Point 1: Location of Vietnam Mary – A yellow building with an exotic atmosphere on Ginowan Hills Street
Located in Ginowan City in central Okinawa Island, Vietnam Marley is a Vietnamese restaurant tucked away on Ginowan Hills Street, which is quietly popular among local foodies. The eye-catching yellow two-story building along the street houses this restaurant on the second floor, which exudes an exotic and warm atmosphere reminiscent of a diner in a downtown Vietnamese area.
Upon entering the restaurant, you will find Vietnamese-style lanterns, ethnic fabrics, wooden tables, and chairs. Colorful lanterns are hung from the ceiling, creating an atmosphere reminiscent of Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City.
The customer base is international, with about 80% of the patrons being foreigners. This restaurant offers a taste of a foreign country right here in Okinawa.
From Naha Airport, it takes approximately 43 minutes to reach the restaurant via National Route 58.
By bus, take the Ryukyu Bus No. 190 and get off at “Futenma,” then it’s a 4-minute walk to the restaurant.
Point 2: Vietnam Mary’s signature dish—delicious banh mi that recreates the authentic taste
When it comes to Vietnamese cuisine, the first thing that comes to mind is “banh mi.” This is a street food representative of Vietnam, consisting of French bread stuffed with vegetables, coriander, and meat.
Vietnamese banh mi is crispy and fragrant on the outside and fluffy on the inside. The umami flavor of the meat and pâté combines with the sourness of the pickled vegetables, creating a taste that changes with every bite.
You can often choose from multiple types of fillings, such as sweet and spicy stir-fried pork, lemongrass chicken, or grilled eggs, allowing you to customize your sandwich based on your mood that day. Despite its large size, it’s so addictive that you’ll finish it in no time.
Point 3: “Vietnamese Marley” and other recommended menu items – noodles, rice bowls, and desserts are all delicious!
In Vietnam, noodle dishes and rice dishes are also very popular. Among them, the most popular is the local dish of Hue, “Bun Bo Hue.” The thick rice noodles “bun” go well with the spicy and deep beef-based soup, and the Asian spices make it an addictive dish.
For pork lovers, we recommend the “Braised Pork Bowl.” The tender braised pork is topped with a special sweet and spicy sauce and served over fluffy rice. Though simple in appearance, it is incredibly satisfying.
For those seeking a milder flavor, the “Pho Bo (Beef Pho)” is a great choice. The gentle beef broth, smooth rice noodles, and the aroma of cilantro create a perfect harmony. It’s a flavor you’ll want to enjoy any time of day.
And don’t miss the lunch-time limited set menu. For around 1,000 yen, you can enjoy banh mi, pho, bun cha, spring rolls, dessert, and a drink. The “Meat Lunch” (1,250 yen), which includes coconut shrimp ramen and braised pork and pickled mustard greens rice, is especially recommended!
This set is both generous in portion and excellent value for money, making it extremely popular among local office workers and international students. It’s not uncommon for the restaurant to be nearly full during lunchtime.
The dessert options are also top-notch. Enjoy coconut milk-based chè (shaved ice), Vietnamese-style pudding, and Vietnamese coffee with plenty of condensed milk. This lineup is a must-try for those with a sweet tooth. The drink selection also exudes an Asian vibe, adding to the travel-inspired atmosphere.
