Now famous throughout Japan, Ishigaki Island chili oil(石垣島ラー油) has become a beloved regional specialty.
Made with abundant spices used on Ishigaki Island, this chili oil is said to elevate any dish it’s added to, earning rave reviews.
The husband-and-wife duo who created Ishigaki chili oil run a dining establishment on the island called Penguin Shokudo (ペンギン食堂).
Though it may seem like a somewhat clichéd famous spot, you can enjoy dishes made with Ishigaki chili oil and local island produce, and purchase bottles of the chili oil as well!
Penguin Shokudo: Where Ishigaki Chili Oil Was Born
This Western-style restaurant is the Penguin Shokudo I was looking for, located within walking distance of downtown Ishigaki Island.
I arrived around opening time.
They asked if I had a reservation, apparently because the place is popular and seats fill up quickly.
Since I was dining alone, I had no trouble getting seated. Great!
Despite the name “shokudo” (casual eatery), the interior has a stylish, bar-like aesthetic.
The service wasn’t provided by the husband-and-wife owners, but by two handsome men who resembled bar masters.
Lunch menu. The focus is on Ishigaki chili oil dishes and items featuring Okinawan and Ishigaki Island ingredients.
Since I love mapo tofu, I ordered the “Ishigaki Chili Oil Mapo Tofu Rice Bowl.”
The Unique Depth and Flavor of Ishigaki Chili Oil – Absolutely Delicious!
Here’s the mapo tofu bowl. It looks delicious just from the presentation!
It looks spicy at first glance, but the heat level isn’t actually that intense.
The flavor is distinctly different from ordinary chili oil—unique and wonderful. Delicious indeed.
The bonito dashi broth is delicious too.
Bottles of Ishigaki chili oil sit on every table for free use.
I couldn’t resist adding more!
My food writing vocabulary is limited, and I can’t quite capture it properly, but this flavor is certainly addictive enough to convert plenty of people.
It’s delicious straight over rice, works perfectly as a main seasoning, or adds depth as a secret ingredient to other dishes.
To finish, they served homemade tea infused with lemongrass.
Purchasing Ishigaki Chili Oil at the Miscellaneous Café “Ishigaki Penguin”
When I mentioned I wanted to buy Ishigaki chili oil, they gave me a ticket and a map. Apparently you can’t purchase it at this restaurant.
Using the map, I headed to a shop called “Ishigaki Penguin.”
It was about a 5-minute walk away.
The storefront resembles a stylish miscellaneous goods shop.
The interior is also stylish.
When I presented my ticket, I was able to purchase the Ishigaki chili oil.
Looking closely at the signage outside, there’s a notice like this. That day, I was apparently able to purchase it simply by visiting the shop.
It seems that on some days inventory may run out, but I’m still not entirely clear on what role the restaurant-to-shop ticket system plays. Maybe it’s for reserving stock when items are unavailable?
Now, what should I do with this Ishigaki chili oil I’ve acquired?
I’m thinking of trying it sprinkled over rice or mixed into mapo tofu.
Final Thoughts
If you’re visiting Ishigaki Island and looking for a restaurant, I definitely recommend Penguin Shokudo!
The Ishigaki chili oil is also available on Amazon and similar platforms (though slightly more expensive than the ¥800 retail price).
If you can’t make it to the island but want to experience the taste, you can order it online!
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