If you think of alcohol and Japan, then the first thing that springs to mind is sake – but there are other alcoholic drinks too, one of which comes from the island of Okinawa! Awamori is an alcoholic drink which is also known as shimazakae, or island sake.
When it comes to food, some of the most unique culinary creations found in Japan are not limited to high-class restaurants, but can be found at the humble convenience store or supermarket.
Okinawan brown sugar, made from sugarcane grown in fields blessed with strong southern-island sunlight and minerals delivered by the ocean spray, is very rich in flavor.
Following a vegan diet doesn’t just reduce one’s impact on the environment, it’s associated with a range of health benefits, making it no surprise that a plant-based food movement is on the rise.
Summers can feel like a gazillion degrees outside, especially with no air conditioning. In temperatures like this, who feels up to cooking a hot meal, or eating one for that matter?
A trip to Hiji Waterfall will most likely mean a hike of one hour and 20 minutesl. If you are planning to go there, it would be a good idea to replenish your energy before starting a long hike.
Motobu Town is a home for some of Okinawa’s most popular attractions, such as Ocean Expo Park, Emerald Beach, Nakijin Castle and a beautiful path lined with “fukugi” (garcinia) trees in Bise.
As my first duty station, Okinawa has had many perks. Living here has given me plenty of new cultural experiences. Perhaps the most unique one has been the change in food.
Yoshoku, or Western dishes, came to Okinawa decades after hitting Japan’s mainland. The adoption of the Western cuisine was accelerated when the island became more exposed to American food after the battle of Okinawa.
Every year when summer rolls around, cold-served pasta appears on menus at many restaurants in Japan. Starting with standard tomato sauce, flavors range from bisque sauce to cod roe sauce and more. Normally, a hot and spicy dish would be my go-to when eating pasta.
As far as cooking is concerned, I am all for cutting corners. But, when I learned that pasta could be cooked in the microwave, I had to take it with a grain of salt.
Being stuck at home doesn’t mean that amazing food is off the menu. More so than ever, now’s the time to start honing those cooking skills so you can whip up enjoyable dishes without having to strain your wallet.
Much like Angadi how is dubbed the “Okinawan doughnut,” “Sanguwachi Guwashi (sweets of March)” should be called the “Okinawan financier” in my opinion.
While many of your go-to restaurants for hot wings, a familiar game-day favorite, like Buffalo Wild Wings or Hoo ters, may not yet have a home in Okinawa, there is no need to feel disappointed.
