I have an aversion to bitter melon (goya) and don't usually cook it myself, but that's why I sometimes feel like trying authentic Okinawan cuisine. So today, I had the "Goya Champuru Set Meal" (980 yen)! I sat at the counter and watched the cooking process closely. The ingredients were sautéed in a frying pan and eggs were added... I watched as it all came together. The dish looked beautiful on the pottery plate, with the vibrant colors of bitter melon and carrots. I took a sip of the soup first. It had a strong umami flavor, similar to Okinawan soba broth but a bit salty. On the other hand, the Goya Champuru had a gentle flavor and was easy to eat. The bitterness of the bitter melon was hardly noticeable. You can choose between white rice or "juicy" rice, and I chose the latter. It was well-seasoned and I couldn't stop eating. The seats on either side of me were occupied by what seemed like regular customers, and I overheard their friendly conversations with the staff. Restaurants with many regulars can sometimes make you feel out of place, but here, it was a heartwarming atmosphere.

I found a shop that caught my eye while passing by. It was lunchtime when I happened to pass by again, so I decided to go in. The entrance was a bit hard to find, down a narrow staircase on the first floor of a building. The shop was small with only a counter and a few tables, and it seemed to be run by the owner and an elderly lady. I ordered the Pork Cartilage Soba Set for 980 yen. The Okinawan soba had a flavorful broth with a hint of bonito, very comforting and delicious. The pork cartilage was tender and went well with the soup. The pickled ginger added a nice touch to the dish. The noodles were chewy and decent. The set also came with chicken rice and stir-fried shredded carrots, both tasty. For a lunch under 1000 yen, it was a satisfying meal with just the right amount of food. I enjoyed the light flavors of Okinawan cuisine. Thank you for the meal!

I was wandering around, unable to find a restaurant I wanted to go to, when I unexpectedly came across a sign for an Okinawan restaurant. I eagerly went down the stairs to a cozy, pub-like atmosphere. It seemed like everyone was eating Okinawan soba, so I decided to order the "Pork Rib Soki Soba Set" (900 yen). The Okinawan soba was delicious, with tender pork ribs and a flavorful broth. The set also came with a side of egg omelette and pickled vegetables, which added a homey touch to the meal. Overall, the experience was pleasant and I look forward to trying other dishes on the menu next time.

This time, I visited this shop that I had seen a sign for before and was curious about. I wanted to eat pork, so I ordered the Rafute bowl set for 900 yen. It was served in about 5 minutes and came with miso soup, tofu salad, and carrot and cabbage side dishes in addition to the main dish. The side dishes were refreshing, and the tofu had a sweet and gentle flavor, which was delicious. The Rafute bowl had Chinese cabbage and pork on top, and the pork, which had been well simmered in a sweet sauce, was tender and very tasty. The seasoning made the rice go down easily, and the Chinese cabbage was also included, which I thought was good as it wasn't too heavy. The shop is small, so it can be crowded at lunchtime, but it has a welcoming atmosphere and is reasonably priced, making it convenient to visit. Next time, I'm interested in trying the Goya Champuru.

After enjoying a parfait at Shiseido Parlour, I visited an Okinawan restaurant near Showa-dori, an extension of Ginza 7-chome, on Kyokusho-dori. Although I was tempted by the taco rice, today I ordered the Rafute donburi set meal for ¥900. It arrived in about 10 minutes, with a side of tofu and miso soup. The sauce and soup had a slightly stronger sweetness than usual, which was a nice change. The Rafute was tender and soaked in flavorful broth, very delicious. The pork was easy to cut with chopsticks, so I chopped it up and mixed it with rice and greens, enjoying it heartily with a spoon. This Okinawan cuisine is energizing, especially during hot weather. I will definitely visit again. Thank you for the meal!

The name of the restaurant "Ajimaa" means "intersection" in Okinawan dialect, not "so-so taste." It is located on the basement floor of a building near a narrow alley intersection in Higashi-Ginza. The atmosphere of the restaurant feels like being invited to a friend's house in Okinawa. The Goya Champuru set meal (850 yen) includes nostalgic Okinawan mozuku, senmaizuke, flavorful soup, and rice with crispy bits. Each dish has a comforting taste. The restaurant also has a large TV on the wall, making it a pleasant place to dine alone.

