Chidamoto Shokudo

While drinking with a friend who lives in Okinawa at an izakaya in Naha, I heard that there was an Okinawa soba restaurant in Nago with long lines. I thought, “What, Nago…?” because I had just been to Nago that day. I was shocked at my bad timing, thinking, “If I had known a day earlier, I would have gone to that restaurant…” But there was no point in regretting what had already happened. Fortunately, I was still in Okinawa the next day, so I thought, “I’ll just go again!” The next day, I headed back to Nago and visited the shop, Chidamoto Shokudo. Going to Nago two days in a row just for Okinawa soba—I really am a bit of a foodie, aren’t I? Well…

The owner, who enjoyed making Okinawa soba as a hobby, started this business as his second challenge after retirement… Chidamoto Shokudo is a restaurant like this…

Chidamoto Shokudo is a new Okinawa soba specialty restaurant that opened on June 30, 2024. The owner, who enjoyed making Okinawa soba as a hobby, started this business as his second challenge after retirement. The restaurant is located in a residential area a short distance from the center of Nago. I relied on Google Maps to find the restaurant, but the streets were quiet with few people passing by. As I walked along thinking, “Is there really a popular restaurant in such a place?” I discovered the restaurant with an “Okinawa Soba” sign hanging on the side of a single-story house. 

Fortunately or unfortunately, there was no line at the storefront that day, so I was able to enter the store without waiting. The interior was reminiscent of a renovated residential home, with the kitchen and four counter seats in the area whereshoes are removed, and three tables in the small Japanese-style room behind it. There were manga books on the counter, and a large TV in the kitchen broadcasting Major League Baseball games, giving the place a cozy, home-like atmosphere… though to be honest, the building itself is actually a house. After me, a family with small children came in and stretched out their legs in the Japanese-style room, so there’s no doubt that this place offers a relaxed dining experience. 

It might be similar to Osaka udon broth… How was Chidamoto Shokudo’s signature dish, Soki Soba (large), when I tried it?

Now, let me introduce the signature dish I ordered at Chidamoto Shokudo that day, Soki Soba (large). After waiting about five minutes after placing my order, the Soki Soba was brought to my table…

First impression: it’s huge. It’s hard to tell from the image above, but it’s definitely a large size! Not only that, but it’s probably the largest portion of Okinawa soba I’ve ever had. It’s not quite a “mega portion,” but the volume is clearly geared toward men. Another thing that caught my eye was the tied kelp topping alongside the soba. I’ve seen this at Miyazato Soba as well, so maybe it’s common in Nago’s Okinawa soba?

Well, let’s move on to eating it. The noodles are the typical flat, medium-thick noodles you’d expect from Okinawa soba, and the texture is neither too hard nor too soft. There’s nothing particularly unique about them, but on the other hand, they’re the kind of noodles that anyone would find perfectly acceptable. The broth is a sweet soy sauce-based broth with a strong fish flavor centered around bonito flakes. Compared to other Okinawa soba shops, the kelp flavor is more pronounced, giving it a taste reminiscent of Osaka udon broth. 

The main topping, the pork ribs, are quite large and meaty. The seasoning is subtle, allowing the natural flavor of the meat to shine through. Having three of these large bone-in pieces of meat is a real treat for someone from the mainland. One of the three pieces has cartilage, and this cartilage melts in the mouth, leaving a melt-in-the-mouth sensation. This feeling is irresistible… I could eat it endlessly. 

Enjoying various flavors while watching Major League Baseball, I leisurely finished the Soki Soba at Chidamoto Shokudo. The relaxed atmosphere inside the restaurant reminded me of a typical local diner, making it a very comfortable place to dine. Of course, the taste was also of high quality, and it held its own against other popular restaurants. Although there was no line during my visit, my friend’s description of it as an “Okinawan soba restaurant with a line” might not be entirely off the mark.  

Other menu items at Chidamoto Shokudo (prices include tax)

• Limited edition soba (Yushidofu soba) 1,100 yen
• Soki Soba (Large Portion) 1,050 yen 
• Three-Piece Pork Soba (Large Portion) 950 yen  
• Three-Piece Pork Soba (Regular) 850 yen  
• Soki Soba (Small) 750 yen  
• Three-Piece Pork Soba (Small) 650 yen  
• Jushi (Single Item) 200 yen  

Actually, fried chicken is also a specialty… To get to Chidamoto Shokudo, take the Ryukyu Bus 67 system bound for Hedona Bus Terminal from Nago Bus Terminal, get off at Ohkita Bus Stop, and walk for 6 minutes.

Chidamoto Shokudo is actually famous for its fried chicken. I really wanted to try it… But when I looked at the ticket machine, there was only a regular size with 7 pieces, so I reluctantly gave up on the fried chicken this time. It would have been nice if there had been fried chicken of just the right size to go with the soba noodles on the menu… If you have the chance to visit the restaurant and try the fried chicken, please leave your impressions in the comment section below.

Here are the details of the restaurant…