Naha's seafood lover's market paradise

Daily shopping for seafood and local commodities can be a hassle for those who don't know where to look. Luckily, there’s a "Dirty Wet Market" (not literally of course) at the heart of the city’s capital that can fill all your market shopping needs. Makishi Public Market has been in operation for quite some time that it has become a popular one stop shop icon. So famous in fact that it has been featured in many blogs and international shows, most notably on the late Anthony Bourdain's travel-food show "Parts Unknown". As one of the most popular places to shop and dine, let me introduce to you why on how the local vendors seemingly welcome you with that “We got it all for you” attitude.

Makishi Public Market can easily be accessed from the famous Kokusai Street. Established since the 1950’s, this 2-storey building offers a wide variety of choices as you can imagine. A few items available here are the freshest fruits & vegetables I've ever seen, diverse souvenir items that you can take back from your holidays, delectable meat products of your choice, and the most abundant selection of seafood from the local ocean! Obviously since Okinawa is surrounded by water, selection of seafood is plentiful and considered a vital part of Okinawan cuisine. As you get famished from all the shopping along the market, you can easily satisfy your hunger by buying ingredients from the lower floor and have them cooked on the upper floor of the very same market! We bought a decent portion of fish at an affordable price and had them prepared batayaki style (butter fried). Sadly, you will have to pay a cooking fee of about 550 yen per person which is actually reasonable for the efforts that they put in the cooking process. Best part? NO CLEANING! After having your stomach filled with these awesome dishes, you can continue shopping for some snacks or souvenirs around. I would recommend getting some sweet potato tarts, which is considered a true authentic Okinawan treasure.

“Just point and pay. We will do the rest!”

With warm welcomes and great selections of this market, it's only natural for it to gain world recognition. The dining and shopping experience here is truly memorable and we will keep coming back whenever we are craving for something familiar and yet, somehow always unique.