LaLa Zorba

Naha's Kokusai Dori is a famous shopping street which is well worth a visit — it's packed full of stores selling souvenirs and other goodies alongside bars, restaurants, and cafes. If you're a vegetarian or vegan, take a short stroll off the main drag and you'll find a great plant-based eatery by the name of LaLa Zorba.

The menu at LaLa Zorba has a strong influence from different countries across Asia. You'll find dishes including Tibetan style dumplings served with a curry sauce, Vietnamese style spring rolls, Nepalese style spicy fried noodles, and an Indian inspired tofu tikka masala — and that's just naming a few. Menu items can be ordered a la carte or as part of a set that comes served with a seasonal organic salad and your choice of brown rice or turmeric rice. The portions are hearty but won't leave you feeling heavy, since there is a real focus on not cooking with excessive oil and letting the flavors of the organic ingredients shine through. Like many other Okinawan vegetarian and vegan establishments, the vast majority of produce used at LaLa Zorba is sourced locally.

If you have a sweet tooth, there are numerous options to finish off your meal with, including homemade vegan-friendly ice cream and parfaits packed with banana, pineapple, and beniimo (Okinawan sweet potato). For visitors to the restaurant who may not speak Japanese, you'll find the menu has English descriptions as well, making ordering easy.