Dae Jang Geum - Homestyle Korean Restaurant

CONTRIBUTED BY MICHELLE D.

The Dae Jang Geum restaurant (大長今) in Urasoe City (浦添市) advertises its menu as “homestyle” Korean cuisine, and true to the claim, the reasonably-priced menu features items beyond the typical Korean BBQ that most Americans associate with Korean food.  

The Name:  Dae Jang Geum is named after a Korean TV drama by the same name, which aired in the United States as "Jewel in the Palace".  The show itself is loosely based on the life of Jang Geum, reputedly the only female Royal Physician in Korean history...  And if you have any doubt about the origin of the restaurant’s name, a TV in the corner of the front room plays episodes of the Korean TV drama on a loop.

The Atmosphere: I only saw the front room, but I think the restaurant also had a downstairs backroom as well as second floor seating.  Most of the seating is Western-style (meaning tables and chairs), but there are also a few Japanese-style low tables (where you take your shoes off and sit directly on the tatami mats).  The service is friendly and fairly attentive -- though if no one seems to be approaching your table to take your order, all you need to do is look in the direction of the bar and say decently loudly, “sumimasen” (excuse me).   The clientele appeared to be entirely Japanese, but at least one of the waitresses seemed to speak Korean.   All in all, it feels cozy and can accommodate parties as small as two and as large as 30.

The Food: The restaurant was opened by Koreans, and the menu features items such as seafood buchimgae (海鮮チヂミ) -- Korean-style savory pancakes, Teokboki (トッポキ) -- spicy stir-fried Korean rice cakes, and stone pot bibimbap (ビビンバ).  I had one of the Jjigae (written チゲ in Japanese) stews, which comes to the table boiling hot.  The menu includes kimchi jjigae (キムチチゲ) and sundubu jjigae (スンドゥブチゲ) which is made with soft tofu.  The little side dishes that usually come out at Korean restaurants are sold separately (there's a "normal set" and a "kimchi set") though the main dishes themselves generally come with a side of kimchi and soup or rice (depending on the dish).

Izakaya: In addition to serving tasty Korean food, the restaurant also considers itself a Korean izakaya (bar) and is open until midnight on Tue-Thur and 0100 on Fri-Sun (closed on Mondays).  Its flagship drink is makgeolli -- a traditional Korean rice wine that's milky-white in color and somewhat sweet.  Known as “makkori” in Japanese (マッコリ),  you can get a pot for １,４９０円.  You can also purchase soju (another well-known type of Korean alcohol) for  １,０００円.  Other beverages include baekseju, orion beer, Okinawan awamori, sour mix cocktails, soft drinks, and tea.  I think there might have been a drink nomihodai (all you can drink) service too.

Directions:  Located in Urasoe, this restaurant is a bit farther afield than those right outside the base gates, but it’s simple to get to from Rt. 58 and well-worth the trouble if you’re a fan of Korean food.  Simply take Rt 58 south past Ginowan (you can take it straight down or use the Ginowan bypass) to the Makiminato (south) intersection, which is route 153.  This is the first light past the exit for the Makiminato By-Pass.  You'll see an enormous McDonalds/Pachinko building on the right hand side of 58 at the intersection, and as soon as you turn left, there should be a large garlic restaurant on the right-hand side of route 153.  At the fourth light on 153 go, straight through the intersection with Pipeline Street (パイプライン通り). After the next light, you'll cross over the Urasoe Bypass. The second light after the bypass will be a large intersection with route 38. The restaurant will be at the intersection on your left (there will be a gas station on the right). The name of the intersection is 安波茶in Japanese. See this wikipedia page for a photo of the intersection.

Parking: There's some parking directly in front of the building, but if that's full, you may be able to park in the lot next door (still on your left) if the shops there have already closed for the night.  To return to route 58, simply retrace your steps.Bottom Line: Probably some of the best Korean food on Okinawa.  The lack of English menu and focus on homestyle instead of BBQ Korean food may make it a hard sell for people who aren’t very adventurous… but I think it’s definitely worth a trip.

Address in Japanese: 浦添市仲間2-31-1

Tel: 098-878-0041

Hours: Tue-Thur 1800-0000, Fri-Sun 1700-0100, Mon closed

Payment:  yen only (no credit cards)

Seating:  67 customers

Gajyumaru No Ki

CONTRIBUTED BY TERESA KOCH

Not even opened a month and I have already been to this fabulous cafe three times.  The only negative is that I don't live in Yomitan, or  I would be there weekly.  Not only is the food delicious, but the artistry in each plate is almost too beautiful to consume.  Still, I try each bite and enjoy the tastes of mainland Japan with an Okinawan accent.

