Yui Shokudo in Haebaru – A Beloved Local Diner Serving True Okinawan Comfort Food

Okinawa Eats

2025.10.22

Yui Shokudo in Haebaru – A Beloved Local Diner Serving True Okinawan Comfort Food

Yui Shokudo in Haebaru – A Beloved Local Diner Serving True Okinawan Comfort Food

Located along Route 329 in Haebaru Town, just a short drive from Naha City, Yui Shokudo is one of those hidden gems that locals keep coming back to. From the outside, it looks like a simple, nostalgic diner — but inside, it’s full of warmth and local charm.

It’s right next to Nitori Haebaru and offers parking behind the building, so it’s easy to stop by when exploring the southern part of Okinawa.

◆ The Atmosphere

Inside, you’ll find cozy tatami seating and walls covered with handwritten menus — a classic feature of Okinawan-style diners. Locals gather here for lunch or early dinner, chatting casually while enjoying hearty home-style meals. It feels like stepping back into the Showa era (1950s–80s Japan).

◆ Must-Try Dishes

Katsudon pork cutlet rice bowl — **Katsudon (Pork Cutlet Rice Bowl)** – Crispy, juicy, and packed with flavor.

Their Katsudon is one of the most popular dishes here. A crispy pork cutlet simmered in sweet soy sauce and egg, poured over a bowl of fluffy rice — a comforting meal that perfectly balances taste and price (around ¥600!).

Okinawan-style Champuru rice — **Okinawan-Style Champuru Rice** – Stir-fried vegetables and egg on rice, the true local comfort food.

Another local favorite is Okinawan Champuru Rice. Unlike the noodle-based Nagasaki version, Okinawa’s “Chanpon” is a stir-fry of vegetables and eggs served on top of rice. It’s simple, filling, and full of homemade flavor — a dish that defines Okinawan comfort food.

◆ Restaurant Details

Address: 625 Kanegusuku, Haebaru, Okinawa, Japan
Hours: 11:00 AM – 5:30 PM (Sat–Sun until 3:00 PM)
Closed: Irregular holidays (check before visiting)
Payment: Cash only
Parking: Available behind the restaurant
Access: About 10 minutes by car from Shuri Station (Yui Rail)

◆ Map

◆ Why You’ll Love It

If you want to experience Okinawa beyond the tourist spots, Yui Shokudo is the perfect place to taste the everyday life of locals. With its handwritten menus, tatami seating, and heartwarming meals, it’s not just food — it’s a glimpse into Okinawan culture itself.

Stop by for a casual lunch between sightseeing spots and enjoy the same dishes that have fed locals for generations. It’s affordable, authentic, and full of character — just like Okinawa itself 🌺

📸 Photo credits: Contributors on Google Maps