Let's talk about a special Japanese island cuisine; the Okinawan food.
Okinawa prefecture situates southernmost of Japan and constitutes several small islands in this area with the main island Okinawa. There is a long rich history of this region, once a kingdom of itself with close ties to China, and now the main base center for the US military in East Asia. So, with such Chinese, Japanese and American influences, the cuisine here has just naturally evolved to incorporate a lot of these cultures and just differ greatly to the mainland Japanese food.
I visited Okinawa back in Oct 2018 and just wanted to share foods that were interesting, Okinawa-only, and worth giving it a try!
1) Spam and Egg Onigiri
This is available everywhere in convenience stores and some small shops sells these as specialty. Obviously an influence from the one-and-only SPAM meat can that became popular after WWII. A tasty and feed-your-tummy food for breakfast or in between meals.
2) Bitter Melon Egg and Spam Burger at Jef
So another food that uses Spam ingredient and this time mixed with bitter melon! This is definitely a Okinawa-only burger. Bitter melon is a famous produce in Okinawa so why not give this fusion burger a try. This is only available in Jef fast food chain store and there isn't a lot of stores around the Okinawa island so we needed to purposely drive to there one night.
3) Bitter Melon fried egg
This is not Okinawa-only food as bitter melon is a common Asian vegetable. But you must try bitter melon in Japan and you may have a whole new perspective to this vegetable (if you did not enjoy it before). I think, from now on, I will only eat bitter melon that is from Japan only.
Anyways, bitter melon fried egg is a common dish in Okinawa cuisine. Order a plate and give it a try when you can!
4) Okinawa Taco Rice
This is one good combo of Mexican taco with Asian rice. Bottom is rice topped with salads, carne, cheese, salsa, and tomatoes. Last but not least, hard shell tacos are break into pieces and sprinkle onto the top. There is, of course, added bonus you can order for variation. I added an avocado just cause I love it.
5) Okinawa Local Fish Sushi
When in Okinawa region, you must try the local raw fishes. Peculiar they are and definitely not the conventional Japanese sushi kind. Just be prepared some are too chewy to even swallow. It was quite an adventure for me when trying these raw fishes.
6) Okinawa Pork - cafe CAHAYA BULAN
In general, pork is quite famous in Okinawa and worth giving a try. I want to particularly recommend Cafe CAHAYA BULAN, which is near Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium. The menu focus mainly on Okinawa food with their Pork Rice Bowl being quite famous. They offer their food in different sizes at different price point so if you are feeling hungry that day, you can order a large portion. After the visit to the aquarium, you can enjoy a beautiful lunch here by the sea.
There is parking lot right next to the cafe which is quite convenient. Based on their website, they even offer reservations now through their website.
Website: https://www.cahayabulan.com/
This post is solely based on my trip to Okinawa last October and I believe I have missed quite a few highlights of Okinawan food. Another excuse for me to visit Okinawa again!