Artist Yoshiko and her husband/chef Koji came from the mainland with a dream of opening up a restaurant/cafe in Okinawa.  They are still experimenting with the decor and menu, but you can appreciate the hard work and details that they have already prepared.  Yosiko's artwork decorates the walls, while Koji's cuisine titillates the tastebuds.  The name of the restaurant translates as Banyan Tree, and Yoshiko's words at the front of the menu tell you that she hopes you will find this place to be a relaxing moment in the shade of this Okinawan monument.

And on to the delights . . .lunch is served from 1100-2:30 and the lunch sets are the best way to go.  Fish and Meat sets cost 1,000 yen and include several appetizers, the first sampling served on a dish that Yoshiko made herself, the main dish (with rice and miso soup), and an enticing dessert, with ice/hot tea or coffee.  The Japanese Cuisine Set is only 200 yen more and includes even more appetizers and dishes from the mainland, including soy milk pumpkin soup and a savory tofu morsel. 

Yoshiko plans to change the menu monthly, depending upon the season (fish/produce) and imagination of the chef.  The menu is in English, and Yoshiko's English is sufficient as well.  She was able to explain to us the dishes when we asked.

For those who want their Okinawan cuisine, Koji has an a la carte menu, which includes soba, yakisoba, and taco rice, to name a few.  When I went with my family, my husband and I ate the lunch sets, while our girls split a big bowl of soba.  It worked out perfectly.  I also have to add that Yoshiko has been more than gracious, as she has played with and allowed my 3-year-old to "dance" around the dining room.  My daughter loves to come here and see her new friend.  Yoshiko also helped to rock my friend's 6-month-old's baby to sleep so that my friend could enjoy her meal!  

As you can see, the personal experience that I have received here has touched me.  Not only is the food delicious, but the service in this cozy dining room is more than delightful.  I have an interest in this cafe because it is not a chain food restaurant, but rather a kitchen owned by a talented and kind Japanese couple, working on their dream to open a cafe in Okinawa.  I hope that you can also visit this cafe, and enjoy a meal in the shade of the Banyan Tree.

Hours:  Lunch is served Monday-Saturday, with some Saturdays closed and some Sundays opened (call ahead if you want to be sure), from 11:00-2:30.  

Phone: 098-958-7818

Payment: Yen

Blog:  http://gajyumarunoki2010.ti-da.net/

Directions:  From Kadena Gate 1, head north on Rte 58.  Take Rte 6 towards Yomitan.  The café is 6.1 km from this turn onto Rte. 6.  The easiest way to arrive is to check your odometer and drive for 6.1 km.  You will pass  Torii Station on your left and Max Value on the right.  You are on this road for a while.  The café is on your left—see photo.    

Okinawa Fruits Land: Tropical Kingdom

CONTRIBUTED BY ANALICIA MCCLELLAN

I'm sure a lot of you have been to the Pineapple Park in Nago, but did you know a couple blocks down, there’s a Tropical Kingdom awaiting you? We had a playdate there and the kids loved it!

They have hundreds of fruit trees, one of which bears the world’s largest fruit -- the Jackfruit! There is a small butterfly garden with some interested décor, but our personal favorite is the Bird Zone! There are a variety of different birds, some in cages, but the ones that definitely catch your attention are the free flying multicolored parrots! You can buy food to feed them at a little stand near the entrance and the birds will come to you!

 
My boys LOVED feeding the birds. I think it's 200Y for a thing of food. I spent a good 1000Y just on that! 

As you leave the Bird Zone, there is a Fruits Café with some great smoothies and ice creams, all made with fresh fruit from their trees! There is also a restaurant upstairs, that serves the same food as most of the Japanese attractions do. We enjoyed getting our fill of sweet stuff at the Fruits Café!

Price/Hours:  For a mere 800Y for adults and 400Y for children over 4, it was well worth the trip and definitely an Okinawan experience! They are open from 9-6 year round!

Directions:  Take the expressway all the way north until it ends.  Continue driving north on 58. Turn left on 84 heading through Motubo peninsula. Pass the Pineapple Park on your right and start looking for a colorful Fruits Land sign a couple blocks up on your right and turn right into the parking lot! 

