The Ultimate Food Lover's Guide to Okinawa, Japan: Top 5 Must-Try Dishes and Souvenirs

Are you a food lover looking for a culinary adventure off the beaten path? Look no further than Okinawa, a subtropical island paradise in southern Japan renowned for its unique and delicious cuisine. In this food lover's guide, we'll explore the top 5 Okinawan dishes and souvenirs you simply must try on your visit. Get ready to savor a cuisine that delightfully blends influences from mainland Japan, China, Southeast Asia, and the US to create flavors you won't find anywhere else. Let's dive in and discover why Okinawa is a food lover's paradise!

What Makes Okinawan Cuisine Unique Compared to the Rest of Japan?

While Okinawa is part of Japan, its cuisine is distinctly different from what you'll find in Tokyo, Osaka, or other parts of the country. The subtropical climate allows for different ingredients to thrive, and the island's history of trade and cultural exchange has brought in flavors and techniques from around Asia and beyond.

Staples of Okinawan cuisine include pork, seaweed, goya (bitter melon), sweet potatoes, and an abundance of fresh seafood and tropical fruits. Dishes tend to be lighter and healthier compared to mainland Japanese cuisine, with an emphasis on vegetables, herbs, and umami-rich broths. The result is a flavorful and unique culinary tradition that any food lover must experience firsthand.

What Are the Top 5 Must-Try Dishes in Okinawa?

1. Okinawa Soba

Don't confuse this with the buckwheat noodles found in mainland Japan - Okinawa soba is a completely different dish! These thick, chewy noodles are made from wheat flour and served in a flavorful pork broth topped with slow-simmered pork belly, fish cake, and green onions. Cheap, filling and absolutely delicious, Okinawa soba is a local favorite you'll find at restaurants and markets across the island.

2. Goya Chanpuru

This iconic stir-fry showcases goya, a bittery and bumpy green gourd also known as bitter melon. Goya chanpuru combines the vegetable with tofu, eggs, pork, and sometimes Spam (yes, the canned meat!), which was introduced by the US military and has become a beloved ingredient in Okinawan cuisine. The contrasting flavors and textures make for a uniquely satisfying dish that's also packed with nutrients.

3. Taco Rice

Speaking of American influences, taco rice is an Okinawan specialty that fuses Tex-Mex and Japanese flavors. A bed of rice is topped with seasoned ground beef, shredded cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, and salsa in a dish that's like a deconstructed taco. You can find taco rice all over Okinawa, from casual eateries to izakayas, and even in pre-made bento boxes at convenience stores. It's Okinawan comfort food at its finest!

4. Rafute

This melt-in-your-mouth pork belly dish is slow-cooked in a mixture of soy sauce, awamori (Okinawan rice liquor), and brown sugar until it's fork-tender and deeply flavorful. Rafute is often enjoyed on special occasions but you can find it on the menu at many traditional Okinawan restaurants. The unctuous pork paired with the sweet and savory sauce is pure bliss!

5. Sata Andagi

To satisfy your sweet tooth, try sata andagi, a fried dough cookie made with flour, sugar, and eggs. These golf ball-sized treats have a crispy exterior and a fluffy, cake-like interior, with a subtle sweetness that's perfect with a cup of tea or coffee. You'll find them freshly fried at street stalls, local markets, and souvenir shops across Okinawa. Flavors like sweet potato, pumpkin, and brown sugar are also popular.

What Are the Best Okinawan Food Souvenirs to Bring Home?

No food lover's trip to Okinawa is complete without bringing home some edible souvenirs! Here are a few must-buy items to share with friends and family or enjoy yourself:

1. Chinsuko Cookies

These simple shortbread cookies are made with just flour, sugar, and lard, but they have a rich, buttery flavor that's utterly addictive. They come in plain and flavored varieties like sweet potato, goya, and pineapple. Pick up a beautifully packaged tin or a few small boxes - they make excellent gifts!

2. Blue Seal Ice Cream

This locally beloved ice cream brand has been churning out tropical flavors on Okinawa since 1948. Favorites include beni-imo (purple sweet potato), shikwasa (Okinawan lime), mango, and the bright blue "Ocean Tower" flavor featuring pineapple, coconut, and rum. Grab a pint (or three) to enjoy during your stay and snag some mochi ice cream to take home.

3. Shima Togarashi Chili Pepper

Spice up your cooking with Okinawa's very own chili pepper. Small and fiery, shima togarashi is often added to stir-fries, soups, and more to bring heat and flavor. You can find it dried and ground into a powder, or as an ingredient in sauces, salts, and condiments. It's the taste of Okinawa in a bottle!

4. Okinawan Salt

Sea salt has been produced on Okinawa's pristine beaches for centuries using traditional methods. The salt has a pure, clean taste that enhances any dish it touches. Pick up a bag of Okinawan sea salt flavored with shima togarashi, seaweed, or matcha tea to add a special touch to your home cooking.

5. Orion Beer

Wash down all that delicious Okinawan food with the island's most popular beer. Orion has been brewed locally since 1957 and has a crisp, refreshing taste that pairs perfectly with the island cuisine. Grab a few cans from any convenience store or souvenir shop to toast an unforgettable food lover's trip to Okinawa!

What Other Food Experiences Should You Have in Okinawa?

In addition to eating your way through the island's top dishes and picking up souvenirs, here are a few other food experiences not to miss:

• Visit a local market: Check out Makishi Public Market in Naha to see an amazing array of fresh seafood, produce, and prepared foods. Grab a donburi rice bowl piled high with the freshest tuna sashimi for a memorable meal.

• Take a cooking class: Learn to make Okinawan favorites like goya chanpuru and rafute from a local instructor. You'll gain a deeper appreciation for the cuisine and techniques to recreate the dishes back home.

• Attend a food festival: Time your visit with a food-focused event like the Naha Matsuri in October to sample an array of Okinawan specialties in one place, often at great prices.

• Dine at an izakaya: These lively Japanese pubs are perfect for sampling lots of dishes and meeting locals over frosty mugs of Orion beer. Don't be afraid to order unfamiliar items and discover new favorites!

The Ultimate Okinawan Food Checklist

To recap, here are the top Okinawan dishes, drinks and food experiences every food lover must have:

• Slurp a bowl of Okinawa soba

• Savor the bitter and delicious flavors of goya chanpuru

• Dig into comforting taco rice

• Indulge in melt-in-your-mouth rafute pork belly

• Munch on freshly fried sata andagi

• Sip an icy mug of locally brewed Orion beer

• Explore a local market and sample ultra-fresh seafood

• Learn Okinawan cooking techniques in a hands-on class

• Celebrate Okinawan food culture at a matsuri festival

• Share tapas and drinks with locals at a lively izakaya pub

With this food lover's guide to Okinawa, you're ready to discover the unique and delightful cuisine of this subtropical Japanese island. So what are you waiting for? Book that trip and let your taste buds lead the way on an unforgettable culinary journey through Okinawa. Itadakimasu!

If you're planning to visit Okinawa's main island and want to explore all the best food spots, consider renting a fully-equipped camping car from us at Evertrail.

With our custom-built 4x4 vehicles, you can venture off the beaten path and discover hidden culinary gems across the island. Choose from the nimble Suzuki Jimny Sierra or Classic, perfect for reaching secluded camping spots and enjoying nature feasts. Or, opt for the luxurious Toyota FJ Cruiser, coming in August 2024, for unparalleled comfort during your food-filled adventure.

With Evertrail's camping cars, you'll have everything you need to explore, discover, and stargaze your way through Okinawa's diverse and delicious food scene.