Enjoy the bounty of fresh foods from Okinawa during the Taste of Okinawa NY Food Festival, running from Friday, January 24 through Saturday, February 8. Ten member restaurants of the New York Japanese Restaurant Association (NYJRA) will feature various ingredients from Japan’s southernmost prefecture, including mozuku, a brown seaweed; shikuwasa, a lime-like citrus; and kokuto, an unrefined black sugar. Visit one or all the participating restaurants to introduce the delicious taste of Okinawa to your taste buds.

Participating Restaurants

a-un Brooklyn
156 Knickerbocker Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11217
718-678-6628
Website: aunbrooklyn.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aunbrooklyn/
Menu items: Free Range Chicken Teriyaki, Acerola Chuhai

Bozu
296 Grand Street
Brooklyn, NY 11211
718-384-7770
Website: bozubrooklyn.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bozubrooklyn/
Menu items: Mozuku and Carrot Kakiage Tempura with Okinawa Sea Salt, Kuzuyose Tofu with Sea Grapes

Cha-An Teahouse
230 E. 9th Street, 2nd Floor
New York, NY 10003
212-228-8030
Website: chaanteahouse.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chaanteahouse/
Menu items: Kokuto Anmitsu, Matcha Shikuwasa Cocktail

Hasaki
210 E. 9th Street
New York, NY 10003
212-473-3327
Website: hasakinyc.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hasaki.nyc/
Menu items: Mozukusu, Okinawa Sour

Hi-Collar
231 E. 9th Street
New York, NY 10003
212-777-7018
Website: hi-collar.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hi_collar/
Menu items: Kokuto Crème Brulee, Okinawa Sour

Sakagura
211 E. 43rd Street, B1
New York, NY 10017
212-953-7253
Website: sakagura.squarespace.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sakagurany/
Menu items: Mozukusu, Okinawa Sour

Samurai Mama
205 Grand Street
Brooklyn, NY 11211
718-599-6161
Website: samuraimama.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/samuraimama_bk/
Menu items: Mozuku and Carrot Kakiage Tempura with Okinawa Sea Salt, Kuzuyose Tofu with Sea Grapes

Samurai Papa
594 Lafayette Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11216
718-398-8181
Website: samuraipapabk.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/samuraipapa_bedstuy/
Menu items: Mozuku and Carrot Kakiage Tempura with Okinawa Sea Salt, Kuzuyose Tofu with Sea Grapes

Sushi Ryusei
216 E. 29th Street
New York, NY 10016
212-983-8880
Website: sushiryusei.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sushiryusei/#
Menu items: Calamari Salad with Shikuwasa Dressing, Fluke Teriyaki

Wasan Brooklyn
440 Bergen Street
Brooklyn, NY 11217
718-864-3549
Website: wasan-ny.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wasanbrooklyn/
Menu items: Mozuku Tempura with Deep Ocean Water Salt and Curry Salt, Mozuku Tempura Udon

Ingredients

Shikuwasa Citrus Juice
Acerola Syrup
Sea Grapes
Mozuku Seaweed
Teriyaki Sauce
Black Sugar
Deep Ocean Water Salt (Kumi no Shio)
Orion Beer

Health Properties of Okinawan Cuisine

Okinawa is a Blue Zone, an area with some of the longest living people in the world. Their longevity is attributed to the prefecture’s subtropical climate, communities’ supportive social networks, and a diet consisting of the items that are featured in a Taste of Okinawa. For example, mozuku is believed to be beneficial to digestive health and the immune system, while kokuto is rich in vitamins and minerals such as potassium and calcium. Including shikuwasa in your diet is said to enhance metabolism, and sea grapes (umibudo) contains fiber and antioxidants.

“For this fair, we have carefully selected a variety of ingredients nurtured in Okinawa’s rich natural environment. We hope many people will visit the participating restaurants and experience the charm of Okinawa firsthand. Don’t miss this opportunity to savor the authentic tastes of Okinawa in New York City!”
Satomi Watanabe
H.I.S International Tours (NY) Inc.

About New York Japanese Restaurant Association

NYJRA elevates Japanese cuisine in the U.S. by collaborating with Japanese restaurants and developing markets. The organization supports education programs for restaurants on topics such as the history of Japanese food, human resources tips, and culinary techniques, as well as assisting Japanese restaurants to address the major challenges they face today. To learn more about NYJRA, please visit their website.

Support JapanCulture•NYC by becoming a member! For $5 a month, you’ll help maintain the high quality of our site while we continue to showcase and promote the activities of our vibrant community. Please click here to begin your membership today!

Susan McCormac 12/18/24 Susan McCormac 12/18/24

Wasan Osechi Box 2025

As the end of the year approaches, it’s time to place your order for osechi ryori, the traditional Japanese New Year meal. Brooklyn-based Japanese restaurant Wasan is accepting orders for their Wasan Osechi Box 2025. The restaurant has been sharing this cultural experience with the community for more than a decade now.

The boxes are available for pick up or delivery to select locations in Manhattan, Queens, Brooklyn, and New Jersey. Prices range from $295 to $330 plus tax.

Highlights of Wasan’s Osechi Offerings

丹波の黒豆 (Tanba no Kuromame: Black Soybeans): Directly sourced from Osaka, Wasan’s owner-chef’s hometown. These carefully prepared beans are a customer favorite for their perfectly sweet and tender flavor.
栗きんとん (Kuri Kinton: Sweet Chestnuts): Naturally colored with gardenia flowers, their kinton has no artificial additives and offers a beautifully golden and health-conscious sweetness.
伊達巻 (Datemaki: Shrimp-Filled Egg Roll): By adding shrimp, they create a fluffy, light texture and a rich, balanced flavor.

Extra Special Exclusive Promotions

10% Off for December 31 Pick-Up: Everyone who picks up their orders on New Year’s Eve will receive a 10% discount. Plus, you’ll enjoy Wasan’s special toshikoshi soba, which is typically eaten on December 31, for the perfect transition to the New Year.
Sashimi Takeout Set for Two - $48: A fresh assortment of tuna, salmon, and other favorites.
Wasan Junmai Ginjo - $29: Normally $58, this exclusive offer is available for December 31 only. Pair it with your Osechi for an exceptional celebration.

Customers’ Rave Reviews

“It was incredible to enjoy authentic Osechi in New York!”
“Our entire family was delighted—Wasan’s Osechi made our New Year so special.”
“This was the best goma-mame I’ve ever had. I look forward to it every year!”
“Just wanted to say the Osechi was delicious. Honestly, it was perfect.”

Quantities are limited, so place your order now. For more details and to place your order, please visit Order Wasan Osechi 2025.

Discover Okinawan Cuisine in NYC

Taste of Okinawa NY Food Festival