When it comes to Okinawan cuisine recommendations, nothing is more appealing to travelers than experiencing the authentic flavors of the islands at the table. This article will explore local cuisine, then move on to creative meals, izakayas, and desserts, following four key themes to create a comprehensive culinary map for your trip.

⭐Must-try local cuisine｜Recommended Okinawa cuisine

• Bitter melon fried tofu - refreshing and bitter, it is the most representative home-cooked dish in Okinawa.
• Sea grape salad——each grape is crystal clear, salty and refreshing.
• Braised pork - a classic dish on the island's table, fat, tender, salty and fragrant.

⭐Creative dining table highlights｜Okinawa cuisine recommended must-try

• Dongpo Pork Curry - simmered in broth, rich but not heavy.
• Spiced Taco Rice——mild spiciness with rich aroma.
• Ox tongue simmered in broth - tender and tasty, garnished with cumin and saffron.

⭐Izakaya snacks | Recommended Okinawan cuisine by travelers

• Rafte Braised Pork - tender and flavorful braised meat, perfect with beer.
• Fried bitter melon tempura - crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, the bitter taste turns into a refreshing taste.
• Stir-fried bean sprouts and seafood - stir-fry quickly over high heat, salty and fragrant, goes well with wine.

⭐ Dessert list | A must-have on your Okinawan cuisine recommendation list

• Red taro tart - dense and sweet, it is the most representative souvenir.
• Snow Salt Ice Cream - a blend of salty and sweet, refreshing and soothing.
• Brown sugar bracken cake - melts in your mouth with a caramelized brown sugar flavor.
• Tropical Fruit Shaved Ice - overflowing with mango and pineapple, the best way to cool down in the summer.

This Okinawan cuisine recommendation, from dishes to desserts, every bite is a conversation with the island.

When traveling to Okinawa, deciding what to eat is often more challenging than where to go. Searching for Okinawan culinary recommendations can yield a dazzling array of options, but you might not know the best places to add to your itinerary. This article curates four categories: from local cuisine and spicy curry to izakaya side dishes and popular desserts, helping you map out your culinary journey. Whether it's your first visit or you're looking to delve deeper, you'll find your own unique Okinawa experience.

Open the map and mark these delicacies. Next time you go to Okinawa, you can collect your own food map along the way.

Recommended Okinawan cuisine｜Spice Studio るゥ～

Spice Studio るゥ～ Hidden in an alley next to Kokusai-dori, it is a pleasant surprise discovered by many travelers. It specializes in creative "Spice × Okinawa" cuisine. It is not just a curry shop, but a stage for reinterpreting local ingredients.

The restaurant is decorated with wood and soft lighting. Although the space is small, it is warm and cozy, allowing people to slow down and feel the slow pace of life on the island. The chef emphasizes that "spices should enhance the flavor, not overwhelm the ingredients", so every meal can take into account the original flavor of the ingredients and the layering of spices.

⟣ Know before you visit⟢

How to get there: Located in a small alley next to Kokusai-dori, it's a 5-minute walk away and perfect for a shopping trip.

༶ | Atmosphere: Wooden decoration + small space with a homey feel

Price range: Approximately 1,500-2,500 yen per person

༶ | Dining reminder: There are not many seats available, so it is recommended to make an online reservation in advance

📲Book Spice Studio るゥ～ Codays

⟣ Spice × Okinawa's masterpiece⟢

1. Dongpo Pork Curry (ラフテーカレー) – Slow-cooked Dongpo pork broth paired with vegetable puree and spices creates a rich yet not heavy dish. Large chunks of seasonal vegetables add a richer and healthier flavor, and the non-spicy design means children can enjoy it with peace of mind.
2. Spiced Taco Rice - A variety of spices are added to the traditional taco rice base, making the spiciness mild but with a long aftertaste.
3. Spiced Beef Tongue Nibumi - The long-simmered beef tongue melts in your mouth, and is paired with cumin and saffron for a rich flavor.

Dining at Spice Studio るゥ～ is a brand-new experience where spices and Okinawan culture intertwine. Click the reservation link and arrange your itinerary so that you can savor this hidden version of Okinawa flavor with peace of mind.

Recommended Okinawa cuisine｜Five-star prefectural bar

If you want to experience the most down-to-earth atmosphere in Okinawa, the Five-Star Prefectural Bar is an option not to be missed. Unlike tourist restaurants that are deliberately packaged, it is a "public bar" where locals often gather after get off work.

