About a 10-minute drive from Naha Airport. This Chinese restaurant is located in Matsuyama, Naha City. Their mapo tofu, available in two styles—Cantonese and Sichuan—is unique, not the typical thick, starchy type. It’s a flavor you’ll find yourself craving once you try it.
Point 1: Location of Yao Yao Chinese Plaza
Yao Yao Chinese Plaza, located near the bustling Matsuyama area of Naha City, is an authentic Chinese restaurant beloved by tourists and local regulars alike. Matsuyama Park is right next to the restaurant, and the surrounding area has a calm atmosphere. Evening brings a lively street scene, yet the park’s greenery provides a pleasant sense of tranquility. Access is convenient, easily reachable by taxi or on foot from Kokusai Street and Yui Rail stations, making it perfect for a meal during sightseeing.
Inside, you’ll find a lively space where Chinese and Indonesian languages are spoken more often than Japanese. The staff consists of individuals from China and Indonesia, giving the restaurant a unique, exotic feel. While there are no Japanese staff members, ordering is easy with photo menus and pointing, so language barriers aren’t an issue. In fact, this sense of cultural immersion is one of Yao Yao Chinese Plaza’s charms.
Point 2: Introduction to the Menu at Yao Yao Chinese Plaza
The charm of Yao Yao Chinese Plaza lies in its extensive selection of Chinese cuisine. From classic appetizers to stir-fries, dim sum, and noodles, the menu offers a wide variety, making it perfect for banquets or gatherings with friends.
For starters, century eggs are a popular choice. Their distinctive aroma and sticky texture create an addictive dish that’s a must-try for Chinese food lovers. They pair well with alcohol and are ideal to kick off your meal. Another beloved staple is the “Zha Cai Fried Rice,” generously loaded with pickled mustard greens. Its robust saltiness and savory umami stimulate the appetite. The crisp, crunchy texture of the zha cai adds a delightful accent, creating a unique flavor profile rarely found elsewhere.
Among the stir-fries, the Green Pepper Beef (Chinjao Rousu) is highly praised. Thinly sliced beef, bell peppers, and bamboo shoots are stir-fried to a fragrant finish. Its well-balanced flavor pairs wonderfully with both rice and alcoholic beverages. For special occasions or large gatherings, Peking Duck is highly recommended. The skin is crispy and aromatic; wrapped with the special sweet bean sauce, it offers a truly luxurious experience.
This wide range of dishes, from simple fare to luxurious offerings, is the strength of Yao Yao Chinese Plaza. It caters to everything from casual daily dining to anniversaries and banquets.
Point 3: ‘Yao Yao Chinese Plaza’ and Recommended Menu Items
Among the many dishes available, one you absolutely must try when you visit is the “mapo tofu.”
Unlike the thick, creamy versions commonly found in Japan, our mapo tofu is served in a unique style. One bite releases the numbing spiciness of Sichuan pepper and the deep richness of fermented black beans, creating a flavor that instantly makes you crave rice.
You might be surprised by its distinctive taste at first, but the more you eat, the more addictive it becomes—before you know it, you won’t be able to put your chopsticks down.
At Yao Yao Chinese Plaza, you can choose between two types of mapo tofu: Cantonese-style and Sichuan-style, each with its own charm. The Sichuan-style features an authentic numbing spiciness and rich flavor, making it irresistible for spice lovers. The Cantonese-style, on the other hand, is milder and easier to eat, perfect for those who aren’t fond of heat.
Being able to enjoy two completely different flavor worlds from the same dish is unique to this restaurant.
Another standout feature is the bread-like accompaniment served with the mapo tofu. Similar to the staple “mantou” found throughout Chinese-speaking regions, it boasts a crispy exterior and a fluffy, soft interior.
Scoop some mapo tofu onto this bread with your spoon. The spicy sauce and the sweet, fluffy dough combine perfectly, creating an entirely new, delicious experience. This offers a different kind of enjoyment compared to rice, truly a charm unique to this restaurant.
The combination of “mapo tofu × mantou” creates an unforgettable taste once you try it, making it one reason why repeat customers keep coming back. It’s such a signature dish that both locals and tourists say, “You absolutely must have the mapo tofu when you come here.” Ordering it alongside other dishes to share instantly makes the table feel more festive.