I revisited Happy Hour. I ordered an Orion draft beer for the Happy Hour price of 400 yen and a Carrot Sili Sili for 650 yen. When the draft beer arrived, two appetizers for 600 yen also came, including edamame and kibinago. After enjoying the appetizers, the Carrot Sili Sili was served. It was a generous portion of Okinawan-style dish. I then decided to try the discounted awamori for 300 yen, served with water. It was served in a traditional Okinawan glass. I enjoyed sipping on it before finishing the Carrot Sili Sili and moving on to the next dish.

There is a Okinawan restaurant located underground in the 7th block towards Shinbashi from Ginza's Sambashi. I found out about it on Tabelog and decided to visit for lunch. The restaurant has 6 counter seats and 3 simple table seats, and it was filled with foreign customers. I ordered the Juicy Soki Soba set for 850 yen. I chose the option for juicy rice. The restaurant is run by a mother and son, so I had to wait for about 18 minutes as the 5th customer in line. The Soki Soba, served in Okinawan style, had an instant flavor but was original with scrambled eggs on top. The Coréguss, without island red pepper, wasn't too spicy. The side dish Juicy had a taste of home cooking. I feel like coming back for their "Happy Hour until 7pm".

Okinawa oden set meal with miso soup set meal looks intriguing... I wonder what's in it? Someone immediately ordered the miso soup set meal. Hmm, I'm curious, but I think I'll go with the pork knuckle and soki soba for 850 yen. The soft pork knuckle soki is delicious. The thin, slightly cooked egg on top is nice! You can keep drinking the soup endlessly. The white rice and juicy option is great. Of course, the juicy udon with rice toppings is also delicious. The juicy flavor is indescribably tasty. I want to try other dishes too, so I have to go back at night!

I was curious about the Okinawan oden photo. It seems to be made with leafy vegetables that don't look like cabbage rolls. The mystery unraveled during lunch. The broth is made with bonito flakes and pig feet. To make it refreshing, they add lettuce. After hearing all about it, I ended up ordering the goya champuru. Eating pig feet makes me crave awamori. Happy hour is from 5:30 to 7:00, where some drinks are cheaper.

At Ajimaa in Kozamanga, I ordered the Nankotsu Soki Soba set meal! The soba noodles were curly and mixed well with the soup. The Nankotsu Soki's cartilage was crunchy, which I love. It was excellent! The set meal also came with two side dishes and juicy pickles. And the friendly service from the mother was also great. I have become a fan of Ajimaa! I will definitely come back again!

A restaurant in Ginza with a location that offers lunch for under 1000 yen. The cost performance is excellent, and the deliciousness, portion size, and warm atmosphere unique to a family-run business are truly impressive.

At 13:45 in the afternoon, feeling hungry and looking for something to eat after missing lunch hours, I stumbled upon a quiet Okinawan restaurant in Ginza. The place seemed to be run by Okinawan locals, and the food was served efficiently with a home-cooked feel. I ordered the Soki Soba, which was simple but delicious. I wonder if the restaurant can sustain itself in the long run. My criteria for choosing restaurants are based on fun, casual atmosphere, and good value for money. My reviews are just simple notes to myself. I apologize for my lack of writing skills. I don't take photos of the restaurants because I feel embarrassed to do so. If you have any recommendations for udon shops, izakayas, or family restaurants, please let me know.

I entered the restaurant around 1 pm on a weekday without doing any research. [Reason for choosing] I wanted to eat rice and meat, the food comes out quickly, it seemed not crowded, and I wanted to try something new. [What I ate] Rafute bowl (with less rice), bean sprout and leek microwave salad, pickles, soup. [Price] 900 yen including tax. [Impression] It was delicious. The Rafute seemed to have been microwaved as it was a bit salty. I left about 1/4 of the fatty part because I was feeling a bit tired from the summer heat. It seems they also operate as an izakaya in the evening. It's a good option for those who want to drink alcohol with Okinawan cuisine at a reasonable price in Ginza.

I can feel the Okinawa vibes~

I wanted to eat Okinawan cuisine in Ginza.

Lunch Soki Soba Set Meal

Goya Champuru lunch for ¥900. The photo and the actual dish were quite different in terms of presentation and lavishness.

The moment I entered the shop, I felt like I was back home. The owner of the shop is also very friendly. It has become my habit to eat the bitter melon stir-fry set meal here on my way back from the hospital.