Narumi Chani – Okinawa Journeys
As soon as you walk through the door, you feel as if you were embraced by the warm hospitality of Okinawa. The old-fashioned house retains its original appearance, and the well-maintained garden creates an atmosphere that is truly Okinawa. The air here is truly Okinawa—so delicious that even locals frequent this place.
Chasho Chaan-chan in Shinami, Itoman City, southern Okinawa. I thought I had arrived in Naha after arriving from Haneda Airport, but I soon found myself headed there. This is a traditional Ryukyu-style house restaurant called Okinawa Mode MAX among the many places serving Okinawa soba. Moreover, it is located in a narrow alley in the village of Shinami, and the scenery and atmosphere that immediately catch your eye as you head deeper into the alley will completely transform the three of us into a Ryukyu mode. Every breath feels like Okinawa is spreading through every inch of my body. The fatigue from the journey is completely gone. I am so excited! And when I got out of the car to see the voice of “We have arrived!” I found a beautiful traditional Ryukyu-style house surrounded by impressive stone walls! With shouts of excitement, we immediately started taking commemorative photos.
On a bit late lunch day, the three girls with hungry stomachs look at the menu. “What should we have?” “What is this?” “I know this!” “I’ve had this before!” Just one menu can stir up such excitement; only girls can do that. Especially the three who reacted to the “Sunshi” on the menu. The four local ladies sitting next to them (they must have been having a lunch gathering) said, “If you want, you can leave the explanation of the Okinawan dishes to us!” They looked at the three girls and said, “Sunshi is stir-fried bamboo shoots (actually called menma), pork, and kelp.” Oh, I see. I thanked the ladies politely while being satisfied with what they said. The friendly interaction further enhances the Okinawan atmosphere. Kurosaki and Yonicco ordered a fresh coconut juice before the meal.
After deliberating between Okinawa soba and Champa-ru set meal, I chose the latter. Everyone praised the food! The basic menu includes Okinawa soba in various sizes: large, medium, and small; Goya Champa-ru set meal and Fu Champa-ru set meal, among others. The set meals come with three small plates of white rice and side dishes such as sunshi and kimchi. It’s so filling! After finishing the meal, I wandered around the restaurant. There are many interesting items to check out. Yoko couldn’t help but pick up a red tile coaster. It absorbs water from glasses easily, so the table never gets dirty, and it’s very convenient. Moreover, the original items that are sold exclusively at Yoko are designed with great attention to detail. I also grabbed a souvenir right away after my shopping spree, so let’s go again!
*Some parts of the page may also include content that is not relevant to this trip to Okinawa.
 | 223-2, Minami, Itoman City |
|---|---|
 | 098-997-3207 |
 | From around 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM |
 | Wednesdays (Other days are closed) |
 | Yes |
