Restaurants/food options

Special Dining Options

• Special Dining Options

  Okinawa may be a small island, but you can find cuisine from all over the world, suitable to many different dietary needs and personal preferences. Below, you will find a few restaurants listed that meet special dietary standards.

  Vegetarian Restaurants  Halal Restaurants

   

• Vegetarian Restaurants

   

  

  Sakae Ryoriten 
  Location:Ishikawa, Uruma
  +81 98-964-7733
  http://r.gnavi.co.jp/f256200/
  Hours: 17:00-24:00, Closed on Tuesdays;

  Wine and Veggie [Macro]
  Location: Mihama, Chatan
  098-921-7789
  https://www.facebook.com/WINE.VEGGIE.MACRO
  Cards accepted
  Hours: 11:30-24:00

  Ukishima-Garden
  Location: 2-12-3 Matsuo, Naha
  098-943-2100
  www.ukishima-garden.com
  Cards accepted
  Hours: Open every day 11:00-24:00

  GranMa's Vegan Café
  Location; Itarashiki, Yonabaru
  098-988-4108
  http://cafegranma.ti-da.net/
  Hours: 11:00-16:00; Closed Saturday; Monday and Sunday are Reservation Only;

  Dechiba 
  Location: Nakagami, Yomitan
  098-957-0111
  Hours: 11:00-17:00; L.O 16:00; Closed Sundays

  Gilead Health Café/ Herb Vegetarian Restaurant
  Location: Imadomari, Nakijin
  098-056-5681 or 080-3943-9180
  http://herb.srministry.com
  Hours: 12:00-15:00; Closed Friday and Saturday

  Vegie Café Shanti
  Location: Shuritonokura, Naha
  050-1310-3463
  http://www.shantiprema.jp/
  Hours:  Mon-Sat 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM (last order); Tuesday, OPEN 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Sun 11:00 AM to 2:30 PM (last order)

  Café bio smile
  Location: Nakagami, Yomitan
  098-956-4000
  http://vegmag.org/shop/bio-smile/
  Hours: 11:30-15:00; Closed Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday.

  Applemint Café
  Location: Maki Port, Urasoe
  098-878-4452
  http://www.otc.ne.jp/~applemint/
  Hours:17:00-23:00, L.O.: 21:30; Closed Sunday and Monday;

  Vegetarian Café Choukrane
  Location: Itoman, Itoman
  098-994-8005
  http://choukrane.ti-da.net/
  Hours: 12:00-16:00; Closed Wednesday. and Thursday.

  Goocuru Café
  Location: Chatan
  098-926-5069
  http://digicool.org/wp/?p=450
  Hours:Closed Tuesday; Hours: 12:00-21:00

  Noah Organic Café
  Location: Shurionaka, Naha
  098-885-7217
  http://naha.machitane.net/report.php?id=5698
  Hours: 11:30-22:00 (L.O. 21:00)

  Café Sprout
  Location: Samashita, Ginowan 
  098-988-9471
  http://vegmag.org/shop/sprout/
  Hours: Monday –Thursday; 11:30-19:00 (L.O. 18:00); Friday-Sunday Hours:11:30-21:00 (L.O. 20:00)

  実身美/Sangmi Okinawa
  Location: Makishi, Naha
  098-868-8726
  http://vegmag.org/shop/sangmi-okinawa/
  Hours:11:30-21:30; Closed Sundays

• Halal Restaurants

   

  

  Ryukyu Dining Matsuo
  Location:1-2-5 Matsuo, Naha-City 900-0014
  098-862-0334
  Serves Halal shabu-shabu, Okinawan foods with Halal meat, and non-alcohol spicy sauce.

  Ukishima Garden
  Location: 2—12-3 Matsuo, Naha City 900-0014
  http://ukishima-garden.com/menu/?lang=en
  098-943-2100
  Prepares island organic vegetable dishes cooked with a touch of Italian, French and Oriental cuisines.

  Yotsutake Dinner Show Restaurant
  Locations:
  Kume Branch:
  2-22-1 Kume, Naha City 900-0033
  098-866-3333
  Kokusai Street
  http://www.yotsutake.co.jp/kume/?lang=en
  098-863-4444
  Enjoy Ryukyu foods with Halal meat while watching the an Okinawa cultural show.

  Krishna Indian Restaurant
  Location: Plaza House Shopping Center
  https://www.facebook.com/KrishnaRestaurant
  098-931-0885
  Krishna offers delicious Indian food in an authentic and comfortable atmosphere. It is a “no pork” restaurant and uses Halal certified meat.

