If you live on Okinawa, you might have heard about Goya, a local cucumber-like vegetable also known as bitter melon.

The surprising international history of one of Japan’s most beloved comfort foods.

Chinpin is an Okinawan sweet often described as a pancake or crepe flavored with brown sugar.

Much like Angadi how is dubbed the “Okinawan doughnut,” “Sanguwachi Guwashi (sweets of March)” should be called the “Okinawan financier” in my opinion.

Often called Japanese pizza or pancake, Okonomiyaki is one of the most popular casual pan-fried dishes in Japan.

When it comes to the food college students consume, your thoughts may immediately go to instant ramen or a number of unhealthy snacks.

Somen, or somin in Okinawan dialect, comes in different varieties, but an Okinawan favorite is to have the noodles stir-fried in somin champuru.

It’s not too much a stretch to say Goya is the staple of Okinawa.

Instant noodles are great for a quick meal on the run or in between grocery store raids, but they also make great bases for more intricate meals.

Summer in Japan gets scorching and steamy. Mid-summer Temperatures often reach 95 F or higher depending on the region. Along with beer, watermelon and soomen (cold udon noodle), kakigoori (shaved ice) is a popular cold food that cools us down during summer.