Table of Contents

1. Okinawa Soki Soba
2. Goya Champuru
3. Taco Rice 
   
   

About Okinawan Cuisine

Throughout its turbulent history—from trade with China and Southeast Asia during the Ryukyu Kingdom era, to complex relationships with the Satsuma Domain and mainland Japan, and the post-war American administration—Okinawa has come into contact with a variety of different cultures. Instead of being passively influenced, it has skillfully incorporated and blended (champuru) these elements to create a new and unique culture of its own.

The three dishes featured in this article—Soki Soba, Goya Champuru, and Taco Rice—are perfect culinary crystals born from this "champuru culture." By unraveling the stories hidden in each of these dishes, you should be able to touch the resilient and creative soul of Okinawa.

3 Selected Must-Try Foods in Okinawa

1. Okinawa Soki Soba – The Nuchigusui (Life's Medicine) Nurtured by Ryukyu

　● Okinawa Soki Soba

Soki Soba is a noodle dish that represents Okinawa. Its charm lies in the golden broth, meticulously prepared from pork bones and bonito flakes, which is rich and deep in flavor, yet has a clean aftertaste. The star of the dish, the "soki," is bone-in pork spare ribs stewed in a sweet and savory sauce. It is so tender it falls apart with chopsticks, and its juicy umami flavor fills your mouth.

The noodles, made from 100% wheat flour without using any buckwheat, are characterized by a unique firmness and a smooth texture as they go down, and they pair perfectly with the broth. By adding beni shoga (pickled red ginger) or Koregusu, a condiment made by pickling Shima Togarashi (island chili peppers) in awamori (Okinawan distilled liquor), you can also enjoy a change in flavor. It is a bowl that lets you feel the very essence of Okinawa.

　● The History of Okinawa Soba

The history of Okinawa soba is said to have originated from a noodle dish introduced from China during the Meiji era. Initially, it was called "Shina soba" and was a luxury dish served as court cuisine or eaten by the wealthy class. After World War II, using flour supplied by the U.S. military, it became widely popular as a common person's food. Then, in the late 1960s, a diner in Nago City came up with the idea of stewing leftover pork spare ribs (soki) and putting them on top of the noodles, creating "Soki Soba," which became a massive hit.

However, in 1976, it faced a crisis that threatened its existence when the Fair Trade Commission of mainland Japan issued a notice stating that noodles not containing buckwheat flour could not be labeled as "soba." In response, the Okinawa Fresh Noodles Cooperative Association engaged in persistent negotiations, and on October 17, 1978, the name "Honba Okinawa Soba" (Authentic Okinawa Soba) was officially approved for use. This day is now commemorated as "Okinawa Soba Day."

　● Where to Eat Okinawa Soba!!

• Restaurant Name: Shuri Soba
  
• Charm:
  This is the pinnacle of Okinawa soba, being the only restaurant to inherit the taste of the legendary establishment "Sakuraya." The noodles, handmade from the early morning, are characterized by a powerful firmness and chewy texture that cannot be found elsewhere. The soup, made only from pork, bonito flakes, and Okinawan salt, is surprisingly clear yet allows you to feel a concentrated umami and profound depth. The sanmainiku (stewed pork belly) topping is also carefully simmered to a tender and elegant flavor. Attention to detail shines through in every aspect, such as serving hari shoga (julienned ginger) instead of the usual pickled red ginger.
  The experience of savoring this ultimate bowl in a quiet and dignified space, a renovated traditional Ryukyuan house, is truly exceptional.
  
  
• Address: Inside Gallery Shiroma, 1-7 Shuriakatacho, Naha, Okinawa
  
• Access: Approx. 5-minute walk from Shuri Station on the Yui Rail
  
• Google Maps：https://maps.app.goo.gl/dzu5qQKVkuDy3qEF8

3. Taco Rice – Okinawa's New Soul Food

　● The Charm of Taco Rice

Taco Rice is a new-generation soul food born in Okinawa. Its appeal lies in the exquisite harmony of flavors, a fusion of Mexican tacos and Japanese rice culture. On top of a bed of warm rice, you'll find a generous serving of taco-seasoned meat, melted cheese, and plenty of crisp lettuce and fresh tomatoes.

Drizzling salsa sauce over it further stimulates the appetite with a spicy kick and tangy acidity. It's voluminous, colorful, and satisfying in a single dish, and its convenience is another secret to its popularity. It is truly an international exchange of flavors born from Okinawa's "champuru culture."

　● The History of Taco Rice

Taco Rice is a relatively new Okinawan specialty, born in 1984 in the town of Kin-cho, right at the doorstep of the U.S. military base Camp Hansen. Its origin lies in "Parlor Senri" (later King Tacos), run by founder Shozo Gibo. At the time, it was created for young American soldiers who were short on cash, so they could get a filling meal for a low price.

While delicious, Mexican tacos were a light meal and quite pricey. By generously piling the taco ingredients onto rice, the new, voluminous menu item "Taco Rice" was born. This dish, created out of kindness for the American soldiers and Okinawa's flexible thinking, became an instant hit and is now deeply rooted as a staple food for the people of the prefecture.

　● Where to Eat Taco Rice!!

• Restaurant Name: King Tacos, Kin Main Store
  
• Charm:
  Known as the "birthplace of Taco Rice," this is truly a mecca for fans. Carrying on the founder's spirit, the portion size is simply overwhelming; it's the "Kintaco" style to be served so full that the lid of the container won't close. The original taste, a weave of spicy taco meat, fresh vegetables, and specially selected rice, is simple yet has an addictive deliciousness.
  Savoring Taco Rice in the unique atmosphere of Kin-cho, a town at the gates of a U.S. military base, is not just a meal but a cultural experience that allows you to feel Okinawa's post-war history. It's a vibrant and famous spot bustling with many locals and tourists.
  
  
• Address: 4244-4 Kin, Kin-cho, Kunigami-gun, Okinawa
  
• Access: Approx. 2-5 minute walk from "Kin Iriguchi" bus stop on the Okinawa Bus line
  
• Google Maps：https://maps.app.goo.gl/daZBEDjJg9G6SpCN8