  Okinawa Fruitsland
  Location: 1220-71 Bimata, Nago Shi 905-0005
  http://www.okinawa-fruitsland.com/
  098-052-1888
  One of the best places to experience the subtropics is at Okinawa Fruitsland. The restaurant menu offers a wide selection of meals including BBQ dishes and other delicacies at affordable prices. Hala meals can be prepared for groups and individual tourists.

  Turkish Rokanta Kerebekki
  Location: 558-2 Onaga, Nishihara-cho, Nakagami-Gun 903-0117
  098-944-4747
  Delicious Turkish food served in a clean setting with warm and friendly staff. The restaurant has a Halal menu (dinner only) where separate utensils are used for preparing foods.

  Istanbul Kebab House
  Location:3-51 Miyagi, Chatan-cho, Nakagami-Gun 904-0113
  098-936-1218
  Istanbul Kebab House Offers exotic appetizers, succulent dishes and traditional Turkish dishes prepared by Turkish cooks who use Halal meats for their food preparation.

  Suitenrou Bettei
  Location: 4-16-16 Nishizaki-cho, Itoman-City 901-0305
  http://bt.suitenrou.com/
  098-994-6035
  This restaurant can accommodate up to 800 people, and offers a special Muslim-friendly Halal Japanese bento.

Restaurants, Places in Okinawa

Here are some useful information that the Resource Center collected from Word of Mouth on TIDA.

Food Options in Okinawa

• Food Options in Okinawa

  Okinawa is an island rich in culinary history. Okinawan cuisine, also known as Ryukyuan cuisine (a reference to the Ryukyu Kingdom differs from mainland Japanese cuisine due to differences in culture, historical contact between other regions, climate, vegetables and other ingredients. Okinawan cuisine incorporates influences from Chinese cuisine and Southeast Asian cuisine due to its long history of trade. Despite being surrounded by the sea, Okinawans eat relatively little seafood compared to other maritime cultures. Fish and other seafood products were traditionally difficult to preserve in the high temperatures of the Okinawan islands. Additionally, the islands are surrounded by relatively few fish species.

  Typical Okinawan Dishes
  Typical Fruits and Vegetables
  Other Ingredients

   

• Typical Okinawan Dishes

   

  Goya Champuru
  Goya champuru is one of the most common of champuru. Translated as “bittermelon” and in season during the summer, goya has a green skin and bitter taste. Served at many restaurants, Goya champuru includes goya, tofu, pork, eggs, salt and soy sauce. Goya gives the champuru an exotic flavor and a healthy quality

  Fu Champuru
  Stir-fried vegetables with fu (wheat gluten), a very healthy food rich in vegetable protein and often used in Asian food. Champuru means “to mix together”, and stir-fried fu champuru is one of Okinawa’s main such dishes. Found at local restaurants serving Okinawan food and at local grocery stores.

  Tofu Champuru
  The flavor of tofu champuru is similar to that of goya champuru. There are not many differences between the two, although in this case tofu is the main ingredient. It is seasoned with salt and soy sauce.

  Papaya Champuru
  Although a fruit, papaya is often used like a vegetable. When added to champuru, papaya is cut into thin strips, fried and mixed with carrots and other vegetables as well as with tuna or canned pork. It is then seasoned with salt and soy sauce. Resembling a cut-up potato, papaya is said to be good for the health.

  Tebichi no Nitsuke
  Tebichi boiled with carrots, daikon (Japanese radish), tofu and konbu (seaweed) and seasoned with soy sauce. Tebichi means “pig’s feet” in the Okinawan dialect. Nitsuke describes a kind of food that is boiled and seasoned with such condiments as soy sauce. Tebichi produces a rich gelatin when boiled and helps keep your skin young.

  Rafute
  A traditional Okinawan dish in which chopped pork belly is slowly simmered with soy sauce or miso, brown sugar and awamori. The pork becomes tender and free of extra fat because of the long cooking time.

  Umibudo
  A variety of seaweed found in the waters surrounding Okinawa. “Umi” means sea and “budo” means grapes in Japanese. This seeweed resembles grapes and is eaten after dipping it in vinegar soy souce and ponzu (citrus vinegar).

  Taco Rice
  Taco Rice is an Okinawan dish using taco ingredients that have been put on rice. Despite the origins of the taco and the American fast food chain Taco Bell, taco rice is believed to have been created in Okinawa and has become an integral part of the island’s food culture.

  Shima rakkyo (Okinawan shallots)
  Compared with their counterparts in the mainland, Okinawan shallots are smaller in size and much stronger in aroma. Normally served with flakes of dried bonito and soy sauce after light pickling with salt. Also good for tempura.

