【Ishigaki Island Trip】 I enjoyed the local specialty "Oni-Sasa" loved by locals in a park with a view of the sea

Finally realized my trip to Ishigaki Island. The first place I headed to was Chinen Shokai. I had my first experience of the local gourmet "Oni-Sasa," loved by the locals.

Make it yourself! Ishigaki Island's soul food "Oni Sasa"

I came to Ishigaki Island for vacation. When planning my trip, I emphasized local gourmet food, and apparently, Ishigaki Island has a specialty called "Oni Sasa," so I came to Chinen Shokai, which is said to be the origin of Oni Sasa, early in the morning.

Chinen Shokai
Address: 1249-18 Tonoshiro, Ishigaki City, Okinawa
Business hours: 7:00 AM - 7:00 PM

In front of the store, I discovered a large sign for Oni Sasa. The unique name "Oni Sasa" actually combines "Oni," which means rice ball, and "Sasa," which refers to fried chicken tender. It seems to be a local food beloved by local students for many years.

Once inside the store, I saw a showcase right in front of me filled with rice balls and fried items. Apparently, Oni Sasa can be made as a self-service option. I quickly put on a bag from above the showcase, took a piece of fried chicken tender, and grabbed a rice ball.

Next, pour the sauce between the fried chicken breast and the rice ball.

Shape the rice ball to match the fried chicken breast by pressing it from above the bag. This completes the Onisasa! Now all that's left is to eat.

The best location to eat Onisasa is somewhere with a view of the sea.

Since I came to Ishigaki, I decided to drive and eat at the beach. About 10 minutes from Chinen Shokai. I crossed the Southern Gate Bridge, which is a symbol of Ishigaki Port, and headed to Minamisenhamacho Green Park (ぱいぬはまちょうりょくちこうえん). From the bridge, a beautiful sea came into view.

The clock hands had just passed 8 in the morning. The dawn in winter on Ishigaki Island is late, and the sky had only just begun to brighten. There were hardly any people around, only the gentle sound of the waves could be heard. While savoring the beautiful seascape and sunrise before me, I prepared to enjoy the long-awaited Ishigaki Island specialty gourmet.

It has a nostalgic taste that feels like going back to my student days

The fried chicken breast is crispy on the outside and pairs perfectly with the nori-tama flavored rice balls! Although simple, it has an oddly nostalgic aftertaste. It's just like the taste of what I used to eat after school back in those days.

There are two variations, nori-tama and juicy, but my preference is definitely the juicy one. The rice infused with the flavor of the dashi gently envelops the fried chicken breast, making the umami explode synergistically. I finished it in no time and felt completely satisfied, both in my stomach and heart, since morning.

Besides the fried chicken breast, Chinen Shokai also had other fried items like chicken katsu. It might be fun to look for your favorite combinations. If you come to Ishigaki Island, why not try this local favorite, Oni-Sasa, which is loved by the locals?

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