Okinawa Solo Travel: Food Edition - Explore Okinawa's Top Attractions Through 10 Local Delicacies

【American Village】 Okinawa Pork and Egg Rice Ball: When it comes to Okinawan cuisine, the first thing that comes to mind is undoubtedly the pork and egg rice ball! Our first stop is Depot Island in American Village, specifically at "Potama Chatan American Village." We ordered the basic Potama, a simple combination of seaweed, rice, egg, and luncheon meat that surprisingly delivers an exceptional taste. Enjoying this dish while gazing at the azure beauty of Mihama is an experience not to be missed in Okinawa. Potama also has branches at "Potama Makishi Market" and "Potama Naha Airport," so if you miss it at one location, there are plenty of other opportunities to try it. Don't miss out! Blue Seal: Combining American elements with local fruits, Blue Seal creates a unique Okinawan flavor. Under the scorching Okinawan sun, indulging in two scoops of Blue Seal ice cream is a must. This time, I chose strawberry and cherry pineapple flavors, offering a sweet and tangy taste that perfectly captures the essence of Ryukyu. Blue Seal has branches throughout the city, including one right after exiting Naha Airport, so I won't list them all here. A&W: A well-known local American-style burger chain. This time, I tried the A&W signature burger. The aroma of bacon paired with enticing cream was impressive from the first bite, delivering rich flavor and texture! However, the beef lacked a distinctive taste, and the overwhelming flavors overshadowed the beef itself. Like Blue Seal, A&W has branches across various attractions, so I won't list them all. 【Kokusai Street & Makishi Market】 Makishi Market Seafood Stall: Known as the locals' kitchen, Makishi Market offers a variety of fresh seafood. You can purchase seafood and have it cooked by vendors on the second floor or enjoy it directly on the first floor. This time, I tried squid and tuna. The tuna was rich in fat and left a lingering taste, while the squid was slightly less impressive. A seafood feast in Ryukyu is not to be missed! Ramen Warmth: A famous local ramen shop in Okinawa, where you'll need to wait at least 30-40 minutes for dinner. I ordered the classic tonkotsu flavor with a soft-boiled egg. The tonkotsu broth paired with Okinawan soba noodles was decent overall, but I wouldn't particularly recommend it. Compared to the diverse ramen options in Taipei, it falls slightly short (I'll share a Taipei ramen guide next time). Bird and Egg Specialty Shop: Located near Naha Bus Terminal, this set meal features beef ribs topped with three raw egg yolks. The beef ribs are chewy, cooked to perfection, and well-seasoned. The addition of three egg yolks makes the texture smoother. When the flavor starts to feel repetitive, you can pair it with pickles and wasabi, along with the sauce, to keep the meal satisfying until the end. It's a fulfilling dish for meat lovers. Steakhouse 88: A renowned local steak chain. For my first meal after landing, I ordered the smallest signature portion (about 100 grams). Despite the slightly overcooked exterior, the beef inside was cooked to the right degree. The interior decor evokes the vibe of old Taiwanese steak houses, strongly reflecting the American influence on Okinawa. However, the price is relatively high, so consider your budget. Ringo-do: A local festival snack similar to Taiwan's candied fruit. While you can find it at Don Quijote, it's often challenging to eat. At Ringo-do, the apples are cut into small pieces and served in a cup, making them easy to eat. The sweetness of the sugar coating complements the apple flavor without overpowering it. It's a delightful treat for couples and kids alike. 【Shurijo Castle】 Peanut Tofu: Located near Shureimon Gate in the visitor rest area, this dish combines the aroma of peanuts with soft, mochi-like tofu. The texture is reminiscent of mochi and panna cotta, which I personally enjoyed. However, the soy sauce seasoning on the outside wasn't to my taste. Still, it's worth trying for a unique experience. 【Senaga Island】 Taco Rice: Just a 20-minute drive from Naha Airport, this beautiful island is nicknamed "Okinawa's Little Greece." Originally, I planned to try the famous Happy Pancakes, but the long wait made me opt for taco rice instead. This dish unexpectedly became a highlight. Combining American taco elements with Asian rice, each bite includes lettuce, rice, and American-style seasoning. An additional layer of omelet adds a balanced savory flavor. Enjoying this dish while admiring Senaga Island's stunning scenery makes it truly memorable. Postscript: I missed out on trying bitter melon dishes, Miyako Island beef, Happy Pancakes, and other delicacies, which I regret. However, this gives me a reason to revisit Okinawa in the future. Sometimes, leaving room for regret adds beauty to the experience. Consider this trip as a prelude to my next visit! In the next article, I'll share a three-day Okinawa solo travel itinerary and planning tips.