Okinawa Rafute
At a glance
| Name | Okinawa Rafute (Rafute) |
|---|---|
| Prefecture | Okinawa |
| Region | Kyushu & Okinawa |
| Type | Awamori-braised pork belly |
What is it?
Rafute slowly braises skin-on pork belly in awamori, soy sauce, sugar and dashi until the meat is tender and the fat silky.
History and local context
Rooted in Ryukyu court cuisine, it also became a central expression of Okinawa's culture of using pork thoroughly and serving it at celebrations.
How to enjoy it
Eat a modest portion with rice or awamori, and add a little mustard to balance the rich fat and sweet-savory sauce.
Availability varies by maker, season, and destination.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Okinawa Rafute from?
It is associated with Okinawa, in the Kyushu & Okinawa region of Japan.
What kind of food is Okinawa Rafute?
This guide classifies it as awamori-braised pork belly. See the overview for its defining ingredients and texture.
Can I order Okinawa Rafute 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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