Experience Okinawan food culture at "Urumarche," which opened in November 2018!

"Uruma Marche" is a new spot that opened in Uruma City in November 2018 with the aim of showcasing Okinawan food.

This direct sales market for agricultural and marine products, mainly in Uruma City, supports the food needs of local people while also providing tourists with a place to experience Okinawan ingredients up close.

Don't miss the locally grown vegetables and tropical fruits, as well as the vibrant local fish and impressive meat section!

After strolling around and experiencing Okinawa's food culture, I bought a ton of fruits and processed goods as souvenirs.

<Contents>
1. What kind of direct sales market is "Urumarche"?
2. Plenty of ingredients that are typical of Okinawa!
3. Souvenirs such as processed foods and sweets
4. Take a break at the cafeteria or food court.
XNUMX.Summary

1. What kind of direct sales market is "Urumarche"?

"Uruma Marche" opened in November 2018 in Uruma City, about an hour's drive from Naha Airport.

This spot falls into the category of "direct sales outlets" or "roadside stations" that you often see while driving around Okinawa, but what's really great is that it's so clean and tidy, probably because it's brand new!

The store is packed with a wide variety of Okinawan produce, including vegetables, fruits, fish, meat, and processed foods, primarily sourced from Uruma City.

They also offer prepared dishes and bento boxes made with these ingredients, so taking them out and having an outdoor lunch on the beach is highly recommended.

Additionally, there's the "Uruma Citizens' Cafeteria" and an outdoor food court on the premises, so feel free to stop by for lunch or a snack break during your drive.

2. Plenty of ingredients that are typical of Okinawa!

The main building, where agricultural and marine products are lined up in rows, has a very high ceiling and a spacious feel once you step inside.

In the simple, all-white space reminiscent of a warehouse, the brightly colored vegetables, fruits, and fish really stood out.

The icons for things like "sushi" and "fish" are cutely designed, making it a stylish place despite being a direct-from-the-producer store.

The display shelves are all black, which gives it a stylish atmosphere and sets it apart from other direct sales outlets in Okinawa Prefecture.

The abundance of medicinal herbs that have supported longevity in Okinawa, such as mugwort (fuuchiba) and sakuna (long-life grass), is truly a lineup befitting Okinawa. And what's more, it's inexpensive!

And the fish in Okinawa are so colorful! There are many fish with beautiful colors, like those you'd see swimming in an aquarium, so you'll find yourself wanting to take pictures.

Since it's not always practical to buy fresh fish to take home while traveling, let's learn about Okinawan fish at a place like this and then enjoy them at a restaurant.

As you'd expect from Okinawa, a country known for its pork, the meat section is filled with pork.
Here too, a scene unfolded that can only be seen in Okinawa, with pork belly and pork used for soki soup.

This lineup of ingredients will surely inspire any cooking enthusiast.

To fully enjoy Okinawan ingredients and cuisine, a trip where you stay in a condominium with a kitchen and cook your own meals might be a great idea!

3. Souvenirs such as processed foods and sweets

The grocery section is also well-stocked with processed foods and snacks.

This is the tofu section, where you can find Okinawa's famous "Jimami Tofu" and the "Island Tofu That Tastes Just Like Cheese" series, which would make a great souvenir.

And seeing tofu sold in bags like this is a sight unique to Okinawa.

They sell both firm island tofu and soft yushi tofu that you eat with a spoon, all served warm.

Buy a bag and enjoy it as a healthy snack during your evening chats and drinks. It tastes great even without soy sauce.

There are plenty of souvenirs that don't have to be worryed about expiration dates, such as boxed sweets, tropical fruit jams, teas, and noodles.

If you buy all your Okinawan souvenirs here and pack them in your suitcase beforehand, you won't have to worry about rushing on your last day or having your hands full of luggage.

I always make it a point to buy locally produced natural salt and brown sugar in the perfect size for souvenirs at the direct sales store!

4. Take a break at the cafeteria or food court.

"Uruma Marche" also has "Uruma Citizens' Cafeteria" where you can eat in, as well as a food court.

"Uruma Citizens' Cafeteria" offers a wide variety of dishes using ingredients sold at the direct sales market, including Japanese, Western, steak, and Okinawan cuisine.

If you want to enjoy a dish that's typical of Okinawa, we recommend the butter-grilled local fish set meal or the Okinawan Agu pork ginger stir-fry set meal.

The food court features six shops offering Okinawan soba, tempura, parfaits, crepes, and more, along with one pop-up shop.

Both places have plenty of seating, so you should be able to use them comfortably even on weekends or during peak season.

By the way, the food court seating area has a roof, so you can use it even on sunny summer days or rainy days.

5. Summary

"Urumarche" is a brand new spot that just opened.

It's fun to shop for Okinawan ingredients and groceries, and it's also great to wander around the vibrant and impressive fish and meat sections and experience Okinawan food culture.

While the bustling and local atmosphere of Makishi Public Market on Kokusai Street is appealing, for women who aren't so keen on that vibe, Uru Marche offers a safe and enjoyable market-style shopping experience.

Why not stop by for lunch or some shopping, taking a break from your drive?