Top 7 Okinawa Snacks You’ll Want to Bring Back Home

Chariza Leen Crudo

Last updated 5 Feb 2026

Beni imo tart, a famous Okinawan snack | Photo from youthkee on Flickr

If you think Okinawa is all beaches and blue water, wait until you start snacking. 🏝️

Okinawa is one of those places where food sneaks up on you in the best way. This island prefecture in southern Japan has that tropical vibe with deep-rooted food traditions that shows in its snack culture. Walk down Kokusai Street or go into a roadside shop, and you’ll see shelves stocked with treats you won’t find anywhere else in Japan.

In this guide, you’ll learn all about Okinawa snacks you can eat on the go, share with friends, or keep in your suitcase for later. If you love discovering local food in Okinawa, you’re in the right place. Let’s snack our way across the island!

1. Sata Andagi (Okinawan doughnuts)

Crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside, sata andagi is the snack that locals grow up loving. These deep-fried dough balls are lightly sweet and comforting, especially when eaten fresh and warm. You’ll spot them everywhere, from street stalls to souvenir shops, usually in classic, brown sugar, or even purple yam flavors.

Sata andagi is closely tied to celebrations and family gatherings, which makes every bite feel extra special. It’s filling enough to keep you going between sightseeing stops but small enough to snack on without guilt. If you’re exploring Kokusai Street, this is an easy first taste of traditional Okinawan snacks.

Where to try sata andagi:

Dachibin (2 Chome-18-1 Kumoji, Naha, Okinawa 900-0015, Japan)
Onna no Eki Nakayukui Market (1656-9 Nakadomari, Onna, Kunigami District, Okinawa 904-0415, Japan)
Local stalls around Kokusai Street

Klook Tip: Planning to go go-karting in Kokusai street? 🚗💨 Grab sata andagi before or after your ride; it’s a fun, quick snack that keeps your energy up while you explore the streets in full costume.

2. Okinawa Red Taro (beni imo treats)

Okinawa red taro, also called beni imo, is famous for its natural purple color and gentle sweetness. You’ll find it turned into tarts, cookies, cakes, and even chips. The flavor is mild and earthy, making it easy to love even if you’re not a fan of sweets.

Beni imo snacks are some of the most popular souvenirs in Okinawa, thanks to their bright color and local roots. They’re also easy to bring during long travels, which is perfect if you’re planning to bring snacks home.

Where to buy beni imo:

Naha Airport souvenir shops
Okashigoten (various branches across Okinawa)

Book a smooth Naha Airport transfer for your beni imo haul!

3. Kabocha Pumpkin Pie

Pumpkin pie may sound familiar, but Okinawa’s version has its own island twist. Kabocha pumpkin pie’s filling is lighter and less sugary and is typically paired with a soft, flaky crust. It tastes more like a snack than a heavy dessert, which makes it easy to enjoy any time of day.

This snack shows Okinawa’s love for simple, natural flavors. Pair it with coffee or tea, and you’ve got the perfect afternoon break.

Where to try pumpkin pie:

Kouri Ocean Tower (538 Kouri, Nakijin, Kunigami District, Okinawa 905-0406, Japan)
Bakeries around American Village

Klook Tip: Visiting Kouri Ocean Tower? Head up to the observation deck for ocean views, then reward yourself with a slice of kabocha pumpkin pie afterward.

4. Snow Salt Chinsuko Cookies

Snow salt chinsuko cookies are crumbly, buttery, and gently sweet, with just a hint of savory from Okinawa’s famous snow salt. The texture is similar to shortbread, but a little more rustic and melt-in-your-mouth. That light saltiness brings out the buttery flavor and keeps the cookies from feeling too rich.

Chinsuko may have started as a treat for royalty, but today it’s a snack everyone loves. Snow salt versions feel especially Okinawan and are perfect if you prefer balanced flavors over super-sweet treats. They’re easy to pack, easy to share, and one of those Okinawa snacks you’ll spot everywhere.

