of which is made to maximize the flavor of brown sugar. Because brown sugar is rich in minerals, it is valued as a sweetener that is also good for the body, and is familiar to locals on a daily basis.
They are also popular as souvenirs, and many stores in tourist areas offer tastings, making them easy to pick up. A variety of sweets that fully capture the uniqueness of Okinawa are a luxury item that will add to the memories of your trip.
Seafood and seaweed dishes
Umibudo (sea grapes): Seaweed with a characteristic crunchy texture.
Umibudo is an Okinawan specialty seaweed characterized by its crunchy texture and beautiful appearance, also known as “green caviar.
Each sphere is small and has a slightly salty taste and a bouncy texture when chewed. They are usually served simply with ponzu (Japanese sauce made from vinegar and soy sauce), which gives them a fresh flavor that fills the mouth.
Low in calories and rich in minerals, it is popular among health-conscious people. It is often served as an appetizer at Okinawan taverns and restaurants, and is also popular among tourists. It is also easy to find as a souvenir, and is a dish that lets you feel the Okinawan sea.
Mozuku Vinegar: Okinawa’s specialty mozuku seaweed seasoned with vinegar.
Mozuku Vinegar is a healthy dish made from Okinawa’s specialty mozuku seaweed seasoned with vinegar and characterized by its refreshing taste.
The slippery texture of mozuku and the refreshing acidity of vinegar create a perfect balance. It is highly nutritious and especially high in fucoidan, which is attracting attention as an ingredient that is expected to enhance immunity and have beauty benefits.
It is an appetizing dish in hot weather and widely popular as Okinawan home cooking. It is served as a small bowl dish at izakaya (Japanese style pubs) and teishoku-ya (set meal restaurants), and is a uniquely Okinawan healthy food that tourists can easily enjoy.
Deep-fried gurukun: Okinawan fish gurukun deep-fried in its original form.
Gurukun Karaage is a dish made by deep-frying whole Okinawa Prefecture’s local fish, gurukun, which is crispy on the outside and plump and juicy on the inside. Gurukun is a white-fleshed fish with no peculiar taste, and its flavor is concentrated by deep frying, making it an exquisite dish simply topped with salt and lemon.
It is popular as a dish that offers a taste of seafood unique to Okinawa, partly due to its bold appearance. It is served at izakaya (Japanese-style pubs) and restaurants in tourist areas, and is also loved as a home-style dish.
It is easy to eat and has a simple yet deep flavor, and goes great with beer or awamori.
Pork and goat dishes
Tebichi: A dish of braised pig’s feet.
Tebichi is a traditional Okinawan dish of tender stewed pig’s feet, characterized by a pulled, gelatinous texture.
By stewing, the flavor of the pig’s feet melts into the broth, creating a rich and flavorful finish. Rich in collagen, it is considered good for beauty and health, and is especially popular among women. It is usually seasoned with a sweet and spicy taste using soy sauce, sugar, and awamori, and its rich flavor goes well with rice.
It is a dish that can be enjoyed casually at Okinawan izakayas and teishoku-ya, and is loved by locals and tourists alike. Often appearing on special occasions or as an everyday treat, it is a dish that symbolizes Okinawa’s food culture.
Agu pork dishes: All dishes using Okinawa’s native pig breed.
Agu pork cuisine is a variety of dishes using Okinawa’s native breed of Agu pork, whose meat is characterized by its sweet fat and tenderness.
It is enjoyed in a wide range of cooking methods, such as shabu-shabu, steak, and kakuni, and is especially favored in simple cooking methods that bring out the sweetness and flavor of the fat. Agu pork is richer in fat than regular pork and has a juicy texture and rich flavor.
Known as a high quality ingredient, it is used in a wide range of Okinawan cuisine, from fine restaurants to home cooking. It is a luxurious Okinawan experience for tourists, and is often chosen as a meal for special occasions.
Hejer (goat meat): eaten as goat sashimi or goat soup.
Hijer is a dish made with goat meat, served in goat soup or goat sashimi.
Goat meat has a distinctive aroma and rich flavor, and has long been popular as a tonic and stamina food. Goat soup is usually made by boiling the meat to make a broth and seasoning it with salt and ginger.
Goat sashimi is fresh meat sliced into thin slices and served with a special sauce. It has a unique aroma that can be different for different tastes, but once you get used to it, you will find it addictive. As an ingredient that symbolizes the traditional culture of Okinawa, it is a special dish that is familiar to locals and of interest to tourists.
Okinawa Drinks
Awamori: Distilled liquor made from Thai rice.
Awamori is a distilled liquor made from Thai rice, a specialty of Okinawa, characterized by its mellow aroma and deep flavor.
Kooshu,” which has a higher alcohol content and becomes mellower as it ages, is also popular. It is enjoyed on the rocks, with water, in cocktails, or used to flavor food. Awamori is not only a drink, but also a reminder of local culture and history, and is a traditional taste that is representative of Okinawa.
There is a wide variety of brands made by local sake brewers, and they are popular as souvenirs for tourists. They are loved as sake that goes well with meals and enhances Okinawan cuisine.
San-Pin Tea: Okinawa’s version of jasmine tea.
San-Pin-Cha is the Okinawan version of jasmine tea, a healthy tea with a refreshing aroma and clean taste.
It is believed to have been introduced under Chinese influence and is an essential part of the Okinawan diet. It has a cool, refreshing feeling that is perfect for hot weather, and is ideal for relaxation as well as during meals. It is caffeine-free, healthy, and popular among all generations. Many bottled products are available in PET bottles and can be easily purchased at tourist spots and supermarkets.
This drink is a drink that gives a sense of tradition and life unique to Okinawa, and is a perfect match with food. It is also a perfect drink to quench your thirst while sightseeing.
Orion Beer: Okinawa’s representative local beer.
Orion Beer is Okinawa’s representative local beer, characterized by its refreshing taste and light flavor.
Since its birth in 1957, this beer has been loved by the locals and is known as a beer designed to pair well with Okinawan cuisine.
It is especially indispensable at seaside barbecues and toasts at izakaya (Japanese-style pubs). When paired with Okinawan dishes such as fried gurukun and somen chanpuru, it enhances the flavor.
Limited design cans are also sold at tourist attractions and are popular as souvenirs. Drinking Orion beer under the Okinawan sun is a special taste that vividly colors the memories of your trip.
summary
Okinawan cuisine has a variety of attractions that allow you to experience the unique culture and natural bounty of the region.
In addition to classic dishes such as goya chanpuru (bitter melon stir-fry) and Okinawan soba noodles, one should not miss taco rice, which is influenced by American culture, and traditional sweets such as chinsuko, which has long been a favorite of the locals.
We hope you will use this article as a guide to enjoy the exquisite gourmet cuisine unique to Okinawa!
Climate and Clothing by Month
Okinawa Travel Guide! A thorough guide to travel costs and staycation techniques by time of year
If you want to enjoy Okinawa, get discount tickets online!
special feature article
Roadside Stations and Direct Selling Stations Special Feature!
Michi no Eki (Roadside Stations) and direct sales shops in Okinawa are very popular tourist attractions. Each has its own unique characteristics, making them 200% worth visiting! Please visit them!
Special feature on beaches on the main island of Okinawa!
The main island of Okinawa has many wonderful beaches that can only be found in the tropics. We will introduce each of them in an easy-to-understand manner, from the very secluded to the well-serviced executive beaches.
Typhoon Okinawa
We have compiled a list of points to keep in mind when a typhoon approaches so that you can respond without panic before or during your trip. We hope you will find it useful.