  Fuchiba Jushi
  Fuchiba is Okinawan dialect for mugwort leaves, and jushi is a rice dish prepared with a choice of ingredients including pork and vegetables. Fuchiba jushi is ofetn served as a side dish to Okinawa soba at local eateries. Mugwort is an herb with a characteristic aroma, known for its property as a natural antidote.

  Asa Soup
  A clear Japanese-style soup with bonito broth and a nutrient-rich sea vegetable called asa, or sea lettuce, and characterized by a refreshing scent reminiscent of the ocean. Dried asa can be purchased at shops selling local specialities as well as at most supermarkets.

  Yushi Dofu, Kumi Dofu
  Very soft tofu with a consistency similar to that of yogurt or pudding. It is made from soy, like regular tofu, but after nigari (from seawater) is added to liquid pressed from soybeans, it doesn’t set like hard tofu. NIgari is high in minerals such as magnesium and potassium, is often served by itself and is sometimes cooked in miso soup. It is available at local grocery stores.

  M. Jimami tofu
  Peanut butter tofu, made from potato starch and liquid squeezed from peanuts. A little chewy and sweet, it’s like an Okinawan dessert. You can eat it with grated ginger, wasabi, sweet soy sauce dressing or brown sugar syrup. Available at local grocery stores.

  Tofuyo
  A delicacy essential to court cuisine, tofuyo has a distinctively rich cheese-like texture. It is made with dried tofu that has been fermented in a mixture of awamori and red koji, a method that originated in China. A popular dish served with awamori.

• Typical Okinawan Vegetables and Fruits

   

  Goya (Nigauri, Bitter Melon)
  Goya, characterized by its bitter taste, contains two to three times as much vitamin C as lemon. Goya is considered to be one of the key ingredients for Okinawan longevity. It retains its vitamins even after cooking and is commonly used in goya champuru, the most typical stir-fry dish in Okinawa.

  Nabera (Hechima, Loofah)
  Nabera is a summer vegetable commonly eaten like goya in Okinawa. It is rich in vitamins and minerals and is stir-fried or used in soup.

  Shibui (Togan, White Gourd)
  Shibui is a vine plant of the cucumber family, which grows as large as 11 pounds. It is rich in vitamin C, and its simple flavor goes well with soups and stewed dishes.

  Fuchiba (Yomogi, Mugwort Leaf)
  Fuchiba, widely viewed as an all-round medicine, contains an abundant amount of calcium, potassium and iron. It is effective in lowering body temperature, soothing neuralgic pain and lowering blood pressure. Its bitter flavor goes well with Okinawa soba.

  Papaya
  Green, or unripe, papaya is a popular food in Okinawa and is commonly used in stir-fry dishes. Green papaya is high in nutrients and considered a longevity vegetable. The enzyme papain contained in papaya aids in digestion and also has an antioxidative effect. This enzyme is contained in various depilatory products.

  Shima Ninjin (Okinawan Carrot)
  Okinawa is the only producer of shima ninjin in Japan. Shima ninjin, believed to be one of Okinawa’s secrets of longevity, is characterized by its long thin shape, usually 30-50 centimeters in length. It has a significant amount of vitamins A and C, potassium and iron, and is good for easing eye fatigue and improving digestion.

  Okinawan Mango
  Okinawa offers top-quality mangos with its perfectly balanced sweetness and beautiful aroma. The best time to eat mangos is when their skin becomes a little sticky and shiny. When you go to buy mangos, choose ones with red and yellow skin over bright red.

  Dragon Fruit
  A member of the cactus family identified by its distinctive skin color, dragon fruit can be grown without any pesticides or chemical fertilizers. Despite its color, the red or white flesh has a light taste. Being rich in vitamins, fiber and minerals, dragon fruit is consumed by beauty-conscious people.

  Taanmu (Taimo, Taro)
  An indispensable ingredient in traditional Okinawan dishes, taanmu is rich in fiber and contains more vitamin B1 and iron than milk. Prepared in a variety of ways, from steaming to frying, this plant is considered a symbol of fertility because many small taanmu are attached to the mother tuberous root.

  Shima Rakkyo (Okinawan Shallots)
  A member of the lily family characterized by its unique spicy flavor and crispy texture, shima rakkyo is a common ingredient for pickles in Okinawa, and it is also deep or stir-fried. It is effective in killing bacteria and cleansing the blood.

  Getto
  Getto is a plant commonly found in Okinawa identified by its gorgeous white flowers with pink tips. Its leaf extract is used in aromatherapy and also as a disinfectant, insecticide and preservative. In addition, the extract is beneficial for coughs as well as regulating digestive function.

