Let's Talk Food...

      One factor we seriously (maybe too seriously) considered when deciding to move to Okinawa was the food. We plan a good amount of where we go and where we adventure to around what delicious tidbits we can pick up along the way! Thankfully, when Adam said the food is outstanding here, he was not exaggerating one bit. When one thinks of Japan, I imagine what comes to mind is sushi- it was what came to mind for me! I was nervous thinking of eating sushi for the next three years as I'm pretty much a white lake fish and shrimp kind of gal. However, I am now seeing the light- with proper sourcing and excellent preparation, of course. No flimsy or overpowering fishy-ness here, just deliciousness and purely intentional briny flavors (if you order it that way). There is truly something for everything to try when it comes to sushi and all of it is incredible.

     Our favorite spot so far has been Yasu Sushi which was an authentic mom and pop spot where we sat at our first traditionally styled meal (think tatami mat, sliding rice paper doors, etc). Everything was incredibly fresh, beautifully flavored, and is a new favorite. The other spot we will take anyone to when/if they visit is another mom and pop shop (we are on a mission to find them all) in the northern fishing port of Nago. This was our first experience with the extremely smart development of the vending order machine. This is quite popular all around the island (I imagine in Japan as well). Think of a vending machine with picture of your options, click the corresponding button, the machine prints out a ticket and you pay! You hand your ticket to the chef and they make your meal right there- language barrier erased! The restaurant looks out over the water so you can sit and sip on your soba (another good spot for it) or fork your straight-from-the-sea sushi into your mouth as you watch the boats drift lazily in their slips. 

     Another way to enjoy sushi here is in a more modern restaurant setting where you sit down in a booth and order your sushi on a tablet at the table! This was very new to me. Once your food is ready the plate comes out on a conveyor belt and you just grab it. The table is pre-stocked with green tea powder, a hot water spigot, ginger, utensils, and anything else you may need for your meal. This is also high quality sushi compared to what I've had in the US but, of course, a bit more casual than the aforementioned meal. Another notable aspect of this one is some very tasty desserts (my favorite is the raspberry and orange sorbet). 

     While the traditional sushi has captured out hearts, the variety in not just Japanese food, but Okinawa specific foods surprised us. The traditional noodle dish on the island is Okinawa soba: a juicy, thick soba noodle in (usually pork or chicken) broth with braised pork and pickled ginger on top. Our favorite nearby spot for us has a lovely variety of options where you can choose solely vegetable toppings (personal favorite) and eight other choices of pork and fish. There is also ramen in every form, Japanese curry, Nepalese food, many vegan cafes, Italian, BBQ (with an island twist, of course) and Indian to name the ones we tried so far. From a "fancier" place to "fast" food, we are pleased with the quality of food prepared. We have yet to encounter a place that is thick with grease or unnecessarily oily (we've also avoided McDonalds so if you want it, you can indulge in those addicting fries). I'm sure there will be many more posts on food as I could go on for much longer but would be surprised if you made it this far. Thanks for reading! See below for proof of the deliciousness.