Gachimaya Café & Okinawa Soba/Ramen

CONTRIBUTED BY ANALICIA MCCLELLAN  

I have two restaurants I want to tell you about - found in the same building - yet with completely different cuisine! Gachimaya Café takes up the space that the 50’s Café used to be in. They don’t offer the American style-burgers of the 50's Café. But if you like Mos Burger, you’ll love this place!

I enjoyed the burger set that came with fries and macaroni and potato salad on the side! My husband and sons got the combo pizza. We didn’t realize combo in Okinawa can mean a combination of really anything. We didn’t ask before we ordered and they were pleasantly surprised with a seafood combo! I don’t do seafood, but the husband says it was good and I’ll take his word for it! It was shrimp and calamari pizza. My kids sure gobbled it up!

For dessert, they have a small bakery case of different tiny pieces of cakes and pies for 50Y a piece! They were really good! 

Next, we decided to try out the Okinawa Soba & Ramen place taking up the other half of the building. Since we had just eaten a full meal, we just got a small 350Y bowl of Okinawan Soba to share and it was really great! Again, my kids ate half the bowl, my 2 year old slurping the noodles and telling the waitress “arrigato” and “more please” when she came to pick up the dishes.  

Both restaurants were great, especially for those in the Courtney/McT area! We’ll definitely be back to try more from the soba/ramen side. Gachimaya Café had a menu with some English, but both had pictures in their menus. Everyone spoke some English, so it wasn’t hard to communicate.

Gachimaya Café does take US dollars, whereas the Soba place didn’t. Neither restaurant had a sign with hours, so I'm not sure when they are open, but I know they are open for lunch and dinner. We’ve gone as late as 7-8pm before. The food is reasonably priced. We spent a total of 3000Y for a family of 4! Happy eating, ya’ll! 

Directions:  Go out Kadena Gate 3. Follow straight until 329. Go left on 329. Proceed until exit 5 of the expressway. Go right at that intersection.  50s Diner is a short distance at the top of the hill on the right. For menus click below.

 

HanaHou Island Style Café

CONTRIBUTED BY STACY STORRS

After a fun, exhausting trip up the Cape Zanpa Lighthouse my family and I decided it was time for some lunch. We enjoy cruising around and trying to find someplace we have never been for a new and adventurous meal. On our way back to Kadena from Cape Zanpa we found a cute little sign for a restaurant named HanaHou Island Style Café.

We decided to take a quick right into the TINY dirt parking lot to try this restaurant, which we soon found to be a hidden treasure!! The restaurant has a very distinct island feel. 

The menu included five lunch plate options (the most expensive being only 1,050 Yen), pizzas, sides, and drinks with an unlimited soup, salad and beverage buffet for only 200 Yen!!   

I ordered the fried chicken, which was moist, flavorful and downright DELICIOUS!  My husband had a burger served on a bed of rice with a beef curry flavored gravy over top, all topped off with an egg cooked over easy… Yet again, DELICIOUS!  With every single bite my husband and I “mmmm”-ed and said “We need to come here more often!”

We ordered a side of fries for the kids and shared our meals with them.  Each of us added the “lunch set” to our meal and shared soup and salad with the kids as well. In the end we fed our family of four for less than 4.000 Yen! And my daughter’s favorite part of the whole thing?? The four legged, furry vacuum who sat under our table the entire meal waiting for droppings from the kids!  

The very sweet, calm and quiet pup made very sure that we didn’t leave a mess behind for the waitress to clean.  There is also a patio upstairs, which we didn’t utilize; I think it may be for their busier dinner hours.  

Hours:  Lunch: 11am-4pm (Last order taken at 3) Dinner: 6pm-11pm (Last order taken at 10)  Phone: 098-958-0568

Directions: From Kadena: Take Hwy 58 North to Route 6. Turn Left onto Route 6 and follow the signs for Cape Zanpa. The sign for HanaHou Café will be on the left hand sign, parking is immediately off the road and the restaurant is just on the other side of the parking lot. 

Payment: Yen and Major credit cards. 

Click here to see Menu 1, Menu 2.

