Since we're in Okinawa, we absolutely have to try the local cuisine, right?
Okinawa soba, champuru, yushi tofu...the list goes on and on.

While strolling along Kokusai Street, I spotted a banner that read, "Established 57 years ago."
It appeared to be a restaurant serving local cuisine, so I decided to go in.

This time, we'll introduce "Mutsumi Shokudo," a restaurant serving local cuisine that's beloved by the locals!
I'm reporting on the restaurant's atmosphere, menu, and the food I actually ate.

*Notice of Mutsumi Shokudo's reopening after renovations*

Unfortunately, this restaurant is closed because the owner is elderly and has no successor.
As a result, "Kingetsu Soba Kokusai-dori Mutsumi Shokudo" reopened in March 2017, retaining as much of the previous store's atmosphere and menu as possible.

The following information is for those who have fond memories of Mutsumi Shokudo, and details from when it was still in operation.

<Table of Contents>
1. What is Mutsumi Shokudo?
2. Inside the store
3. How they eat
4. My thoughts

1. What about Mutsumi Shokudo?

Mutsumi Shokudo is a traditional diner that was founded in 1958.

It's quietly nestled down a side street just off the main street of Kokusai-dori.

Although it's located in a place that's a little hard to find at first glance, it's bustling with activity, especially during lunchtime.

 

 

The handmade menu sign evokes a nostalgic feeling. The large photos and lettering make it incredibly easy to read.

 

2. Inside the store

Okay, let's go inside!

This is a view of the inside of the restaurant. There were 6 or 7 tables that could seat 4 people each.
We visited at noon on a weekday, and there were many middle-aged and older men there on their lunch break. (The gender ratio was 9:1, with men to women.)

I was impressed by the sight of the proprietress diligently working in the cozy little shop.

 

 

A menu was posted on the side of the wall. There were about 30 items on the menu, including food and drinks.

There are so many options, it's really hard to decide which one to choose... (I'm so indecisive, so it took me even longer.)

 

 

I took some photos of the area around the table while waiting for my order.
On the right side of the table were a business card for "Mutsumi" and condiments (shichimi chili pepper, koregusu, and sauce).

 

 

My go-to accompaniment to rice is Sanpin tea.
This tea didn't have the distinctive bitterness of Sanpin tea, and it had a refreshing taste!

 

3. Mealtime

Now, let me tell you about the menu items I actually ordered and the food I ate♪

① Hearty miso soup (with sashimi) 650 yen (tax included)

 

 

② Tofu Champuru Set Meal (with mini Okinawa soba and sashimi) 650 yen (tax included)

 

It's packed with tofu, meat, and vegetables, making it incredibly nutritious!

 

 

③ Soki Soba (with a plate for the pork rib bones) 750 yen (tax included)

 

Today, I ordered Soki Soba. Let's eat!

 

The noodles were slightly thinner than typical Okinawan soba noodles, and a little twisted. They were just the right firmness and easy to eat!

 

The clear soup has a rich flavor with the aroma of bonito broth.
It's so light that I can't help but drink the soup...

 

Next, I'll try the pork ribs as a topping! It's so luxurious to have three pieces of pork ribs!

 

The slices were just the right thickness, making them easy for me to eat even as a woman. I finished them in no time!

 

I paid the bill and left the restaurant. Feeling completely full, I headed off to Naha city for my reporting assignment…

4. Author's thoughts

 

 

It was my first time going to a local eatery, and the atmosphere was very refreshing.

The Okinawan soba tasted even better because I ate it in a homey atmosphere.

If you want to experience the atmosphere of Okinawa, this is a restaurant you should definitely visit.

 

Basic Information

[Mutsumi Public Diner]
• Business hours: 11:00 AM - 22:00 PM *Closed on Thursdays
Address: 2-1-16 Makishi, Naha City, Okinawa Prefecture 900-0013
・TEL: 098-867-0862
• Nearest station: 7-minute walk from Makishi Station on the Yui Rail line.
Access from Naha Airport: Approximately 18 minutes by car (via National Route 332)
Approximately 30 minutes by Yui Rail (Naha Airport Station to Makishi Station)

Please make your hotel reservation here.

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