😋Due to the geographical location and historical influences, Okinawa has developed a unique culinary culture distinct from mainland Japan through interactions with various cultures.
Top 10 must-eat delicacies starting from No.10!👏
No.10 "Agu Pork🐽"
In Okinawa, the native breed Agu pork has a higher degree of marbling compared to regular pork, resulting in tender and juicy meat.
You can taste Agu pork prepared in various cooking styles.
I recommend trying shabu-shabu (hot pot) or yakiniku (grilled meat). Whether you enjoy thinly sliced meat dipped in flavorful broth
or savor the richly marbled pork grilled to perfection, you can truly indulge in the deliciousness of Agu pork!
Image Source：まつもと
No.9 - Popular Soul Food "Potama"
The "Pork and Egg Rice Ball" is the classic flavor featuring a soft fried egg, luncheon meat, and rice wrapped in seaweed.
Despite its simple ingredients, its flavor is anything but ordinary.
Make sure to come and taste this savory and satisfying flavors.
You can also choose from other unique Okinawan flavors like bitter melon, sea grapes, and taco rice!
No.8 - "Okinawa Stir-fried Bitter Melon" & "Sea Grapes"
Okinawa Stir-fried Bitter Melon
A representitive local dish of Okinawa, featuring bitter melon stir-fried with pork, egg, and tofu.
The bitterness of bitter melon can stimulate appetite, and its rich vitamin C helps prevent heatstroke in the hot summer.
Sea Grapes
Known as green caviar or vegetarian roe, it resembles grapes in appearance.
With its bouncy and fresh texture, it pairs well with various dishes. It often used in salads, cold dishes, soups, and enjoyed with sashimi.
※You can find stir-fried bitter melon and sea grapes at restaurants and izakayas all over Okinawa!
No.7 - Okinawa Yakiniku: "Wagyu Yakiniku Gyu-Samurai" and "Yakiniku Horumon Akashiro"
Wagyu Yakiniku Gyu-Samurai
Located on the 6th floor of American Village, this restaurant offers premium black wagyu beef,
allowing you to enjoy delicious wagyu while admiring the ocean view.
In addition to wagyu, they also serve the unique international dish, taco rice.
Pair your wagyu with Okinawan drinks or other alcoholic beverages for a luxurious dining experience!
Yakiniku Horumon Akashiro
Founded in 1960, this long-established yakiniku restaurant offers domestic A4 and A5 grade beef tongue, offal, and tripe,
all marinated in a special homemade sauce.
Tender premium wagyu and thick-cut beef tongue are must-orders,
while the rare brisket and marinated tripe are highly recommended by the restaurant.
No.6 - Authentic American Burgers "A&W Burgers"
Besides America, A&W Burgers only has branches in Asia located in Okinawa!
The menu includes burgers, fries, and other foods, with classic root beer as the beverage choice.
The burgers are generously loaded with ingredients.
Each bite lets you savor the juicy meat, fresh vegetables, and sweet bread, leaving you completely satisfied!
No.5 - "Taco Rice"
It's a dish where seasoned ground meat, cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, and other vegetables are placed on top of white rice.
Because it resembles the ingredients of " taco rice" placed on white rice, it's often mistaken for Mexican cusine.
However, it originates from Okinawa and is a local delicacy there!
No.4 - Specialty Souvenirs "Purple Sweet Potato Tart", "Okinawa Brown Sugar", "Chinsuko"
Okashigoten - Purple Sweet Potato Tart
Using locally produced purple sweet potatoes as the base, paired with baked tart crusts, creates an exquisite combination.
Depending on the season, they also offer limited-time flavors.
In addition to the famous purple sweet potato tart, they have developed products such as purple sweet potato cookies,
purple sweet potato cake, purple sweet potato ice cream, and purple sweet potato steamed buns.
Okinawa Brown Sugar
Brown sugar is rich in vitamins B1, B2, B6, potassium, calcium, and other nutrients, making it beneficial for health and easy to incorporate into your diet.
I recommend purchasing "Hachi Shima Kokutou" which allows you to taste and compare eight different types of brown sugar in one package,
helping you discover your favorite variety.
Chinsuko(ちんすこう)
Image Source：南都物産株式会社
These traditional pastries have been passed down since Ryukyu Kingdom era.
Made by mixing lard, eggs, flour, and sugar, they have a sweet texture that is highly addictive.
I bought 3 different flavors of chinsuko: Ishigaki salt, purple sweet potato, and brown sugar.
With one package, you can taste three Okinawan specialties, making it a great deal.
🥉No.3 - "Okinawa Ramen"
The broth of Okinawa ramen is made by simmering pork bones and dried bonito flakes, seasoned with soy sauce and salt to create a rich, savory flavor.
The main topping is tender SOKI braised spare ribs, which are cooked until they are soft and flavorful.
This generous portion of meat is a highly popular local delicacy in Okinawa.
No.2 - Ice Cream "Blue Seal" and "Yanbaru Gelato"
🥈Blue Seal
Originating from the U.S. military bases, Blue Seal is the most famous ice cream in Okinawa.
It has a vibrant appearance with a variety of tropical fruit flavors to choose from.
Every month on the 8th, they have a special promotion where you get a free upgrade from one scoop to two scoops. It's an amazing deal!
Image Source：BLUE SEAL
🥈Yanbaru Gelato
Crafted by two world-class artisans, this delicious Italian gelato uses only locally sourced ingredients to provide customers with the best flavors.
On a hot day, enjoy the creamy texture of the gelato paired with a macaron for a truly delightful treat.
🎖️No.1 - "Orion Beer"
Asahi Orion The Premium (Left), Asahi Orion NAGO 75 BEER IPA (Right)
Image Source：orionbeer(left), orionbeer(right)
Okinawa's number one beer is a local favorite, found almost everywhere. It is made using barley and rice from Iejima Island and Yanbaru pure water.
The fine and delicate foam carries hints of malt and citrus aroma. Its fresh taste combined with the creamy soft foam makes it incredibly smooth to drink.
※Some of the shop mentioned above can be visited using the "Have Fun in Okinawa Pass." Choose any 3 discounts within 7 days, for details please refer to the official website.
⚠️Attractions in the Pass will vary, please check the website for the latest information.