*Smookaka closed in 2018. The following is a report from a visit when it was still open.*

In a village lined with old houses, "SMÅKAKA" stands out with its striking blue exterior.

At this cafe run by Anna, who emigrated from Sweden, you can enjoy authentic Swedish cuisine that changes daily.

Swedish cuisine on Kumejima Island...it might seem a little unusual, but it's now a popular spot for both tourists and locals. Its unique combination has apparently made it a hot topic in the media.

This time, I enjoyed lunch at such a cafe.
I enjoyed a delicious and healthy lunch while chatting with Anna.

*Notice of Smocaca's Closure*

Unfortunately, this restaurant closed in September 2018.

Below is some information about the restaurant when it was in operation, for those who have fond memories of "Smookaka".

<Contents>
1. Surrounded by calm, Scandinavian-style interior design
2. Enjoy a healthy lunch packed with home-grown vegetables!
3. Conclusion - Store Information -

1. Surrounded by calm, Scandinavian-style interior design

I visited "Smookaka" around 11:30 on a weekday. There were already other customers there.

It's a compact space with 6 counter seats and 2 tables.
Even though it was my first time there, I felt like I wanted to say "I'm home" because of the calm and relaxing atmosphere.

Originally, Smookaka was built by Anna after she bought an old house and renovated it from scratch using DIY methods.

The Scandinavian-style interior, visible throughout the space, shows a great attention to detail.
Apparently, all the paintings hanging on the wall were painted by Anna herself.

Anna doesn't understand Japanese at all, but a Japanese helper comes a few times a week to act as an interpreter.

"You can manage somehow with gestures and body language, so please don't hesitate to come," says Anna. Even if you don't speak any English, please come and enjoy the food.
(※All menu items are in Japanese)

2. Enjoy a healthy lunch packed with home-grown vegetables!

Aside from dinner service on Thursdays, "Smookaka" primarily focuses on lunch.

The menu consists of only two items: salmon sandwiches (600 yen) and a daily special lunch (800 yen).

The salmon sandwich comes with dessert, and the daily lunch special also includes an appetizer.
They also have a wide selection of desserts, including traditional sweets and cinnamon rolls.

If you'd like to see the menu before visiting the restaurant, you can also view it on our official Facebook page .

We each ordered a salmon sandwich and the daily special (cream salmon stew on that day).

The first thing that came out was the appetizer from the daily specials menu.
In Sweden, it's customary to eat appetizers while waiting for the main course to be prepared.

From left to right in the photo: mini salad, homemade rye bread, and hummus (chickpea paste).

All the vegetables are served raw, and the bread is baked fresh daily, making it even more delicious when eaten with hummus.

Anna's style is to let you enjoy the natural flavors of the ingredients, without any dressing on the vegetables. She apparently tastes everything herself and only serves what she finds delicious.

While we were waiting, the main course was brought out.

This is their classic salmon sandwich.
This is an open-faced sandwich, different from the sandwiches I usually eat.

It's piled high with vegetables, so much so that it would be more accurate to call it a salad.

I took a bite of the vegetables first...they had a strange taste.
Upon inquiry, I learned that it's not a vegetable, but a popular Swedish herb called "dill." At "Smokaka," Anna uses dill that she grows in her own garden.

The raw salmon had no fishy smell, and the sweet and sour mustard sauce made it very refreshing.
It paired perfectly with the chewy bread, and before I knew it, I had finished the whole thing.

This is the daily special lunch: cream salmon stew.
With plenty of salmon and vegetables, it's a very filling meal.

The bite-sized dessert is biscotti.
Each bite releases a savory flavor.

They're also available for takeout at 30 yen each, making them a great souvenir.
(You can also buy a pack of 5 for 150 yen at the Kumejima Airport shop.)

The daily dessert is the traditional pastry "Semla".

It has a brioche-like dough topped with whipped cream, and is characterized by its gentle sweetness. This is the Japanese size; in its country of origin, it can be as big as a hamburger.

You can only enjoy such unusual sweets at "Smookaka".
I left the restaurant feeling completely satisfied.

3. Conclusion

The salmon sandwich I received was so delicious that when I went to tell Anna how much I liked it, she kindly gave me the recipe.

Of course, the food tastes great, but I feel that it's the atmosphere, from the ambiance to the friendly service, that keeps the islanders coming back.

Don't underestimate Swedish cuisine on Kumejima Island.
Why not try it once to enjoy the authentic taste?

Facility name: SMÅKAKA Address: 43-1 Kadekari, Kumejima-cho, Okinawa Prefecture Email address: smakakarestaurang@gmail.com (Reservations accepted) Opening hours: 10:00-16:00 (Mon-Wed), 18:00-21:00 (Thu: Dinner only) Closed on Fridays and Saturdays. Last Sunday 10:30-15:00 Parking: None

★Let's go to beautiful Okinawa, Kumejima Island!★