Where to buy snow salt chinsuko cookies:

Yukishio Salt Factory (Karimata-191 Hirara, Miyakojima, Okinawa 906-0002, Japan)
Naha Airport souvenir shops
Shops along Kokusai Street

5. Brown Sugar Candy (Kokuto)

Okinawa is known for its high-quality brown sugar, or kokuto. Turned into small candies or blocks, this snack has a deep, caramel-like flavor that feels rich without being too sweet. Locals usually enjoy it as a quick energy boost.

Brown sugar candy is simple, traditional, and deeply tied to island life. It’s also one of the healthiest-feeling sweets you’ll find, since it’s less processed than many candies.

Where to buy brown sugar candies:

Seiho Shouten (1 Chome-7-15 Tsuboya, Naha, Okinawa 902-0065, Japan)
Souvenir shops and convenience stores across Okinawa

Klook Tip: Look for mixed packs of brown sugar candy to try different sugar levels and textures.

6. Mozuku Tempura Bites

Mozuku is a type of seaweed harvested in Okinawa, and when it’s fried into tempura, it becomes a crispy, savory snack. These bites are light, slightly salty, and full of ocean flavor. They’re usually eaten fresh but also sold as packaged snacks.

This snack shows how Okinawans turn local ingredients into everyday comfort food. It’s a great way if you want to taste fresh seafood without committing to a full meal.

Where to try mozuku tempura bites:

Kokusai Street
Makishi Public Market (2 Chome-10-1 Matsuo, Naha, Okinawa 900-0014, Japan)

Klook Tip: Curious about how Okinawan seafood snacks connect to Japanese cuisine? Join a sushi cooking class near Kokusai Street to get hands-on with fresh ingredients and deepen your appreciation for local flavors.

7. Awamori Liquor Cake

Awamori liquor cake is one of those snacks that quietly surprises you. Made with Okinawa’s local rice spirit, awamori, this cake is soft, moist, and gently sweet, with just a hint of boozy aroma. Don’t worry, it’s not overpowering. The flavor is warm and mellow, more comforting than strong.

This cake feels a little more grown-up, making it a popular choice for gifts or an after-dinner treat. It’s also a great example of how Okinawa turns local staples into everyday sweets.

Where to buy awamori liquor cake:

Naha Airport souvenir shops
Specialty sweet shops along Kokusai Street
Local gift stores across Okinawa

FAQs about Okinawa snacks

What is famous Okinawan food?

Okinawa is known for dishes like goya champuru, taco rice, and pork-based meals. When it comes to snacks, sata andagi, chinsuko, and beni imo treats stand out. These foods reflect the island’s history, climate, and mix of cultures.

What is Japan's most popular snack?

Across Japan, snacks like rice crackers, Kit Kats, and senbei are very popular. In Okinawa, local flavors take the spotlight, especially snacks made with brown sugar, sea salt, and purple yam. That’s what makes Okinawan snacks feel so special.

What are the must-buys in Okinawa?

Snack-wise, don’t miss beni imo tarts, chinsuko cookies, and brown sugar candy. These are easy to pack and loved by locals and visitors alike. They’re also widely available, so you can buy them without hunting too hard.

What foods do Okinawans eat?

Okinawans eat a mix of vegetables, pork, seaweed, and tofu-based dishes. Snacks often follow the same idea—simple ingredients, balanced flavors, and local produce. That’s why even sweets tend to feel lighter and less sugary.

Are Okinawa snacks good as souvenirs?

Absolutely. Many snacks are designed for gifting, with sturdy packaging and long shelf lives. They’re also unique to the region, which makes them more meaningful than generic souvenirs.

Bring home a piece of Okinawa with these snacks!

Okinawa isn’t just a place you visit-it’s a place you taste. These Okinawa snacks give you small but memorable bites of island life, perfect for fueling adventures or sharing stories back home. Wander, snack, repeat, and don’t forget to explore more experiences on Klook while you’re at it. Your next favorite snack might be just one bite away. 😋