⟣Know before you visit⟢

Getting there: About a 7-minute walk from Miebashi Monorail Station. Close to Kokusai-dori, perfect for a dinner or late-night snack.

༶ | Atmosphere: The atmosphere of a public bar is lively and friendly, suitable for gatherings with friends or just a few drinks.

Price range: Approximately 2,000-3,000 yen per person

༶ | Dining reminder: The restaurant is easily fully booked during the dinner peak period, so it is recommended to arrive early or call to confirm.

📲 Make a reservation at the 5-star Codays at the Prefectural Wine Shop

Wooden tables and chairs, nostalgic lighting, and lively conversation create a warm and comfortable atmosphere. The menu is mainly based on classic Okinawan home-style dishes, from braised pork, bitter melon fried tofu to various seafood side dishes, allowing people to taste the unique salty and sweet taste of Okinawa.

A five-star favorite is the "Rapte Braised Pork," a dish that combines awamori with a secret sauce. It's rich yet melt-in-your-mouth delicious, perfect with a cold Orion beer or local awamori for a refreshing glimpse into the hearty life of Okinawans. Another dish, the "Fried Bitter Melon Tempura," crisps the bitterness of the ingredients until crispy, making it refreshing and delicious. The "Stir-fried Bean Sprout Seafood" quickly stir-fries shrimp and squid, creating a savory and fragrant dish that goes well with alcohol and is a hidden gem for gourmets.

⟣ Islanders' favorite drinks and dishes⟢

1. Rafte Braised Pork - Awamori-flavored braised pork, tender and salty, is a must-order dish in Okinawa izakayas.
2. Fried bitter melon tempura - crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, transforming bitter melon into a refreshing companion to drinks.
3. Stir-fried bean sprouts and seafood - stir-fried with full heat, the shrimp and squid have a fusion of fresh flavors, perfect with beer.

At the five-star prefectural bar, you can experience authentic Okinawa cuisine. Order a plate of braised meat and a glass of awamori, and let the lively night become the most authentic memory of your trip.

Recommended Okinawan cuisine | Recommended Okinawan desserts

In Okinawa, desserts are not just a snack to replenish energy during travel, but also a window into island culture. From purple sweet potatoes to Miyako Island's natural snow salt, every ingredient is transformed into an unforgettable sweet memory.

Here are four representative dessert shops, where you can enjoy delicious food while strolling or shopping.

⟣Know before you visit⟢

Location: Famous dessert shops are mostly concentrated in Kokusai-dori, downtown Naha, and tourist spots in the north.

༶ | Dining reminder: Some stores offer on-site seating and takeaway souvenirs. Popular items often sell out early.

༶ | Recommended arrangement: You can visit this place after strolling along Kokusai-dori or visiting some tourist attractions.

Sweet Okinawa Map

𝟙 ◜Red Taro Tower——Gogo Goten Kokusai-dori Matsuo Store

A famous souvenir shop representing Okinawa, the red taro tart is dense and sweet.

📍 Transportation: About 7 minutes walk from Monorail "Makishi Station".

🌐 Official website: Yuguozi Palace

𝟚 ◜ Snow Salt Ice Cream—— Snow Salt Factory (Snow Salt Miujiamu)

A specialty of Miyako Island, made with natural snow salt, it has a refreshing and non-greasy taste with a blend of salty and sweet flavors.

📍 Transportation: About 15 minutes' drive from Miyako Airport, self-driving is recommended.

🌐 Official website: Snow Salt Plant

𝟛 ◜Brown sugar bracken cake——Aragaki confectionery shop

This century-old Japanese confectionery shop is known for its warabimochi, made with Okinawan brown sugar.

📍 Transportation: Located in the city of Naha, about a 10-minute walk from Kencho-mae Station.

🌐 Official website: Aragaki Confectionery Store

𝟜 ◜Tropical Fruit Shaved Ice——MiyanchiSTUDIO & COFFEE

Made with seasonal fruits such as mango and pineapple, it is the most popular refreshing choice in summer.

📍 Transportation: It is about a 15-minute drive from Kokusai-dori. It is recommended to drive or take a taxi.

🌐 Official website: みやんちSTUDIO & COFFEE

When traveling in Okinawa, you might as well leave some time to visit these dessert shops and taste them while walking. This will not only satisfy your taste buds, but also bring back the sweet atmosphere of the island and the lightest memories of your journey.