Takafumi Horie’s Revolutionary Okinawan Soba “Kuina” Opens in Naha – Can “Slave to Wheat” Succeed?

On July 6, 2024, a new culinary wave will hit Naha, Okinawa with the opening of “Okinawan Soba Kuina.” Produced by Takafumi Horie, this venture aims to reinvigorate the allure of Okinawan soba by breaking away from traditional concepts.

Menu at Okinawan Soba Kuina

The new establishment will offer dishes like “Kuina Mixed Soba,” based on the traditional dish “Inamuruchi,” and “Kuina Soba,” known for its rich, collagen-packed broth.

The noodles are made from regular Okinawan soba dough mixed with as much egg white as possible, creating a mochi-like texture that’s crisp to bite. The broth is made from bonito stock combined with pork neck bones, pork backbones, kombu, and chicken feet, resulting in a rich, collagen-filled soup that easily clings to the sticky noodles. The pork cartilage soki is balanced in sweetness and savory flavors.

The homemade island fish sauce uses luxurious Okinawan island herbs, island garlic, island ginger, and seasonal island herbs, enhancing the flavor profile.

• Kuina Soba: ¥1,100 (Add homemade fresh eleven-spice mix for an extra ¥100) Base “Island Soba” with added homemade fresh eleven-spice mix and island fish sauce.
• Limited Quantity! Kuina Mixed Soba: ¥1,100 (Add homemade fresh eleven-spice mix and cilantro for an extra ¥100 each)
• Island Soba: ¥950 A luxurious broth made from chicken, bonito, and pork bones, paired with soft soki and silky noodles.

A dish based on the traditional Okinawan celebratory dish “Inamuruchi,” a white miso-based soup, recreated as a broth-less mixed soba.

• Shirinkawa Tofu & Arasa Miso Soba: ¥1,200 Light, clear soup enhanced with Shirinkawa tofu and green arasa (seaweed).
• Island Rafute: ¥650 Boiled in a simple blend of Okinawan katsuobushi and salt, this dish proudly presents a new take on the traditional rafute.

Will the Rebranding of Okinawan Soba Succeed?

While analyzing the charms of traditional Okinawan soba and exploring new possibilities as “evolved Okinawan soba,” it remains to be seen if this establishment can carve out a niche among the many famous soba restaurants.

Grand Opening Event

To celebrate the opening, a campaign will offer a free Okinawan soba voucher to the first 100 customers on July 6 and 7, 2024. Additionally, an Eisa dance performance is scheduled in front of the store on July 7.

Okinawan Soba Kuina Store Information and Campaign Details