Did you know there’s a place in Makishi, a local area of Naha, that grabs cold noodle fans by the heart and never lets go? “Morioka Reimen Chiruri” is a one-of-a-kind cold noodle specialty shop that takes Morioka-style cold noodles as its base while fusing in Asian elements like bibim noodles, mala noodles, and tom yum noodles. Perfect for Okinawa’s heat, and seriously delicious. Both tourists and local regulars keep coming back for more.
Point 1: Where is ‘Morioka Reimen Chiruri’ located?
Chiruri Morioka Reimen is located in a quiet residential area of Makishi, Naha City. It’s about a 7-8 minute walk from the Yui Rail’s Makishi Station, just a short distance away from the bustling Kokusai Street.
It’s about a 13-minute drive from Naha Airport. While Morioka Reimen Chiruri doesn’t have its own parking lot, there are several coin-operated parking lots nearby. However, depending on the time of day and especially on weekends, these lots can get crowded and fill up quickly, so please allow plenty of time for your visit.
Located on a slightly tucked-away street, you might pass it by if you don’t know it’s there—but that’s part of its charm, appealing to the connoisseur. Look for the calm wooden exterior and the unassuming sign.
The surrounding area is filled with unique, independently owned cafes and spots that turn into bars at night, attracting both tourists and locals. It’s a delightful place to stroll around after your meal.
Point 2: The top recommended menu item at ‘Morioka Reimen Chiruri’ is Bibim Noodles!
When you visit Chiruri, the first thing you must try is our signature Bibim Noodles—so popular they outshine even our classic Morioka Reimen.
This bowl features ultra-chewy, slippery noodles reminiscent of authentic Morioka Reimen, generously coated in our sweet and spicy homemade sauce. The noodles’ texture is simply incredible! Their robust bite makes you want to chew and savor them, even as you slurp.
The sauce coating them is also exquisite. Sweet, spicy, and sour notes are perfectly balanced, ensuring you won’t get bored until the very last bite. Toppings include a boiled egg, namul (seasoned vegetables), and chashu pork. It’s visually appealing and deeply satisfying.
The toppings also include cucumber pickled in vinegar and cilantro, which are also highly praised!
Spiciness is adjustable to your preference, so it’s perfect for both mild-spice lovers and hardcore spice enthusiasts. Even on days when you’re feeling a bit sluggish from the summer heat, you’ll find yourself slurping it down effortlessly—it’s an addictively delicious flavor.
Point 3: What other recommended menu items are there at ‘Morioka Reimen Chiruri’?
What makes Chiruri amazing is that it excels not only in the classics but also in its masterfully crafted variations.
Among these, the two standouts are the Mala Noodles and the Tom Yum Noodles.
First, the Mala Noodles deliver a powerful “numbing-spicy” punch with bold Sichuan peppercorns. The chewy cold noodles are coated in a richly spicy mala broth, exploding with a double whammy of numbing sensation and umami with every bite. Topped with cilantro and chashu pork, it’s packed with exotic flair.
Then there’s the Tom Yum Noodles, a must-try for Southeast Asian food lovers. The aroma of lemongrass, the richness of coconut milk, and the tang of lime all dance atop the cold noodles. You might wonder, “Cold noodles with Tom Yum soup?” But it works surprisingly well!
Plus, for an extra ¥240, you can add a set with beef tendon curry, beef tendon salt-simmered rice bowl, or three bowls of beef soba—another great perk!
Keep in mind, depending on the season, some noodle options might be temporarily unavailable. Check their official SNS for the latest info before visiting.
Morioka cold noodles—something tourists probably wouldn’t expect to find in Okinawa. The reason I’m recommending them anyway? “Because they’re simply delicious.” I also look forward to the reaction from those I recommend them to: “Huh? Morioka cold noodles in Okinawa?” Please give them a try sometime.