Bovino's Brazilian BBQ

CONTRIBUTED BY AMANDA NEMETH

Out on the hunt one night, we came upon Bovino’s, which recently opened in October (2010). Driving up we noticed the bright yellow billboard enticing us in. Once we realized it was a Brazilian BBQ, we became excited, as we have eaten at a few back in the states. Brazilian dishes vary throughout the world as each area tends to modify items to specifically adapt to the local conditions. The one thing all traditional Brazilian restaurants have in common is that you can expect their cooking to be fresh, simple, and in abundance (large portions!).

As we walked in, the atmosphere was very warm and the staff were more then helpful. It is very large inside so seating won’t be a problem, in fact it is large-group friendly. When reviewing the menu we noticed they only do a buffet style meal - you’ll want to take full advantage of and go on an empty stomach!

The way their buffet works is that you approach the buffet portion of your meal first. There were a variety of salads, beans, beans with marinated meat, a pasta, and a curry with rice. So it has your basic needs and a few main dish entrees to get you started. After fixing our plates and diving in, a waitress came by with potato wedges and later brought cheese bread and fried bananas. This is where the fun really began. Sticking to their traditional Brazilian roots, they came out with a large skewer of grilled meat. They slice as much as you would like and put it on your plate and then come back with more every few minutes. The variety included Chicken, Chicken wrapped in bacon, Pork Rib, Sirloin, Chicken heart, Sausage, Lamb, Garlic Steak, Beef Neck, and Pork Loin.  To say the least we didn’t get very far, but next time plan to not eat so much at the buffet. To polish off the meal they bring out a pineapple on a skewer that has been rolled in apple smoked cinnamon - this sets the meal off. We had to close the deal with a traditional coconut brazilian dessert dish. 

The meal was around $75 for both my husband and myself, but we tend to go overboard on our nights out. The one lesson my husband can attest to is... don’t fill up on the buffet, the real stuff comes after you load your plate.

This place is a must try.  It would be great for a group of friends, with food adventurists, even with the basic food lovers. I was informed by one of the staff that they offer traditional brazilian drinks and desserts as well. They definitely take pride in what they do because there were no last minute adjustments to finish preparing, the food was amazing.

Directions:  From Kadena gate 1, turn left. Pass Camp Lester upon Chatan intersection (major intersection before Camp Foster) turn Right. ETWS will be directly in front of you and the road will T make a left at the light. Bovino’s will be on your right hand side about 4 buildings later. 

From Camp Foster main gate, turn right. Upon the end of Camp Foster will be Chatan Intersection (major intersection before Camp Lester) turn Left. ETWS will be directly in front of you and the road will T make a left at the light. Bovino’s will be on your right hand side about 4 buildings later. 

Hours of Operation: Lunch 11am-3:30pm (last order 3:00pm) - Closed Monday lunch

Dinner 6:30pm-11:00pm (last order 10:30pm) - Every day

After hours 11:00pm-5am Karaoke and Buffet Only - Every day

Website:  www.bovinos-okinawa.com

Payment Methods: Yen, Dollar, and Credit Cards (As of 10/5/10 no credit card machine, waiting to arrive)

Telephone: 098-989-5934

Hateruma Restaurant

CONTRIBUTED BY JENNIFER SHUE

For our anniversary last month, my husband and I wanted to try something new and different. Something out of the ordinary for us. He had been gone for almost a year and a half, give or take (with a few breaks of togetherness here and there), so we wanted it to be a little bit special, too. We’re rather adventurous souls so we will try just about anything and we both remembered passing by this interesting-looking place on Kokusai Street ages ago. So, we made child care arrangements and went out to dinner at Hateruma.

From what I have read on the internet the name means last coral or something to that effect. It is the last island heading south off of Iriomote, which is the last cluster of islands of the Okinawan chain. 
What had originally caught my eye, long ago, was the floor. A mix of rock and paving, with steps up to what looked like a front porch, then semi individual homes where you sit to eat. I guess it is technically an izakaya kind of place, but certainly didn’t feel like your neighborhood bar. Eating there, I kind of forgot I was even on Kokusai Street at all. They apparently have a bar with a performance area upstairs, but we were just there to have dinner (you may have a tiny conversation with the hostess about this choice) and were shown to our table. 

They don’t speak much English there and there was no English menu that I was made aware of, but there are plenty of pictures. We just made up our minds to eat whatever was brought to us, pointed to a couple of appetizers, a set option, and some Orion. I had actually ordered water for myself, but somehow wound up with beer. Oh well, Kampai! I drank half of it, then let my husband finnish it since I was driving.

