Japan: All About OKINAWA FOOD

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!

Turkey: Where I went to two continents in one day

8 Days and total 24 hours on the plane for the journey to Turkey. It was was worth every penny. 

I first arrived at Istanbul and it was early in the morning. So my first stop? Of course to the famous Blue Mosque and Sophia Church. 

Top Tips for travelling to Turkey

1.  It is a land full of history, backing to B.C. centuries, which then inevitably means there are loads of World Heritage Site, scattered at the West and Middle of Turkey. So my tip? Join a tour, local or not, to visit these sites. Istanbul is beautiful but outside of the city, there are even more beautiful panoramic views.
2. I went during mid-February and it was awesome period to be there. The weather was beautiful; not too hot nor too cold. Best of all? It is not the peak tourist season there. 
3. Be aware of Islam's Ramadan month per year. Although Turkey is not as strict as other Islam country, it is still a country rich on religion. 
4. Must try Raki, an alcohol drink popular in Turkey. Although the taste might not be in everyone's taste, as it is quite bland (unsweetened) and have a taste of anise, it is still worth a try. And the coolest thing? When poured out it is clear as water but when mixed with water itself, it turns to a milky colour. Totally a chemist drink. 
5. If your daily diet consist of burger, meat and other fast foods, then Turkey is perfect for you to have a healthy lifestyle. Daily fresh and tasty salad already makes you fall in love with the idea of 'salad'. This is no joke. But my tip is, they love using yogurt, olive oil or vinegar as dressing. So, safer bet is to bring your own salad bottle (i.e. the conventional thousand island dressing), if you are not used to eating their less flamboyant taste. 
6. Read some history, Greek God, and maybe bible too before your journey to Turkey. As said, it is a land of history, therefore every preserved historical site or ruins somehow has a story that relates directly to our school history class. 

Hong Kong: The Island Behind the City ~ Cheung Chau

After living in Hong Kong for more than 15 years, I realized this is my first time to visit Cheung Chau island 長洲. So I became a tourist myself and I love this island! It is a small island but is filled with local delicacy and amazing foods. 

Took the 11:30 Deluxe Boat in Central Pier #5 to Cheung Chau and around half an hour we have arrived to this enrich island behind the city.

There are quite a few must do, must eat, and must see place. So I have compiled a list:

1. The Mega big fish ball that tastes delicious!
2. Rent a bicycle/tricycle so that you can adventure around the island easier~
3. Cheung Po Tsai Cave is a must visit place to add a bit of adventure feeling to the trip
4. Seafood splurging time as they are fresh and tasty~ yum yum!  (and hey Cheung Chau is originally a fisherman village, so the seafood should be one of the best in HK)
5. Many others to do and eat but obviously, I didn't have time to do it. Til next time then!

By the way, lately it has been beautiful weather in Hong Kong; sunny with breeze. Although, as signature as it gets, it is still sweaty hot and humid type of summer.  

Hong Kong: Frites restaurant in Quarry Bay

 Fish and Chips is really not my favourite dish in the list. It is delicious and heaven-like but the consequence of having it is huge. I am not weight watching (although I should), but it is more like the heaviness you feel after eating it and the oily discomfort. And the odd pimples that come out after eating it if really unlucky. So you can imagine how much dilemma I had when ordered this in Frites. I saw the table next to us ordered it and it did look jaw-dropping yummy-ness. 

I made a great choice in the end because it was amazing and well made battered beer fish. For lunch it may be a bit too heavy but it is worth it :)

So if you ever pop by Quarry Bay/Taikoo, should visit Frites for a taste of the Fish & Chips or other choices in the menu which I haven't tried it yet.

Japan Trip: Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route

Destination: Nagoya -> Shirakawa-go -> Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route -> Tokyo

Date of Travel: May 18th - 22nd, 2013

I have finally went to one of my dream destinations in the world! The amazing Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route is a must go place in Japan. I would even say one of the top scenic routes in world. The panoramic view of the snow mountains, above sea water of around 1,900 m, with a route that  requires you to travel in 7 different transportation across the mountains. Truly amazing. 

Out of the 4 seasons, you can only visit this route in 3 only as during winter times the snow falls so heavy the mountain closes off from public. It opens every year in mid April to the public, where routes have been cleared off already which effectively created the Great Wall of Snow.  

I have heard of Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route 4 years ago and since then I have always wanted to go. But timing was always wrong with the 3-11 tragic event and Yen was so high back then.  

Besides visiting the Alpine Route, there is also the Shirakawa-go village which is another must go place. It is around the same area so why not pay a visit. Shirakawa-go village has been listed as the world heritage place for the distinctive village building and the historical preservation of it. 

 Shirokawa-go's houses - the roof is built with hays which every 6 years they will change it. There is quite a few hostels within the village that operates in these houses. However, it tends to get full pretty fast so make your reservation as early as possible.

Alpine Route - the thickness of the snows fell during winter creates a huge wall tunnel during spring

Till next time Japan <3