Maruya Shokudo in Naha – A Hidden Gem Serving True Okinawan Comfort Food 🇯🇵🍱

Just a short walk from Naminoue Shrine in Naha City, you’ll find Maruya Shokudo — a cozy, old-school Okinawan diner loved by locals. It’s one of those places where time seems to slow down, and every bite tastes like home-cooked comfort.

Local Vibes and Homey Atmosphere

From the outside, Maruya Shokudo looks like a humble local eatery — but step inside, and you’ll feel instantly at home. Wooden tables, handwritten menus, and the friendly sound of Okinawan dialect fill the air. This is where office workers, taxi drivers, and nearby residents come for lunch every day.

The Must-Try Dish: “Chanpon” with Okinawa Soba Set

Among all the classic dishes on the menu, the most beloved one might be the Okinawan-style Chanpon served with a side of Okinawa soba. This combo offers a perfect balance — hearty, savory, and full of local flavor.

What Is “Okinawan Chanpon”?

If you’re imagining the noodle soup from Nagasaki called “Champon,” think again! Okinawan Chanpon is actually a rice dish — a generous portion of white rice topped with stir-fried vegetables, pork, and scrambled eggs, all seasoned with soy sauce and bonito broth. It’s comforting, savory, and uniquely Okinawan. Locals often call it “a taste of home.”

The version at Maruya Shokudo comes with a bowl of warm Okinawa soba soup on the side, making it a hearty and satisfying meal that perfectly captures Okinawan simplicity.

Don’t Miss the Takeout Bento!

Right in front of the shop, you’ll see colorful lunch boxes lined up around noon — the famous “Uchinā Bento” (Okinawan-style lunch boxes). Each box is packed with classic dishes like pork and egg, ginger pork, fried fish, or even simmered sponge gourd (hechima). They’re usually around 500 yen and sell out quickly, so come early if you want one!

Location & Hours

• 📍 Address: 2-9-15 Tsuji, Naha, Okinawa, Japan
• 🕒 Hours: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM (Closed irregularly)
• 🚶‍♀️ Access: About a 10-minute walk from Naha Bus Terminal or a short stroll from Naminoue Shrine.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking to experience real Okinawan food away from tourist traps, Maruya Shokudo is a must. The flavors are humble, the portions generous, and the people welcoming. It’s the kind of place that shows what daily life tastes like in Okinawa — simple, soulful, and full of heart.

Sources: Okinawa Soba Blog, Watashino Arukikata, Note.com, Okinawa-Aruki