Everything was delicious, though some of it was a bit unusual, and I’m really not sure what all of it was. I will warn any other fellow adventurous souls that the little cube of tofu (pretty sure) with the pink sauce on it in the pictures is some very potent stuff! I had a taste of it then told my husband that I didn’t think I should finnish it because I didn’t think I could eat it and still pass a sobriety checkpoint. Wow, was that ever not what I was expecting it to be! The only other things that I can name from the set are rice, soba, tofu (of a non-alcoholic variety), goya champuru, pineapple, okra, and some raw fish, as well as a side order of gyoza. There was more, and all of it very good, I just don’t know the names.

There is a mix of floor seating (with the cut out floor if you need to hang your legs) as well as tables and chairs. You could certainly take kids here, so long as they are good sports about what they eat and we will bring our daughter with us next time. I wish I had known more about this place when my in-laws were visiting as this would have been a great place to have taken them.

Hours/Payment:  They are open from 11AM-midnight and take yen and credit cards. I think the upstairs bar/stage area is open from 5PM-midnight. 

Directions: On Kokusai St, if you are heading North-ish (away from the Ryubo department store) it will be on your left just before 222.

Cafe Cahaya Bulan

CONTRIBUTED BY MARTHA HEPLER

Our very first weekend in Okinawa, my husband, baby and I piled into the car and headed up north to Churaumi Aquarium, apparently worried that in three years on this gigantic island we would not make it to that minor tourist attraction. By the time we got there, we were starving, so we bypassed the aquarium, following signs toward restaurants just past the aquarium parking lot.  Within a couple of minutes we found ourselves treading down what felt like a secret stairway under the luscious greenery of low-hanging branches and entering a relaxing, modern cafe with a beautiful view of the ocean--waves breaking on the reef in front, Emerald Beach to the left, and Ie Island in the distance.

The one waiter brought us water and immediately retreated to behind the bar, where he seemed to be playing on his MacBook.  We puzzled over this until he came rushing back over, having translated three items of the all-Japanese menu. He was very apologetic for not speaking good English, but we were able to communicate just fine. This being our first meal out on-island,  I got the soba (having heard that this was The Thing to Try here) and my husband got the pork rice bowl.  Both items were delicious and came with interesting sides of goya, deviled egg, and things that I wrote down as "white stuff",  "green stuff" and "rice gruel".  Regardless of what they were, they were wonderfully tasty and the main dish portions were quite generous (while the "stuff" portions were just big enough for you to have a little taste adventure).  Our waiter only translated three items for us, but the printed Japanese menu appeared to be quite extensive; I think he was worried about how long it was taking to translate.   Prices were reasonable, about 500 yen per meal as I recall.

The cafe has a modern, industrial feel to it and most of the walls are actually black, but it does not seem dark because of the wall of windows overlooking the ocean and the high ceiling. Even on an overcast day like ours, it felt light and airy. Clearly a lot of care has gone into the decor, which contributed greatly to our experience.   There was  a bookshelf full of books on Okinawa and interior design, little wooden puzzle games, and even a pair of binoculars (the better to spy on Ie with).  Some porch seating is available, and there is a seawall walk a few yards away. (If you're not already sold, they have the most enthusiastically heated toilet seat I've ever laid tush upon.)  I hope to go back every time I'm up north.

Directions:  To get to Cafe Cahaya Bulan, drive just past the Ocean Expo Park on your left and take a left at this junction. (We took this picture on our way out, so coming from the Ocean Expo Park all this signage will be on the left side of the road.)  

You'll now be in/on something that feels like both a parking lot and a road. Stay left at the fork, following a very small sign, and head to the end of the road/parking area and look for a sign next to stairs going down the little hill (see pix at top of post), all on the left side of the parking lot.  Here on their website is another view of the way back through the parking area. 

Parking/Payment:  There is plenty of parking, they have free wi-fi, and payment is in yen cash only. 

Hours:  Cafe Cahaya Bulan is open daily, 11am until sunset, typhoons permitting.

Website & Phone:  www.cahayabulan.com (Japanese only), 0980(51)7272

Bollywood Dreams

CONTRIBUTED BY KATE VIERNES

I love Indian food and consider myself decently well-versed in the wide variety of Indian restaurant-types, both in the U.S. and Japan. You’ve got your traditional fare (mostly North Indian) in establishments ranging from kitschy to fancy. Your all-you-can-eat Indian buffets and hole-in-the wall Indian/Pakistani food joints. Recent trends have brought about upscale, traditional South Indian cuisine in swanky urban hotspots and homestyle, organic Indian food carts for those on the go. Here in Japan you’ll often spot the kare setto, which makes ordering in Japanese a cinch. I’ve even watched a Shahrukh Khan video medley while sweating out spices at a friendly Indian restaurant in the Hawaiian Islands.

