Okinawa Zenzai: A Chilled Okinawan Treat

Okinawa Zenzai is a traditional and wonderfully refreshing dessert, always served cold. It’s a beloved treat, especially on hot summer days here in Okinawa. Here’s what makes it so special:

• Sweet Kidney Beans (Kintoki-mame): The heart of Okinawa Zenzai is kidney beans, known as “Kintoki-mame” in Japanese. These are simmered until they’re perfectly sweet and tender, forming the delicious base of the dessert.
• Generous Shaved Ice: Piled high on top of the sweet kidney beans is a generous amount of shaved ice. It’s the perfect, cooling antidote to Okinawa’s warm climate.
• Flavorful Syrup: A drizzle of brown sugar syrup or white sugar syrup is poured over the shaved ice. Brown sugar is an Okinawan specialty, giving the zenzai its unique and distinctive flavor.
• Optional Toppings: Some variations might include extra toppings like shiratama dango (chewy rice flour dumplings), ice cream, or other flavored syrups, letting you enjoy an even wider range of delicious experiences.

Okinawa Zenzai is a delightful and cooling dessert, cherished by both locals and visitors alike.

A Heads-Up for Travelers: Traditional Japanese Syrups

Traditional flavored syrups, long loved in Japan, are often fruit-free and have very unique tastes. Because of this, travelers sometimes find that the flavor names listed on the menu (like fruit names) don’t quite match the actual taste they experience. For instance, strawberry, lemon, and melon flavors might taste different than what you expect, often lacking the typical tartness.

Among the various options, matcha (green tea) and mango flavors tend to be especially popular with travelers.