El Comal food stand in Miyakojima is lining up customers with their spicy tacos, a blend of island ingredients and original Mexican flavor

El Comal food stand in Miyakojima is lining up customers with their spicy tacos, a blend of island ingredients and original Mexican flavor

El Comal’s spicy tacos and premium tequila


March 7, 2020 Ryukyu Shimpo

Miyakojima – Tacos and beans with a spicy flavor that never gets old, refreshing mojitos, and sweet and sophisticated premium tequila.

These can all be enjoyed at El Comal, a Tex-Mex food stand tucked into Shimozato Street in Hirara, Miyakojima.

The owner, Miyakojima-native Akinori Shimoji, 43, said of his cooking, “It’s a simple flavor, but one that you will not tire of,” noting that there were many repeat customers, both local and tourists.

The stand is run by the owner and Toshiyuki Kawahara, 58, who manages the menu and recipes.

Kawahara had previously managed a Mexican restaurant by the same name in Kanagawa, however when Shimoji, who worked in the restaurant at the time, decided to move back to Miyakojima three years ago, they took the opportunity to open the current food stand-style shop.

Kawahara lived in California and New Mexico 28 years prior, and thought that the local flavors there would also have a market in Japan, and began designing recipes.

Yoshinori Shimoji (left) and Akinori Kawahara showing off their premium tequila. March 3, Hirara, Miyakojima

“I wanted to create something captured Mexico’s ‘Homemade flavor’ that would be enjoyed in Japan as well.”

Their marquee taco consists of a homemade corn tortilla with chicken or beef and some simple flavoring.

You can also choose to add their special sauce made from a blend of chili peppers.

Also popular is their mojito, made with an abundance of Miyakojima-grown mint, which is exceptional when enjoyed outside in the breeze in the evening and through the night.

You can also enjoy some premium tequila, mescal, and spirits distilled by the stand.

Kawahara commented, “All of the ingredients come from Miyakojima; I wanted to create in Miyakojima the locally-sourced, authentic Mexican food made traditionally by the people indigenous to that region.”

Shimoji added smiling, “I am motivated by seeing customers react to our food with a face that says ‘delicious!’ Since there is no other restaurant like this in Miyakojima, I want the restaurant to continue to be known as unique.”

(English translation by T&CT and Sam Grieb)

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