This Okinawan Restaurant Brings Culture Back to the Kitchen.
Meet Mayumi Vargas; Owner and Operator of Habuya Okinawan Dining in Tustin, California.
Known only by a few, Okinawan cuisine and lifestyle is key for true beauty and longevity.
Gaining popularity with health-foodies worldwide, Japanese cuisine is one of the healthiest traditions on the planet. And as Japan is the leading country for longest life-expectancy, we turn to Okinawan culture with gratitude, reverence and inspiration.
b.glenish! was honored to have the chance to speak with Mayumi Vargas, owner of Habuya Okinawan Dining in California. Vargas, an image of vitality and beauty herself, shares the secrets of beauty and health found within the recipes native to the southern islands of Japan.
Traditional Okinawan cuisine is bountiful with nutrient-dense vegetables, and many cooked dishes “cut the fat” by eliminating the use of excess oils when cooking pork, and other animal proteins. As a result, these dishes are kind to the body, and comforting to the soul for everyone of any age, and all cultural backgrounds.
b.glenish! contributor and Vice President of b.glen USA, Yorimasa Hasumura, is a long-time friend of founder Vargas, who spoke with Hasumura through the interview below in Japanese language.
To b.glenish!, the word “beauty’’ is followed by many definitions. In traditional Okinawan cuisine, would you consider there to be any characteristics of beauty, as you see it?
Mayumi: “Okinawa is an island with particularly strong sunlight and high humidity in Japan. It’s necessary to consume high amounts of Vitamin C through the diet, with nutritious foods such as Shikuwasa, tropical fruits, and Bitter Gourd.”
“I often use these as staples in my recipes. Shikuwasa is often referred to as Calamansi in the United States, and it is rich in Vitamin C as well as nobiletin, hesperidin, and citric acid. It also has a wrinkle-preventing effect and is an incredible anti-inflammatory “superfood”, as some would call it.”
Speaking of luminous skin, Bitter Gourd contains 3x higher concentration of Vitamin C over lemons.
Mayumi notes, “Where Vitamin C is generally sensitive to heat, the concentrate contained in Bitter Gourd is not. This makes the Gourd suitable for a wide range of cooking methods. In addition, pork varieties such as Soki and Mimigar contain collagen and essential vitamins (like Vitamin B), which I believe are essential for health and beauty.”
“And above all, Okinawan culture celebrates food, and celebrates love. We will host family events, local festivals, and dinner parties with friends (called Moai). We sing, laugh, dance, and enjoy delicious meals. This brings people together, relieving stress, which is the #1 detriment of beauty. It’s often said that those of Okinawan culture are “radiant people”. This is believed to be true through the reasons above, as Okinawans interact and share kindness with everyone. Really.. everyone is your friend.”
Mayumi, you found and operate Habuya Okinawan Dining here in California. What made you decide to open a restaurant in the United States?
Mayumi: “I came to the United States after meeting and marrying my partner here. When I initially arrived, I had my heart set on creating, and would indulge in activities such as drawing and painting.”
“My passion for food and culture carried on, and I continued to waitress here in the United States.”
“There was a fair demand for the artwork I created. I don’t believe the interest was so high in the artwork itself, but in my own backstory and creative acts. Because, who was I at this age? A 21 year old woman, who had left Okinawa.. brand new to the United States.. unsure of where my life was really going.”
“The one thing I did know for certain was that I loved my culture. My hometown. And I lovingly wished to infuse that within my professional pursuits here. I already had experience in the restaurant business, so I decided to open Habuya Okinawan Dining, on my own accord.”
What matters most to you in your operations of Habuya?
Mayumi: “Okinawa is the only tropical island in Japan. It’s an incredibly unique land, harmonizing Asian cultures, American cultures (with the presence of a U.S. military base), and traditional Ryukyu culture.”
With Habuya, my aim was to recreate the culture and feel of Okinawa in the most sincere and authentic way possible. I am highly conscious of creating a space that makes me feel like myself, my staff, and out customers are in Okinawa — even though we’re here in California. From the food, interior decor, music, atmosphere upheld by our staff, it feels like home.”
“I have always had the desire for Habuya to become the bridge between Okinawa and the United States. I wanted Americans to learn about our culture, and to experience goods like Orion Beer and Awamori.”
b.glenish! aims to inspire readers to be themselves. We value your efforts to bestow the beauty of Okinawan culture upon Californian culture.
At this point in time, would you still consider yourself a dreamer?
Mayumi: “I have been operating Habuya for over a decade, so my dream is to continue to maintain success within the restaurant industry. As my future unfolds, I wish to create a space where myself and others may go to enjoy conversation and connection, aside from dining alone.”
When it comes to defining a woman’s beauty, to me, her dexterity means little in comparison to her wisdom and life experience. I think this is something women begin to understand as they age. You’re more keen to make friends with a fun, interesting woman you can share laughter with, over just another flawless face.”
“I am fortunate to know many intrinsically beautiful women, hence my desire to create a space for everyone to gather. The foundation of Okinawan cuisine is not only nutrient-rich ingredients and healthy cooking methods, but having an environment where everyone may come together to laugh and enjoy each other’s company. To me, this invisible, sensorial form of beauty is felt in the air, and seen in the eyes.”
Experience the Beauty of Traditional Okinawan Cuisine: Visit Habuya Okinawan Dining
14215 Red Hill Ave, Tustin, CA 92780
Habuya Okinawan Dining Website (Online Ordering Available): https://izakayahabuyaokinawandining.com/
