There are many unique oden varieties in each region across the country, such as "Shizuoka oden" and "Kanazawa oden." Of course, "Okinawa oden" also has its own characteristics that are different from those in other prefectures.

Let's explore the characteristics and history of Okinawan oden.

Characteristics of Okinawa Oden

Okinawa oden is a well-balanced dish that contains root vegetables, leafy vegetables, pork, and other ingredients. It also contains standard ingredients such as eggs, daikon radish, and deep-fried tofu. It is also distinctive in that it is eaten with mustard instead of kashiwa (spicy mustard). It is said that the practice of eating it with mustard was influenced by the US military.

We will introduce the characteristics of Okinawan oden, which is popular among locals all year round.

When you think of Okinawan oden, you think of Tebichi.

A major feature of Okinawan oden is the inclusion of pig's trotters, known as "tebichi." Those who see it for the first time may be surprised by its striking appearance. Tebichi is rich in collagen, and when simmered it becomes soft and bouncy. Tebichi is also popular among women as it is good for beauty, and is one of the familiar ingredients in Okinawa.

After the hair on the skin of the tebichi is burned or shaved off, it is parboiled to remove excess fat and scum. It is then washed thoroughly and simmered in oden broth for about 4 to 5 hours.

By slowly stewing it, it becomes soft enough to cut with chopsticks and the flavor is absorbed. Tebichi may look soft, but don't bite into it with all your might. Tebichi is meat on the bone, so there isn't much you can eat.

Okinawan oden often contains other ingredients besides tebichi, such as pork ribs and sausages. In Okinawan homes, it is said that spam is also sometimes added. It is filling because it contains meat.

The key to making dashi is dried bonito flakes

The key ingredient in Okinawan oden soup stock is dried bonito flakes. Okinawa, where many restaurants use a light bonito broth as their base, is the number one consumer of dried bonito in the country.

The soup stock is made from bonito and seasoned simply with salt. Okinawan oden has a light taste, but some restaurants have soup stock that is amber-colored. This is because the kelp, which has been boiled until it becomes soft, dissolves into the soup stock.

Okinawa oden is full of the flavor of tebichi and kelp, giving it a rich, full-bodied taste. In addition, the collagen in the tebichi gives the dashi soup a slightly thick consistency.

Don't forget leafy vegetables

Okinawan oden, like tebichi, almost always contains leafy vegetables, such as lettuce, bok choy, and komatsuna, which are added at the end of the oden.

Leafy vegetables have a light and mild taste, with a moderately crunchy texture. They go perfectly with the main dishes of tebichi and soki. Okinawan oden is healthy because you can eat the collagen in tebichi and leafy vegetables.

The History of Okinawa Oden

There are various theories about the origins of Okinawa oden, but it is said to have been created after the Pacific War. When the movement for Okinawa's return to mainland Japan began to gain momentum, Japanese food was actively introduced to Okinawa. Okinawa oden is said to have originated in izakayas, then started to be made at home, and evolved into its present-day form.

The reason why people in Okinawa started eating pork such as tebichi and soki is due to the influence of traditional cuisine that is said to have been introduced from China during the Ryukyu Dynasty. Beef was also commonly eaten, but in the Edo period, the royal government banned the consumption of beef, which led to more pork being eaten.

Also, the need for large quantities of pork to entertain Chinese envoys with whom Okinawans traded led to the spread of a pork-centered food culture in Okinawa. Today, pork is used in a variety of dishes, and it is said that everyone eats everything except the pork's roar, including the face, ears, and blood.

Okinawa oden, which is said to have originated from a stewed pork dish, has evolved in a unique way in Okinawa, and now includes ingredients such as tebichi, soki, and sausages. It has become a popular local B-class gourmet dish that can be eaten all year round in Okinawa.

Tourist spots in Okinawa

Okinawa has many attractive tourist spots. This time, we will introduce three popular tourist spots in Naha City.