  Shiikwaasaa (Hirami Lemon)
  Shiikwaasaa is a citrus fruit that grows in northern Okinawa, including Higashi Village, which is known as the longevity village. A component called nobiletin contained in shiikwaasaa eases rheumatism and has a growth-inhibiting effect on cancer. Concentrated shiikwaasaa juice is available.

  Njanaba (Nigana, Crepidiastrum Lanceolatum)
  A wild plant of the daisy family that used to grow everywhere in Okinawa, most commonly along the coastline and in rocky and sandy areas. Rich in vitamins, carotin and calcium, njanaba is believed to be effective in relieving cold symptoms, improving digestion and eliminating fatigue. Njanaba has a bitter taste. Thinly sliced njanaba is mixed with Okinawan tofu and peanut butter.

  Aloe
  Aloe is a member of the lily family. Compared to kindachi aloe in the mainland, Okinawan aloe, known as aloe vera, has thicker flesh and is less bitter. Aloe vera is the type of aloe very popular in many Western countries. It is an effective skin moisturizer and is also good for treating burns and sunburn.

  Ucchin (ukon, turmeric)
  A member of the ginger family, ucchin has been highly valued since the days of the Ryukyu Kingdom as a traditional medicine for enhancing liver function. Other benefits include improving digestion, regulating intestinal function and cleansing the blood. Ucchin comes in capsules and powder as well as in liquid form. In Okinawa, ucchin is commonly used for hangovers.

  Mozuku
  Mozuku is a type of seaweed characterized by its unique viscous texture and the presence of fucoidan, which breaks down cancer cells. It is also effective in anti-aging, dead skin removal and as a skin whitener and moisturizer.

  Shima Tofu
  Shima tofu is two to three times firmer than mainland tofu, and it is full of high-quality vegetable protein. Tofu is an indispensable ingredient in Okinawan cooking and is used in many kinds of champuru dishes. Freshly made tofu is warm and sold in a plastic bag. Yushi dofu, very soft tofu before it has completely solidified, is also available.

  Konbu Seaweed
  Okinawa is Japan’s number-one consumer of konbu seaweed. Konbu is the ingredient commonly used to make broth in Okinawa, and it goes particularly very well with pork cuisine. Musubi konbu, or tied konbu, is often used in traditional as well as home cooking, including soup, stewed dishes and stir-fry. Konbu is believed to enhance longevity.

  Fu
  Fu is made from extracted flour protein. Okinawan fu is more nutritious than that of mainland Japan, and it is an important source of protein for Okinawans. Soak the fu in water and then in beaten egg, and fry it with vegetables and tofu to make the traditional homemade Okinawan dish, fu champuru.

• Other Important Ingredients

   

  Brown Sugar
  Brown sugar is produced by evaporating sugarcane juice with the use of calcium carbonate to solidify the sugar. Okinawan brown sugar is rich in nutrients and contains abundant vitamins and minerals, including iron, calcium and potassium. In addition, it is believed to be effective in relieving fatigue, improving brain function and alleviating menstrual problems.

  Moromisu (Drinking Vinegar)
  Moromisu is a popular health product made of liquid extracted from the by-product of awamori, the king of Okinawan liquor. Being rich in citric acid and amino acids, moromisu is said to help boost metabolism and speed up weight loss. Its taste is rather mild without the strong odor of liquor.

Organic Foods

• Food Options in Okinawa

   

  Living Life Marketplace /Karma Organics

  An organic store in Ginowan that boasts a great collection of superfoods, dried food staples, and more. They also have a small menu of smoothies, coffee, assorted other drinks and raw desserts. They also sell sells spirulina, lucuma powder, food dehydrators and spiralizers.

  Homepage: http://www.livinglifemarketplace.com/ (online store) or http://karmaorganics.jp/about_store.html
  Address: 沖縄県中頭郡北中城村安谷屋1468-4 ２Ｆ (1468 Adaniya, Kitanakagusuku-son, Nakagami-gun, Okinawa-ken 2nd floor)
  Hours:11:00～17:00, Sunday-Wednesday
  Phone:098-989-4861

   

  Green Leaf Okinawa

  This is a natural and organic food shop popular among many non-japanese as the store manager speaks English. They have organic produce, soy milk, tofu, tempeh and carob soy milk. They also carry great pantry staples such as beans, rice, canned soups, spices, dried herbs, sauces, nuts, and hard to find items such as figs, hemp oil and acai powder. For vegans looking for some easy comfort food, they have vegan ice cream, vegan chocolate bars and chips, vegan faux meats made by Loving Hut, vegan cheeses by Sheese and even pre-made pasta with “meat” sauce.

