The Flavors of Okinawa: Tropical, Fruity, and Earthy!

When you picture Okinawa, Japan’s southernmost island region, you might picture beautiful beaches, tropical landscapes, and surfing culture, but what do you picture when it comes to Okinawan cuisine and the local food culture? Within Japan, Okinawa has an incredibly unique and beloved flavor scene that’s vastly different to its northern neighbors, but to those outside of Japan, giving examples of a typical Okinawan dish or snack might not be so simple. So today, we’re going to cover the delicious and flavorful food side of Okinawa!

Because of its geographic location compared to the rest of Japan, Okinawa is home to a more tropical climate due to being so far south when compared to Honshu, Japan’s main island. While Okinawa is an island away from the main island, its culture also differs slightly as a result of its historical background; in the past, Okinawa was known as the independent Ryukyu Kingdom, and as such became its own hub for maritime trade, particularly with China and Southeast Asia. With this trade came the introduction of foreign spices, cooking methods, and most importantly, influences; for example, the iconic Okinawan dish rafute, which is simmered pork belly influenced by Chinese cuisine, as well as Okinawan soba favoring wheat instead of buckwheat.

Following World War II, the increased US presence in Okinawa also began to have a strong effect on the local culture and food scene, many of which have stuck around and are still parts of life in Okinawa today. The most iconic examples of these Western influences is the inclusion of the canned meat product Spam in a variety of different Okinawan dishes, as well as the introduction of other easily transportable canned foods and Western snacks. These Western influences, combined with the traditional Ryukyu Kingdom culture and the influences from trade with China and Southeast Asia, created a unique portfolio of foods that distinguishes Okinawa from the rest of Japan. 

While these historical points focus mainly on the outside influences that shaped some of Okinawa’s most iconic dishes and cooking methods, there are plenty of homegrown flavors and foods that Okinawa prides itself on as well. Within Japan, Okinawa is particularly known for sweet potato flavors, also known as beni-imo, which have a deep, earthy sweet potato flavor and an iconic purple color that’s often used in baked goods like tarts and chips.

In addition to sweet potato, Okinawan brown sugar, also known as kokutou, is a staple Okinawan ingredient with a deep, brown sugar-like flavor that is also used in baking and is a popular flavor when it comes to candies and souvenirs from Okinawa. On the other hand, Okinawan sea salt from the ocean surrounding the island is also a hot commodity, and is often brought back either as an ingredient by itself or used in cookies, crackers, and chocolates.

And of course, as should be expected of Okinawa’s tropical climate, tropical fruits are also a staple of the region’s food and flavor scene, namely pineapple, mango, passionfruit, and shikuwasa citrus. Okinawa pineapple is arguably the most well-known of the bunch, with the fruit being iconic in cakes, cookies, candies, and gummies, or just enjoyed on its own fresh or dried. Shikuwasa citrus is the more exclusive flavor when it comes to the outside world; this small, green fruit is similar in some ways to limes, but has its own unique flavor and is exclusive to Okinawa. Shikuwasa is used in a variety of Okinawan dishes and treats in much the same way other citrus fruits would be; namely in drinks and candies.

Okinawa is a beautiful, tropical island of Japan that isn’t just rich in its history and beautiful beaches, but also in its foods and flavors. For those wanting to try this bright and unique side of Japanese food, our Okinawa BOX can take you on a flavorful trip through Okinawa and its rich history and culture wherever you are in the world; giving you a fresh taste of all the trendiest and most iconic treats from the region every month, direct from the region itself. See what’s inside here, and explore Japan through your tastebuds!