JPN: Beni (紅)

Big bowl of 'soba' with sweet pork belly and fish cake!

We've finally come to the last post on Okinawa, Japan, at least for now. On the last evening of our trip, my BFFs and I chanced upon a tonkatsu (Japanese breaded, deep-fried pork cutlet) restaurant at the Paretto building near Hotel Sun Okinawa where we stayed at.

Melon was feeling lucky because we managed to get into the restaurant just in time for last order.

Pork Loin Katsu ¥1,404 (~S$16.50)

Taste: 8.5/10

The actual name of the dish is 紅豚ロースかつ定食. The adequately fatty pork loin was nicely breaded and deep-fried into crispy golden brown goodness. While the miso (Japanese fermented rice, barley and/or soybean) soup was hearty, I found that the dressing for the shredded cabbages was slightly too oily for my liking. Pika's advice: If you're feeling ravenous, you can consider getting the big size for ¥1,836 (~S$21.60).

Katsu Don ¥1,242 (~S$14.60)

Taste: 8.5/10

The actual name of the dish is 紅豚かつ丼. While not as fatty, the pork cutlet was bound well by the eggs in sweet and savoury sauce, intensified in taste by the caramelised onions. The rice was well-cooked and moist. I certainly could have more of the pickled vegetables though.

Chirashi Don ¥1,338 (~S$15.75)

Taste: 8.5/10

The actual name of the dish is ちらし. Who could resist the temptation of that beautiful bowl of vinegared rice and fresh seafood on top of it? I particularly liked the shrimp that was heavenly sweet, as well as the fatty salmon belly. The portion could be bigger though.

Melon's Rating

Taste: 8.5/10

Ambience: 8/10
Service: 8/10
Overall: 8/10

It was a pity that it was raining when we reached the Okinawa Peace Memorial Park that was established to commemorate those who were killed in the bloody Battle of Okinawa. I only managed to snap a picture of this particular tower before the rain became heavy.

After going around the huge park by the shuttle car, we took a cab to Okinawa World, a touristy attraction site with a massive limestone cave, a cultural village and a snake museum. We really enjoyed walking through Gyokusendo Cave, especially because there were hardly any other people around. Thank you for everything, Okinawa! When opportunity strikes, I'll be back. :)

Beni

(紅)

1-1-1 Kumoji

B1/F Paretto

Naha, Okinawa

Japan

(Daily: 11.30am - 10.00pm)

*Prices quoted are nett prices.

Have a nice meal,

Cliff(y)