  Homepage: http://www.greenleafoods.com/
  Address: 〒904-0116 沖縄県中頭郡北谷町北谷1-8-8 (1 Chome-8-8 Chatan, Chatan-chō, Nakagami-gun, Okinawa-ken)
  Hours: 10:00-19:00 (Closed Mondays)
  Phone: 098-923-0298
  Fax: 098-923-0299
  Mail: info@greenleafoods.com

   

  Anew

  A small chain that sells organic produce. The selection is somewhat limited, but the store carries things like organic eggs, soy sauce, cooking rice wine, vinegar, Japanese mayonnaise, noodles, margarine, flour, sugar and more.

  Address: 〒904-2214 沖縄県うるま市字安慶名450 (450 Agena Uruma, Okinawa 904-2214)
  Phone: 098-973-3917

   

  Tenbusu

  This store offers a a variety of organic and macrobiotic diet foods, including a buffet of home-cooked prepared dishes. Available products include vegetables, organic milk, chicken, bacon, pancetta, and other pork products. The fully stocked aisles feature organic beans, grains, pasta, sauce mixes, and eggs.The prepared dishes include tofu stir-fries, salads, onigiri (rice balls), quiches, and sata andagi (Okinawan donuts). Tenbusu also has a selection of bakery items such as breads and sweet buns as well as organic teas.

  Additionally, one section of the store is devoted to an alternative treatment area, so visitors can browse shelves of vials of homeopathic remedies, natural oils, lotions, and soaps.

  Hompage: http://tenbusu.ti-da.net/
  Address: 沖縄県沖縄市比屋根2-2-8 (2 Chome-2-8 Hiyagon, Okinawa, 904-2173)
  Phone:098-880-6866
  Open: 10:00-16:00
  Closed: Sundays

   

  Okinawa Shinzen Shokuin
  沖縄自然医食センター

  A Okinawa natural food store that offers fresh organic vegetables, beans, rice and other products.

  Homepage: kokorogenki.net
  Address: 〒901-2223 沖縄県宜野湾市大謝名3-6-7 (2 Chome-１５−１ Oyama, Ginowan, Okinawa 901-2223, Japan)
  Phone: +81 98-897-2668
  Hours: 10:00-19:00
  Closed: Sundays and National Holidays

   

  The Higa Kenko Shokuin Health Food Center
  比嘉健康食品センター

  Visitors can find quinoa and other hard-to-fnd grains at this health food store. In addition to grains, they carry organic body products, and Argentinian mate.

  Address: 沖縄県那覇市銘苅２２９－１(229-1 Mekaru, Naha, Okinawa 900-0004)
  Phone:098-863-8753
  Hours: 9:00-17:00

Business and Services: Imported Foods and Goods

• Imported Foods

   

  

   

  FBC Foreign Buyers Club http://www.fbcusa.com/ Japan's largest online store for imported food! Over 15,000 products including items from Costco, top brands from the US & Europe, special diet items, organic & health foods, school & teacher supplies and more. All items can be delivered anywhere in Japan.

   

  The Flying Pig http://www.theflyingpig.com Independent online retailer of Costco Wholesale (Japan) merchandise. Offers online ordering and nationwide shipping of food and other items with no membership required.

   

  TheMeatGuy http://www.themeatguy.jp/ A Nagoya based online seller of gourmet meats, cheeses, and seafood delivered anywhere in Japan.

   

  Tengu Foods http://store.alishan.jp/ A nationwide mail order service for organic vegetarian foods, environmentally sound cleaning supplies, and more. They ship anywhere in Japan in just a few days.

   

  Jerry’s Pies http://www.jerryspies.com/ Selling authentic British pies handmade from original recipes and delivered right to your door anywhere in Japan!

   

  Kaldi http://www.kaldi.co.jp/stores/okinawa/ (Located next to Tokyu Hands in the San-A Ginowan Convention City Shopping Center) Specializes in coffee, but contains several imported items including wine, cheese, and chocolate. Also sells minority market Japanese items from different regions of Japan that you cannot find in supermarkets.

   

  Yoyo Market http://yoyomarket.jp/ Offers goods from IKEA and Costco straight to your door anywhere in Japan. They also carry a large selection of imported foods and organic goods from importers across Japan. Yoyo Market is the only IKEA home delivery service in English in Japan.

Okinawan Vegetarian Guide Book

Download full page in PDF HERE