Welcome to our food lovers guide to Okinawa, Japan. Here are 10 local dishes and snacks you must try for your visit!
Okinawa Soba:
Okinawa Soba uses thick noodles and is served in a bowl that looks very similar to Udon. One of the unique elements of this Soba noodle is that is made from 100% wheat flour for a more chewy texture.
Where we found this: See our Day 1 Map reference on our road trip guide (We tried both the Soba and Sea Grapes below)
Sea Grapes:
Experience an explosion of seaweed taste as the little bubbles of seaweed pop in your mouth after the first bite. These are often served cold as a side dish with a soy and vinegar dip for a little extra flavour.
Blue Seal's Beni-imo purple sweet potato ice cream:
Blue Seal is the most popular brand of local ice cream in Okinawa which has been around since 1948 and can be found almost anywhere. There are many local flavours to taste but we personally loved the bright purple creamy sweet Potato ice cream.
Where we found this: Ice Cream truck at Cape Zanpa lighthouse. We also went for seconds during our next day at Okinawa World.
Purple Sweet Potato Cakes:
While on the topic of Sweet Potato snacks, pick yourself up the most famous local Souvenir from Okinawa, the sweet potato cakes. They can be found in almost any souvenir store.
Where we found this: Naha Okinawa Airport
Soft Pumpkin Cookies:
Another of our favourite sweet souvenirs was the soft and freshly made pumpkin cookies from the factory in Ocean Tower on Kouri Island. After tasting one, we purchased several boxes to take home.
Ramen (ordered from a vending machine):
Did you even travel to Japan if you didn't get something from a vending Machine? They say each part of Japan has their own distinct take on Ramen, so we recommend finding some local Ramen to taste.
Where we found this: Ramen Koryu Naha Matsuyama Shop (Near Fukushuen Gardens, Naha City)
Japanese Hawaiian fusion:
Enjoy a fresh bowl of Japanese-Hawaiian fusion food. We loved the garlic shrimp from Kouri Shimp food truck on Kouri Island.
Fresh Seafood:
When on a tropical island there's no going past some fresh seafood. Whether that's fresh fish from Makishi markets in Naha or some restaurant quality Sashimi.
Where we found this: Okinawa Cuisine Chinuman Izumizaki (Near Harborview Hotel Naha)
Bukubuku Tea:
Taste the traditional rice brewed foaming Bukubuku Tea with a side of local peanut flavoured biscuits. There's an art to both creating and drinking correctly this tea which is worth giving a go.
Where we found this: cafe along Tsuboya Pottery Street in Naha.
Orion Beer:
While we are not massive beer drinkers we really enjoyed the locally brewed Orion Beer, indulging in at least one per night on our trip. The beer is brewed with fresh spring water from the mountains just behind the brewery.
Where we found this: Any restaurant along Kokusai Dori Street, Naha City
Looking for somewhere to stay in Naha, find the best hotel deals in Naha, Okinawa here:
We hope you enjoyed our weekend travel guide to the the must try foods of Okinawa.
To learn more on the top things to see and do in Okinawa check out our 4 Day Road trip itinerary guide here.
For more blog posts on weekend getaways and travel itineraries check out the destinations section of our blog.
Your,
LITTLE SHERPAS
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