Shuri Castle Park

Shuri Castle, known to be visited by many tourists from all over the world, is one of Okinawa's most famous tourist spots. The vermilion-colored Shuri Castle Seiden was famous, but unfortunately, most of it was destroyed by fire in October 2019.

However, the main hall is not the only attraction at Shuri Castle Park. Shuri Castle is an attractive tourist spot for those who are interested in Ryukyu culture and history. The view from Shuri Castle Park, built on a small hill, is also spectacular.

Kokusai Street Shopping District

Kokusai-dori Shopping Street is the busiest street in Okinawa Prefecture and the largest shopping district in Naha. There are a variety of shops, including department stores, restaurants, souvenir shops, and general stores. There are also many gourmet foods that are perfect for eating on the go.

Kokusai-dori Shopping Street is a popular tourist spot in Okinawa. It has the concept of being a "people-friendly town, a town that is fun to walk around in", and various events are held here.

Makishi Public Market

There are various shops lined up in the First Makishi Public Market. On the first floor, there are fresh fish shops, butchers, pickle shops, and souvenir shops. On the second floor, there is an ice cream shop, a sata andagi specialty shop, a restaurant, and more.

The Makishi Public Market has a system called "Ayage." If you buy fresh fish and meat on the first floor, they will cook it for you in the restaurant on the second floor. This system is very popular because you can eat the fresh ingredients you selected on the spot.

How to get to Okinawa

To get to the main island of Okinawa, it is convenient to take a direct flight to Naha Airport, which operates from all over the country.

Here is the flight time for direct flights. The flight time varies depending on the season and weather.

From Hokkaido/Tohoku area to Okinawa main island (Naha Airport) ・Approx. 3 hours 45 minutes from New Chitose Airport ・Approx. 3 hours 15 minutes from Sendai Airport

From the Kanto area to Okinawa main island (Naha Airport) ・Approx. 2 hours 45 minutes from Haneda Airport ・Approx. 3 hours from Narita Airport ・Approx. 3 hours from Ibaraki Airport

From the Chubu area to Okinawa main island (Naha Airport) ・Approx. 2 hours 30 minutes from Chubu Centrair International Airport ・Approx. 3 hours from Niigata Airport ・Approx. 2 hours 45 minutes from Komatsu Airport ・Approx. 2 hours 45 minutes from Shizuoka Airport

From the Kinki area to Okinawa main island (Naha Airport) ・Approx. 2 hours 15 minutes from Kansai International Airport ・Approx. 2 hours 15 minutes from Itami Airport ・Approx. 2 hours 15 minutes from Kobe Airport

From the Chugoku area to Okinawa main island (Naha Airport) ・Approx. 2 hours from Okayama Airport ・Approx. 1 hour 45 minutes from Hiroshima Airport ・Approx. 1 hour 45 minutes from Iwakuni Airport

From Shikoku area to Okinawa main island (Naha Airport) - Approx. 2 hours from Takamatsu Airport - Approx. 1 hour 45 minutes from Matsuyama Airport

From Kyushu area to Okinawa main island (Naha Airport) ・Approx. 1 hour 45 minutes from Fukuoka Airport ・Approx. 1 hour 45 minutes from Kitakyushu Airport ・Approx. 1 hour 30 minutes from Kumamoto Airport ・Approx. 1 hour 30 minutes from Nagasaki Airport ・Approx. 1 hour 30 minutes from Miyazaki Airport ・Approx. 1 hour 30 minutes from Kagoshima Airport ・Approx. 1 hour from Amami Airport ・Approx. 50 minutes from Okinoerabu Airport ・Approx. 40 minutes from Yoron Airport

Location of Okinawa Prefecture

summary

Okinawan oden, which is light and easy to eat, can be enjoyed at a variety of restaurants, including cafeterias and izakayas. There are also restaurants that specialize in Okinawan oden.

If you visit Okinawa, be sure to try the oden that contains tebichi and soki.

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