If you go to Hateruma Island, here are 5 recommended gourmet spots you absolutely must try

The warm, tropical Okinawa is the perfect tourist destination for family trips, whether it's during summer vacation or the New Year holiday. If you're considering traveling to Okinawa, you’ll likely plan for things like swimming, dining, and where to stay. So, this time, I’d like to focus on recommending the best gourmet spots on Hateruma Island, located at the southernmost point of Okinawa!

1. Parlor Minpika

The first recommended gourmet spot on Hateruma Island is "Parlor Minpika." If the weather is good, you can enjoy a view of the Hateruma Blue sea from this shop, which is popular for its delicious shaved ice. The signature menu item here is the "Hateruma Black Syrup Special." It features Hateruma Island’s black syrup, a collaboration of roasted soybean flour and condensed milk, and its large size will satisfy both your taste buds and eyes! This dessert is a hot topic on Hateruma Island. Other offerings, such as almond tofu and curry, are also surprisingly delicious. If you find yourself in the sunshine of Hateruma Island, why not cool off with some shaved ice from "Parlor Minpika"?

2. Kukuru Café

Next is Kukuru Café. This café is known for its vegetarian cuisine. While taco rice is famous in Okinawa, the taco rice at "Kukuru Café" is made with island tofu from Hateruma Island. Moreover, instead of cheese, it is topped with a millet sauce, making it a vegetarian yet authentic and delicious taco rice. The café also offers excellent desserts that don't use eggs or dairy products. With a fantastic resort-like atmosphere, this café, serving authentic vegetarian cuisine, is a one-of-a-kind gourmet spot on Hateruma Island.

3. Ayafufa-mi

Ayafufami may look like a stylish café that women would enjoy, but it is actually a gourmet spot with hearty set meals and bar snacks. It is also popular among the locals of Hateruma Island, known for its healthy menu items using island vegetables.

The signature menu item at Ayafufami is the "Tender Pork Rib Rafute Set Meal." The pork ribs are simmered until tender, with awamori (Okinawan liquor) and brown sugar as secret ingredients for this exquisite dish. The rice is also a specialty, mixed with millet and brown rice from Hateruma Island to make multigrain rice. If you're craving more island vegetable dishes, the "Special Island Vegetable Curry Rice" is another must-try! This curry, made with vegetables from Hateruma Island and simmered with many spices, is one of the popular menu items. This Hateruma Island eatery is a well-known establishment that will leave you satisfied with both the taste and portion size.

4. Izakaya Agan

If you're looking for an izakaya on Hateruma Island with a wide variety of gourmet options, look no further than "Izakaya Agan." This spot offers not only the classic dishes like goya champuru (stir-fried bitter melon) and Yaeyama soba, but also a number of tempting menu items like the Hateruma specialty black syrup chicken and misaki beef simmered in awamori (Okinawan liquor). Additionally, you can taste the rare "Awanami," the elusive awamori from Hateruma Island, right here! With a homey atmosphere where the locals gather, why not enjoy island delicacies and awamori?

5. Himawari Café

If you're looking for breakfast on Hateruma Island, I recommend "Sunflower Café." This cozy, old-style house café opens at 7:30 AM, offering a relaxing atmosphere. The daily changing morning menu typically features home-style dishes using island vegetables. Start your day with a hearty meal to recharge your energy for the day ahead! Of course, for lunch, the café also offers delicious set meals like goya champuru and pork and egg dishes. The homestyle flavors of Hateruma Island make for healthy and comforting meals.

◎ Summary

What do you think? If you're going to Hateruma Island, you'll want to try the local dishes that you can't find anywhere else. Many people come to Okinawa specifically for the local cuisine. You might think that Hateruma Island is too small to have any good dining spots, but that's not the case! There are plenty of excellent eateries with amazing food on the island. However, keep in mind that weather or ferry cancellations may affect opening hours, so it's a good idea to call ahead to check before you go.

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If you go to Hateruma Island, here are 5 recommended gourmet spots you absolutely must try