Ajinomise Shiroma Okinawan Soba

Post by Chiefeater Ian Chin

We went to this place called Ajinomise Shiroma (味の店しろま) for lunch after arriving in Naha on Wednesday 01 March 2023 around noon. We stumbled upon it by chance as our hotel was just behind it (a 30 second walk) and our room was not going to be ready until 3pm. We walked in and were warmly welcomed by the proprietor. We asked him to recommend some dishes for the 3 of us. He obliged but informed us that the lunch menu is limited during lunchtime. The full menu would only be available during dinner. This is where Google Translate is your best travel companion if you do not speak or read Japanese. Nonetheless, communication was seamless as the food spoke for itself.

The Food

We had the Okinawan Soba, the Goya Chanpuru (mini bitter gourd stirfried with egg), Chicken Curry Rice (which came with kakitamajiru, i.e., egg drop soup). We were also given a complimentary omelette. Jasmine tea was also served on the house as was the cold water. The soba was served with slices of Okinawan Agu pork (bred only in Okinawa). It was delicious, as was the broth. We were tempted to order more but there is only so much the 3 of us could eat at lunchtime.

After-meal sweets were Okinawan Black Sugar kokuto candies (沖縄黒糖) made from local brown cane sugar.

A meal in Okinawa would not be complete without a taste of the local brew. The ice-cold Orion Beer was heavenly as it was served in frozen beer glasses. Cold beer was poured immediately into it until the foamy head appears like white snow. This is very similar to the Snow Beer at Sun Yoon Wah in Ipoh.

The Decor

The decor of the Ajinomise Shiroma is very interesting. Pictures of celebrities and diners who have visited together with their handwritten comments and wishes. The comments made by other reviews on Google can attest to this mother-and-son business of 50 years being a worthwhile place to go if you are looking for authentic and delicious Okinawan cuisine with a warm smile and welcome. Prices on the menu were reasonable and we paid a total of JPY4000 for the 5 dishes and 2 Orion beers.