Okinawan Ika-sumi Jiru
At a glance
| Name | Okinawan Ika-sumi Jiru (Ika-sumi Jiru) |
|---|---|
| Prefecture | Okinawa |
| Region | Kyushu & Okinawa |
| Type | Black squid-and-pork soup colored with squid ink |
What is it?
Ika-sumi jiru simmers cleaned squid, squid ink, pork and leafy greens such as nishiyomogi in dashi, producing an opaque black soup with marine depth, pork richness and herbal bitterness.
History and local context
Squid ink also colors Okinawan kufa-jushi and noodles. The soup was traditionally offered during recovery and after childbirth, but claims for headaches or other medical effects are not proven; stories of missionary transmission are likewise uncertain.
How to enjoy it
Eat hot with rice and expect the ink to stain lips and clothing. Buy intact food-safe ink from a reliable fishmonger, clean and cook squid and pork completely, and check mollusk, pork and dashi ingredients.
Availability varies by maker, season, and destination.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Okinawan Ika-sumi Jiru from?
It is associated with Okinawa, in the Kyushu & Okinawa region of Japan.
What kind of food is Okinawan Ika-sumi Jiru?
This guide classifies it as black squid-and-pork soup colored with squid ink. See the overview for its defining ingredients and texture.
Can I order Okinawan Ika-sumi Jiru online?
Use the Rakuten Japan search link on this page. Confirm the maker, ingredients, storage requirements, and international shipping before ordering.
Order from Japan
Search Rakuten Japan using the original Japanese food name. Search results and product pages may be available only in Japanese.
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