In Roppongi, Tokyo, you can fully immerse yourself in the Okinawan vibe at the tavern and restaurant “Okinawa Dining Ryūka Roppongi” (hereunder referred to as “Ryūka Roppongi”). Here, you can savor Okinawan dishes like Okinawa soba and gōyā chanpurū, an Okinawan stir fry dish made with bitter melon.
Shisa, an Okinawan guardian deity
Soup that soothes the soul! Homemade sōki on their “Sōki Soba”
A quintessential Okinawan dish, sōki soba features tender, sweet, and spicy simmered pork ribs, known as sōki in the local dialect. At Ryūka Roppongi, this traditional favorite is served with their own homemade sōki, ensuring a truly authentic taste.
“ソーキそば,” Sōki Soba 856 JPY (tax included)
The sōki is incredibly tender, easily falling apart in your mouth, and comes in a satisfyingly generous portion. The meat is complemented by the crunchy cartilage, offering an addictive contrast in texture that’s simply delightful!
The soup in their “Sōki Soba,” made from a blend of bonito and pork bone broth, has an aroma that stimulates the appetite. You’ll be surprised by the depth of flavor in this light-tasting soup. It pairs exceptionally well with the chewy and firm medium-thick noodles.
Sōki Soba being prepared
The irresistible aroma of “Ishiyaki Taco Rice”
Taco rice, a dish born in 1950s Okinawa consisting of rice topped with taco-flavored ground beef, and usually shredded cheese, lettuce, tomato, and salsa, is a beloved soul food among the locals. At Ryūka Roppongi, they offer a unique twist on this dish called “Ishiyaki Taco Rice.” In this case, ishiyaki means cooking in a hot stone rice bowl. This preparation gives the dish a distinctive flavor and texture.
“石焼タコライス,” Ishiyaki Taco Rice 825 JPY (tax included)
Stirring the sizzling hot taco rice melts the cheese and releases a fragrant aroma throughout the restaurant. Enjoy the crispy texture of the rice crust formed by hot stone-grilling.
Bensky from the Umami bites editorial team was deeply impressed by the taste of the Ishiyaki Taco Rice which he tried for the first time.
The spice on the minced meat had a lingering heat that I couldn’t get enough of. Mixing it with the cheese and the soft-boiled egg mellows it out nicely. That milder spice level is just to my liking—it’s irresistible!
The appealing spiciness that Bensky enjoyed comes from their homemade salsa sauce. It’s made with plenty of tomatoes and offers a fresh and spicy kick.
A taste of Okinawa in a glass! Enjoy the night with easy-to-drink awamori cocktails
Ryūka Roppongi offers over 40 varieties of the traditional Okinawan liquor, awamori. From fruity to crisp flavors, there’s a wide range to choose from. If you’re unsure which to pick, don’t hesitate to ask the staff!
While some may hesitate to try awamori due to its high alcohol content and unique aroma, the restaurant offers easy-to-drink awamori cocktails. There are 15 types on the menu, each vividly representing the essence of Okinawa.
“琉神,” Ryūjin 825 JPY (tax included)
Bensky ordered a cocktail named “Ryūjin.” It’s a mix of awamori with soda, enhanced with tropical fruits like lychee, watermelon, and shiikwāsā (a citrus fruit native to Okinawa), along with green mint syrup.
It had a very beautiful appearance that mesmerized me. The fruity flavor makes it easy to drink, even for those who don’t like alcohol.
A selection of Okinawan soul food that pairs well with awamori
After thoroughly enjoying his Ryūjin, Bensky ordered three fried side dishes. He chose “Spam Katsu,” “Purple Yam Croquette,” and “Gurukun Tempura.”
“Spam Katsu,” a popular Okinawan dish, combines Spam with mochi and cheese, deep-fried to perfection. The saltiness of the Spam and cheese makes it impossible to stop drinking!
“スパムかつ,” Spam Katsu 858 JPY (tax included)
The “Purple Yam Croquette,” made with plenty of Okinawan purple yams, is striking with its vibrant color. Enjoy the crisp coating and the soft texture of the yams.
“紅芋コロッケ,” Purple Yam Croquette 715 JPY (tax included)
To enjoy the pure taste of purple yam, it’s best eaten plain. If you like things a bit more savory, however, try it with some of the accompanying sauce.
You can also try gurukun, a white fish known in English as the double-lined fusilier (Pterocaesio digramma). Commonly eaten in Okinawa and recognized as the prefectural fish, it’s a familiar presence there.
Gurukun being prepared
“Gurukun Tempura” is a popular accompaniment to alcohol. Its plump flesh is pleasantly firm and sweet, offering a flavor experience unlike any other fish.
“グルクンの天ぷら,” Gurukun Tempura 693 JPY (tax included)
In addition to fried dishes, the restaurant also offers sashimi, stir-fries, pizza, and other dishes that pair perfectly with alcohol. Be sure to enjoy the authentic flavors of Okinawa with a glass of awamori in hand!
Information
| Store name | 沖縄ダイニング琉歌 六本木店 Okinawa Dining Ryūka Roppongi |
|---|---|
| Address | Fuji Plaza Building 2F, 6-1-2 Roppongi, Minato-ku, Tokyo
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| Access |
Roppongi Station Short walk from Roppongi Station Exit 3
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| Phone number | 03-5772-5385 |
| Reservations | Accepted Phone, Official website, Tabelog, Hot Pepper Gourmet, Gurunavi, PayPay Gourmet, Reserve with Google |
| Payment |
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| Service charge/Table charge | Service charge (including otōshi) 500 JPY (tax included) |
| Hours | 18:00-4:00 AM（last order 3:00 AM） |
| Closed | 12/31, 1/1 |
| Seating | 38 seats 6 counter seats, 16 table seats, 16 tatami room seats |
| Smoking | Separate smoking areas A separate smoking area only for e-cigarette use is available |
| Official website | https://www.cs-delight.co.jp/business/shop01/ |
| Other information |
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※Menu contents, prices, store information, etc. are current as of December 2023.
