"Ji-mami" is an Okinawan dialect word written as "地豆" and means peanut. Jimami tofu, made by using raw peanuts and solidifying them with starch, is an Okinawan regional dish that is appealing for its rich flavor and chewy, smooth texture.
This time, we'll introduce Jimami Tofu from Hama Foods, Okinawa's first specialty tofu shop that has been in business for over 50 years, and which is particular about its ingredients and manufacturing methods.

1. The shop is located on the first floor of Makishi Public Market. Look for the navy blue noren (curtain).

Hama Foods is a specialty shop for jimami tofu located on the first floor of the Makishi Public Market in Naha. The jimami tofu is handmade every morning at their workshop in Shuri, and only the amount needed for that day is sold in the shop.


The public market has multiple entrances, but it's easiest to enter through either "East Entrance 1" or "East Entrance 2". The shop is located next to East Entrance 2. Look for the navy blue noren (curtain) with "Hama Foods" written in white letters.

The shop opens at 9 AM. I visited just before 10 AM on a weekday, but customers were already steadily arriving, and it was clear that the shop is popular with both tourists and locals.
The shop is run by a young couple. The wife, who was at the counter that day, left a very strong impression with her gentle smile and bright, warm customer service. The shop has a comfortable atmosphere that makes conversation flow naturally, and it's one of its biggest charms that makes you want to shop here again.

2. Chewy and bouncy! A taste test report of freshly made "raw" jimami tofu.

If you visit Hama Foods, be sure to try their "sample size (200 yen each)" first. When you order, they transfer freshly made jimami tofu from a large tub into a cup and serve it with their special sauce.

Jimami tofu is made using the traditional "earthen kettle cooking method" passed down from the grandmother, and is carefully made using only peanuts and starch. No preservatives are used, and only the amount prepared that day is sold.

When you put a spoon in, it bounces with a jiggly motion, and when you lift it, you can feel its chewy elasticity. With one bite, the aroma and taste of peanuts fill your mouth, and you can feel the rich, deep flavor of peanuts in a way that is incomparable to any jimami tofu you've eaten before.

Rich yet with a light aftertaste. The homemade special sauce is a mildly sweet soy sauce base, perfectly complementing the product, and the sweetness and saltiness of the peanuts are a perfect match.
Even those who are already familiar with jimami tofu will surely rediscover its charm. When you visit the market, be sure to experience the deliciousness of freshly made tofu right there.

Fresh peanut tofu, perfect as a souvenir, comes in a pack of three for 600 yen. It requires refrigeration and has a shelf life of 9 days from the date of purchase. A cooler bag and ice pack are provided free of charge with your purchase, so you can carry it around during your sightseeing or take it home with peace of mind.

3. Guaranteed to sell out! Pre-ordering is recommended to guarantee your purchase.

Hama Foods' only directly managed store is located on the first floor of Makishi Public Market. Because they sell out of everything they make by hand that morning, they sometimes sell out by midday during the tourist season. Even during the relatively quiet off-season, they often sell out by around 2 PM.

At 600 yen for a pack of three, this jimami tofu is affordable and has a distinctly Okinawan feel, making it a perfect souvenir.
If you want to be sure to get one, we recommend making a reservation in advance through the official website. If you make a reservation by the day before, you can pick it up by simply visiting the store between 9 am and 15 pm, which is a great advantage as it makes it easy to fit into your sightseeing schedule.

Hama Foods' jimami tofu is memorable not only for its delicious taste, but also for the personality of the makers and their attentive service. It's a shop I highly recommend as a souvenir from Okinawa, and also as a place to stop by when visiting Makishi Public Market.
Why not try the fresh jimami tofu from "Hama Foods," run by a lovely couple who are particular about their ingredients and production methods?