On the final day of an Okinawa training camp, I visited Sam’s Sailor Inn, a teppanyaki restaurant located on Kokusai Street, Naha’s most bustling tourist district.
This establishment is popular not just for its food, but also for the chef’s performance.
What kind of techniques will be on display?
Sam’s Sailor Inn – A Popular Spot on Naha’s Kokusai Street
Heading down the sunny Kokusai Street toward the target restaurant, Sam’s Sailor Inn.
Even though it’s a weekend in June—normally a quiet tourist season—the street is packed. That’s the power of the tourist-filled Kokusai Street.
Arrived at Sam’s Sailor Inn!
A striking chef sign greeted us.
Entering the ship-themed exterior.
The interior is also designed like a ship’s cabin.
Descending the stairs…
To a basement hall-like space.
Teppanyaki Steak and Souvenir-Included Drinks
Finding our seats and selecting from the menu.
(I forgot to photograph it, but lunch teppanyaki and seafood courses typically range from late ¥1,000s to ¥2,000s.)
I chose the ¥2,450 “Sirloin Steak Sam’s Cut.”
Various beverages are available, and some come with souvenir containers.
(Our group didn’t order any—the containers would have been too much baggage!)
Essentially all menu items come with a course.
First comes curry soup, poured from a cafeteria-style tureen.
Delicious. The garlic-infused croutons were a nice touch.
Meanwhile, sauces are prepared. Mild on the left, spicy on the right.
Salad with four dressing choices.
Fresh and well-prepared.
Enjoying Both Chef Performance and Cuisine
Finally, the chef and meat arrive!
With practiced hands, the chef skillfully cuts the meat.
Rapid-fire pepper slicing! The hands move too fast to see!
Rhythmically grinding pepper.
Now comes the Okinawa heartthrob chef’s performance—flames erupt!
Tossing salt and pepper cans like juggling balls while seasoning the vegetables.
I was worried whether everything got seasoned properly with that tossing method, but it was perfectly flavored and delicious.
Now for the main event—the meat!
Sizzle!
A quiet American (probably) chef appears, and now two chefs work together to cook the meat.
Sizzle!
The finished sirloin steak. Delicious!
The finishing vegetables are seasoned with synchronized performance from both chefs.
A delicious meal!
Recommended for Tourists Seeking Both Flavor and Entertainment
Though Okinawa generally has cheap prices, this restaurant charges tourist prices. The service can vary depending on the chef—some are very entertaining, others quiet. That said, if you visit Okinawa, this is definitely an interesting place worth experiencing once.
Thank you for the meal!
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