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What to eat in Okinawa

Written by hand, not generated. Dishes, markets, timing and prices for Okinawa.

Eating in Okinawa: a local guide

A different climate and a different history from the mainland produced a separate set of ingredients and methods here. Pork used cut by cut, vegetables that stand up to heat, and the postwar American presence combine into pairings you will not find elsewhere in Japan.

What people eat here

  • Okinawa soba

    Despite the name, wheat noodles rather than buckwheat, in a pork and bonito broth topped with belly pork or ribs.

  • Goya champuru

    Bitter melon stir-fried with tofu, egg and pork. The bitterness is pronounced and takes getting used to.

  • Rafute

    Pork belly simmered long with brown sugar and awamori until soft and faintly sweet.

  • Taco rice

    Taco fillings served over rice — a dish that started around the American bases.

  • Sata andagi

    Round fried dough balls, sold from markets and street stalls.

Where the food is

Makishi Public Market

The Naha market, where fish chosen downstairs is cooked for you upstairs.

Kokusai-dori

The main Naha shopping street, lined with restaurants and souvenir shops.

Chatan and American Village

A commercial area near the bases, heavy on western restaurants.

Yanbaru (north)

Cafes and soba shops scattered along quiet coastal roads.

Itoman

A southern fishing port dealing in fresh fish.

When to go

  • In typhoon season, June to October, flights and ferries can be cancelled.
  • Rental cars book out early in the summer peak.
  • In the north many places close by evening. Check opening hours before you drive out.

Worth knowing

  • Okinawa soba contains no buckwheat, which makes it the safer choice with a buckwheat allergy.
  • The upstairs cooking service at the market charges a preparation fee on top of the price of the fish.
  • Awamori is strong. Ask for water or ice with it.
  • Public transport is limited; without a car your range shrinks considerably.

What it costsOkinawa soba runs JPY 700-900, a champuru set JPY 900-1,200, and taco rice JPY 800-1,000.

JP

What to Eat in Okinawa — Local Food Guide | TastyLog