The Okinawa soba was delicious. As its name suggests, ちゃんぷる亭 is a place where you can casually enjoy Okinawan food, but it also has an izakaya side, so it shows a different face during the day and at night. The dishes served were truly well executed and easily matched what you’d find in Okinawa itself! You might feel hesitant at first, but I think one visit will change your mind!

As the name suggests, it’s an Okinawan restaurant, but I think even people new to Okinawan food will find it quite approachable. I feel the dishes have been adapted to make them easy to enjoy.

Their Okinawa soba seems to be well known, but of course the other menu items are also well made and delicious, so please try something besides Okinawa soba too. If you’re a fan of Okinawan cuisine, you’re sure to love it right away. Its approachable feel is a plus too ○

A small restaurant run by a family member of ちゃんぷる亭, which used to be a celebrated insider’s spot near 中野 Station. It’s genuinely so cramped that only a few people can fit inside, and it certainly isn’t “stylish” by today’s trends. But why should that be a problem? The Okinawa soba here is superb, and it made me realize that regional cuisine isn’t necessarily best eaten in its place of origin, obvious as that idea may seem. It stays open late, so you can stop by after a bath for a snack and a glass of オリオンビール — a place I’m truly grateful for. To the lady who runs it, please stay healthy and well, and keep the restaurant open for years to come.

The current owner’s father used to run a tiny counter-only restaurant called “ちゃんぷる亭” in 中野. Drawn to his personality, I visited repeatedly, and eventually the idea came up of serving Okinawa soba at our university festival. He kindly offered help through his son’s restaurant in 高井戸, and that was how I first visited. It proved popular at the festival, and I stopped by several more times afterward. The interior is compact and a little tight for a fat person, but I’ll go after dieting. I later tried Okinawa soba and champuru on Okinawa’s main island, and I think the versions here were every bit as good. Incidentally, my favorite is the goya juice (without sugar syrup; I don’t know whether they still have it). I still can’t forget that bitterness and refreshing taste. I heard that his father passed away quite some time ago. Once I have some time a little further down the line, I intend to visit in search of those flavors again.