Clearly I thought I had some kind of authority on the subject. Then I decided to check out the eatery options in the brand new Depot Island complex in American Village, and was promptly given a run for my money. Picture a combination of just about every type of restaurant I have previously mentioned, but with a healthy added dose of Hindi cinema and a dash of Okinawan flavor to boot. What you will have as a result is Bollywood Dreams, a new and unique type of Indian restaurant that turns the existing definition of Indian dining on its head!

While walking around the bottom floor of Depot Island trying to choose a place for dinner, a friend and I found ourselves drawn to the colorful, inviting sign pointing upstairs to Bollywood Dreams. After taking a look at the tempting food pictures and unexpectedly reasonable prices (I usually satisfy my curry cravings on the tourist-trapped Kokusai-dori in Naha), we decided to give it a try.

We entered the restaurant and were pleasantly surprised with what we found. The half of the decently sized perimeter that wasn’t made up of windows overlooking the ocean was covered with posters upon posters of popular Bollywood stars (the main players in the largest film industry in the world—yes, India makes and sees even more movies than its U.S. equivalent!) and a large LED television appropriately screening the high-energy dance sequences that Hindi films are famous for. The interior painted with mostly dark hues was accented with seating upholstered in funky fabric and brightly-colored napkins rolled up in holders matching the chairs, giving the place a very modern aesthetic.

 

We opened our menus to a large selection. Most of it looked pretty standard (think curries including tikka masala and various flavors of naan, the scrumptious South Asian doughy flatbread), but what caught my eye were the sections promising organic vegetarian and Okinawan-fusion dishes. As an aspiring health-food fanatic, it pained me a bit to pass up the options with naturally grown veggies… but I wasn’t about to refuse an order of TANDOORI taco rice! Also listed was an Indian take on goya champuru, which I considered but decided to save for a later date. My friend went with something a bit more traditional and ordered the mango chicken curry and plain naan.

 

First we shared a plate of the deep-fried vegetable samosa, served with mint sauce and a dollop of ketchup on the side (because everyone in this country knows that samosas are supposed to be eaten with ketchup, right?). These whetted our appetites for our upcoming feast.

  

No sooner had I finished a samosa and taken a sip of my mango lassi (a yogurt-based drink that I almost always order at Indian restaurants) than were our main dishes served. The tandoori taco rice was huge! Pieces of roasted chicken and familiar Indian spices were sprinkled atop the local favorite. I wasn’t expecting double the meat with the ground chicken that came with the taco rice as well, but luckily it didn’t break the dish. I enjoyed the novelty a lot, but the only thing I’d omit would be the thousand-island dressing… it wasn’t a necessary flavor to add to the already busy mix.

 

I sampled my friend’s naan and mango chicken curry as well—both delicious as expected. I actually liked the addition of shredded cheese on the curry (again with the quirky Japanese touches), and I vowed to one day try the MONSTROUS-sized order of naan, which I saw brought out on its very own stand, hanging as if on a miniature coat rack!

 

And just as I opened my mouth to groan out an onaka ippai, we realized we weren’t through. The staff was kind enough to comp us each a bowl of brownie pieces for dessert—REAL, live, dense chocolate brownies! Oh, I supposed there was room for that, too.

 

The restaurant provided a fun yet comfortable space for us to sit and talk as we ate. I sort of wished I had chosen the seat facing the wall with the film star photos and TV, but the music videos were definitely audible from all angles. I scanned the walls for my favorite Hindi actress, Rani Mukherjee, but sadly could only find her rival Aishwarya Rai (who has often been coined by the media as “the most beautiful woman in the world”). SRK was definitely in the house, though, as was Karina Kapoor… hey, I never said food was the only thing about India that I love!

Since my first visit, I’ve also tried the lunch set and definitely give the organic vegetable and tikka masala curries two thumbs up—one for taste, and one for price (just over ¥1000). Bollywood Dreams is a pleasure to eat at if you’re at Depot Island, and most certainly sets a benchmark in the Indian dining experience.

Directions: Depot Island complex of Mihama American Village, Chatan; 2nd floor, towards the back

Address: Depot Island Bldg. A 2F, 9-1, Mihama, Chatan

Hours: Lunch- 11:00-15:00 (last order 14:30); Chai time- 15:00-17:00; Dinner- 17:00-23:00 (last order 22:00). Open year round.

Telephone Number: 098-926-0977

Payment: Accepts $ and ¥

Cafe Kugafu

CONTRIBUTED BY REBEKHA SMITH

Since I am a Seattleite at heart, coffee is pretty much central to my existence. Not only do I have a caffeine addiction that even hypnotherapy couldn't cure, I love to savor the entire coffee experience--from the gentle aroma, to the gurgling sound of percolation, to the comfort of simply holding a hot mug in my hands. 

   

Therefore, my foremost quest here in Okinawa is to find a quality cup of coffee, and, even more than that, a cafe that encapsulates the relaxing, cozy atmosphere of a Seattle coffee shop--a place where I can take some grading or a good novel and soak up the atmosphere for hours. 

 

So far my quest has driven me to quite a few caffeine-havens, from Henza Island to Itoman City,  but the one place I find myself returning to again and again is Cafe KUGAFU in Nanjo City. 

 

If your not looking for it, you might miss this efflorescent entryway tucked away on the bottom floor of an apartment building. However, once you know it's there, you won't be able to drive by without involuntarily salivating. Whether it is the variety of locally-roasted, hand-drip espresso drinks, the selection of healthy meals, or the homemade bagels and breads, I am certain that anyone with functioning taste buds will find a reason to lean back in his or her chair with a grin of satisfaction. 

 

The carefully crafted atmosphere further adds to the captivating experience of this little cafe. Soothing lamplight and cool jazz music are just a start: they also have bookshelves piled with colorful titles--some even in English!--and decorative cloth banners hanging between the tables.  These details all add up to create the peaceful, welcoming environment I'd been searching for.

Open 7 years this August, Cafe KUGAFU was started by a local Okinawan woman named Kazumi-san, her sister, and her daughter. The latter, a woman named Kazuno, relates to me--in English--her mother's vision for KUGAFU: "The main concept for the cafe is 'safe, healthy, organic.' [...] We're just trying to serve really healthy, traditional Okinawan food."

 

From my experience, KUGAFU more than lives up to that standard: everything I've eaten has been fresh and loaded with vegetables, all of which are either grown in their own English-style garden or purchased from local farms. Their commitment to local product extends even further: most of their dishes are locally made pottery from an artist in Nanjo city. 

 

At Cafe KUGAFU, you can choose any of the menu items and be pleased, but my personal recommendation is the bagel sandwich. Kazuno-san makes the bagels herself and tops them with a generous amount of cream cheese, vegetables, and either peppered or cured ham or mozzarella and tomato. 

The mozzarella and tomato bagel sandwich. 

Also, if you come to Cafe KUGAFU for lunch on a Wednesday or Friday, they offer all-you-can-eat bread for only 150 yen. It is served freshly made, sometimes hot from the oven, with a side of olive oil for dipping. Your lunch order also comes with a drink (tea or coffee--iced or hot). 

Cafe KUGAFU is in Nanjo City and probably a bit of a drive for most, but if you are in the area visiting Okinawa World or the Peace Park, or if you just want to spend the day at some of the fantastic natural beaches in the south, Cafe KUGAFU would be the perfect place to complete your day. 

Hours:  Cafe KUGAFU is open everyday except Monday from 11:30 to 7:00 but may occasionally close early depending on the weather. 

Menu:  There is no English menu but Kazuno-san works everyday except Thursday and can explain the dishes if you have questions.  There are also helpful pictures for most of the menu items. 

Kugafu Zen: a set of dishes including pork, salad with onion dressing, mimiga (pig's ear), and asa soup. 

Contact:  You can check out their website for daily updates, in Japanese, and pictures or call 098-948-2559.

Directions:  Take the Naha Airport Expressway to exit A2 for Yaese Town. Turn left onto the 507 and follow it to the 48 (you will see an exit ramp to your left). Turn left on the 48 and follow it all the way to the 331. Take a right on the 331 and look for signs to "KU GA FU" on your right (about 15 minutes).  The cafe is on the bottom floor of a white apartment building with pink trim. 

Payment: Yen only.