Okinawa, once developed as the independent kingdom from Japan and created own culture, is unique and special even for Japanese who live in the main island. You can see many differences from the main island and the food is one of most distinctive cultures you can feel Okinawa.
View on Facebook View on Facebook View on Facebook"Chanpuru" comes from Okinawan regional language
Okinawa is 640 km (400 mi) south of rest of other Japan’s islands, so Okinawa has regional dialogues. Chanpuru is one of the great examples, and it automatically indicates Okinawan food. It means “something mixed,” and it is the stir-fry dish with anything including vegetables, meats, fish, eggs, tofu, etc. The most famous kind is with Goya, the bitter melon, which only exists in Okinawa.
You cannot leave Okinawa unless eat Ishigaki Beef
Although Okinawa is the island and surrounded by the ocean, so many people think they have good fish, you cannot forget about beef. Especially there is the special brand called Ishigaki Beef which comes from Japanese black cows that live only in Ishigaki Island where 410km (255miles) apart from Okinawa’s main island. It was served during the Okinawa Summit in 2000 for presidents and prime ministers.
Soft ribs with soft noodles; Soki Soba
Japan is one of the countries, which have many different kinds of noodles. Okinawa also has own noodle called “Soki Soba” or another name is “Okinawa Soba.” It is made from only flours unlike soba from the main island, which is made by buckwheat. Usually, this kind of soba is served with stewed pork spare ribs, which name “Soki.” The taste is soft and based on awamori, soy sauce, and sugar. Awamori is the regional liquor of Okinawa.
