えびちゅう
I went to the Miyakojima cuisine restaurant "Saike" today. On hot days like this, Okinawan cuisine is the best choice! I got a little lost on the way even though I used Google Maps, but I managed to find my way with the help of a regular customer friend. The counter was lined with awamori bottles, and the chopstick rests were cute. We started with a highball toast - I chose a Shikuwasa highball. When it was brought to me, it looked like juice and I was worried it might be too sweet, but it was actually quite strong and not sweet at all, which was a relief. The appetizer was a huge "Islander Salad" with mozuku and sea grapes. I was planning to order sea grapes separately, so I was happy with how they were used in this dish. The tempura mozuku was served with salt, but the tempura itself was already flavorful enough that I didn't need to dip it in the salt. The Goya champuru with thinly sliced goya, spam, and pork belly was delicious. We also had Geema tofu, which is a must-try. We enjoyed different types of awamori like "Kumesen," "Masahiro," "Shirayuri," and "Manza." We also ordered Rafute and Okinawan Goya champuru with spam and pork belly. My family is divided between "spam lovers" and "pork belly lovers," so it's best to have both in the dish. The Miyako yakisoba was different from regular yakisoba, perhaps due to the noodles. I love the tofu dessert, and it paired perfectly with the awamori. Finally, we ordered the Okinawan delicacy platter with "Katsuo no Sake Nama," "Sukugarasu," and "Sumiika" on top of island tofu. The flavors were intense, so the amount of island tofu was just right. Overall, everything was delicious, and I can't wait to come back and try more dishes and awamori!