Okinawa, the chain of islands off the southwestern tip of Japan, was once an independent archipelago separate from the rest of Japan known as the Ryuku Kingdom. Ryuku had its own distinctive language, culture, and food, including its own style of ramen referred to as “Okinawa soba”. The noodles themselves, while called “soba”, are actually more similar to udon flour noodles but are served in a ramen-style broth made with pork, bonito fish flakes, and kelp. Okinawa soba also uses unique toppings compared to other styles of ramen, including bone-in pork rib and pig trotters.