[JP] Worth the Detour – Te Da Ko (てだこそば)

Okinawa soba is a must! It’s easy to find restaurants serving Okinawa soba, but choosing a memorable spot may be the hardest. “Te da ko“, locating right next to Urasoe Park, was recommended by a local friend. When I found myself surrounded by locals, instead of tourists, I knew I was at the right place.

With a small parking lot in front, it is quite convenient for travelers who drive. The restaurant is also next to the Urasoe Park, which has one of the longest slides that kids will have lots of fun. It was already a bit past 1 pm, but there was still people waiting outside. They have a board outside for customers to put down their name and number of people, so we wrote down our info and waited patiently.

We waited for around 20 minutes. Then, the owner (lady in brown apron on the left) led us to our seats, which were at the bar on the side (not pictured) and I could see through the kitchen (if I stand up a bit..)!

The restaurant isn’t big. Only a table in the center, around 15 bar seats, and a tatami area. As you see on the wall, quite a lot of Japanese celebrities have visited before. But, what caught my attention initially was this old-schooled, teal-colored shaved ice machine! Brought back quite a lot of childhood memories!

There are quite a few condiments on the table, such as the famous Okinawa chili oil, gyoza sauce, shichimi, pickled ginger…etc.

My father ordered the pork belly soba noodles, which was garnished with green onions, seaweeds, and kamaboko (fish cakes). The pork belly was very tender! The broth is flavored with bonito, and cooked with pork bones, created a milky broth.

 

My brother and I had the “So-kisoba“, which is the spareribs. It was heavenly good!! The soft bones literally just melts away as soon as the tongue pressed it against the upper jaw. If you are traveling alone, go for this one for sure. If you are two or more, then you can order a variety of things to try.

Okinawa soba noodles aren’t the same as the buckwheat soba that we normally have. They are made of wheat flour, therefore resemble udon more than regular soba.  The noodles are springier and thicker. Absolutely my type of noodles!

Soba noodles are definitely a must when traveling in Okinawa. There are popular chain spots like Danbo ramen or Tondo ramen, but, to me, they are too commercialized and they are “ramen” not Okinawa soba! As the person who recommended said, “it’s worth the detour”.

Te Da Ko (てだこそば)
1-2-2 Nakama Urasoe Okinawa
Tel: +81-98-875-5952

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