Exploring Miyakojima's Authentic Cuisine

Local Dishes

Miyakojima, located in Okinawa, Japan, is a small island that offers a rich culinary experience. Its unique geography and culture have shaped the local dishes, providing visitors with a taste of traditional Okinawan cuisine. Here are some must-try dishes:

1. Rafute

Rafute is a popular pork dish made by simmering pork belly in soy sauce, sugar, and awamori (a traditional Okinawan distilled liquor). The slow cooking process renders the meat incredibly tender, and the sweet and savory flavors make it a favorite among locals and tourists alike.

2. Goya Champuru

Goya champuru is a stir-fried dish that features goya, a bitter melon commonly found in Okinawa. The bitter taste of the goya is balanced with other ingredients like tofu, eggs, and pork. This dish is not only delicious but also known for its health benefits.

3. Soki Soba

Soki soba is a type of Okinawan noodle dish made with thick wheat noodles and tender pork ribs. The flavorful broth is made with bonito flakes, kelp, and pork. It is often garnished with green onions, ginger, and red pickled ginger, adding a burst of flavor to the dish.

4. Mozuku

Mozuku is a type of seaweed that is abundant in Miyakojima. This delicate seaweed is usually served in a vinegar-based dressing, making it a refreshing and healthy appetizer. The unique texture and taste of mozuku make it a must-try for seafood lovers.

Restaurants and Kitchens

When visiting Miyakojima, there are several restaurants and kitchens where you can enjoy the local cuisine. Here are some recommendations:

1. Miyako-jima Shokudo

Miyako-jima Shokudo is a popular restaurant that specializes in traditional Okinawan dishes. They pride themselves on using fresh local ingredients to create authentic flavors. Don't miss their rafute and goya champuru!

2. Irabu-tei

Irabu-tei is a cozy restaurant known for its soki soba. The rich and flavorful broth combined with the tender pork ribs and chewy noodles will leave you satisfied. The friendly staff and welcoming atmosphere make it a great place to dine.

3. Hokkai Shokudo

Hokkai Shokudo is a seafood restaurant that offers a wide variety of dishes featuring local Miyakojima seafood, including mozuku and other fresh seafood delicacies. The restaurant has a relaxed ambiance and is perfect for seafood lovers.

Traditional Recipes

If you are interested in replicating the flavors of Miyakojima at home, here are a couple of traditional recipes:

Rafute Recipe

1. Ingredients:

• 1 kg pork belly
• 250 ml soy sauce
• 250 ml awamori (or sake)
• 200 g sugar
• 4 cloves garlic, minced

1. Instructions:
2. Cut the pork belly into bite-sized pieces.
3. In a large pot, combine soy sauce, awamori, sugar, and minced garlic. Heat over medium heat until the sugar dissolves.
4. Add the pork belly to the pot and bring it to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 2-3 hours, or until the meat is tender and the sauce has thickened.
5. Remove the pork from the sauce and serve hot. Optionally, you can grill or sear the pork after simmering to give it a caramelized exterior.

Goya Champuru Recipe

1. Ingredients:

• 1 goya (bitter melon)
• 150 g sliced pork belly
• 1 block firm tofu, drained and cubed
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons cooking oil

1. Instructions:
2. Cut the goya in half lengthwise and remove the seeds. Slice the goya thinly and sprinkle with salt. Let it sit for about 10 minutes to reduce the bitterness.
3. Squeeze out the excess water from the goya slices and rinse them under running water to remove the salt.
4. In a large pan, heat the cooking oil over medium heat. Add the sliced pork belly and cook until browned.
5. Add the goya slices to the pan and stir-fry for a few minutes until they soften.
6. Add the tofu to the pan and cook for another few minutes.
7. Pour in the beaten eggs and soy sauce. Continue to stir-fry until the eggs are cooked and everything is well combined.
8. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot.