Fodor's Expert Review Bridges

You may be familiar with mainstream Japanese sushi and sashimi, but Okinawan cooking is something completely different. Dishes from the Ryukyu Islands carry Chinese and American influences, and you’ll find plenty of chanpuru (stir-fry) dishes, as well as obscure delicacies like salt and cookie ice cream. The islands are also credited for their bountiful fresh produce; be sure to try the umi budo “green caviar” sea kelp and the bitter gourd melon. Carnivores, don't fret—Okinawa’s Motobu Wagyu beef and Aguu pork are delicious, well-marbled versions that work well in everything from grills to shabu shabu.