Lunch at Wafutei and the Restaurant Atmosphere
Today we went shopping at the San-A in Ginowan and decided to grab lunch first. Even though it was a weekday lunchtime, we went into “Wafutei.” The restaurant was pleasantly busy, mostly with housewives enjoying their lunch and chatting. It was neither too noisy nor too quiet—a calm atmosphere that made for a very comfortable space.
📱 Ordering via Tablet
I ordered the Nabeyaki Udon Set Meal, and my mother ordered the Lunch Shokado Bento.
Tablet ordering is common everywhere these days. Since my mom found it a bit tricky to use, I showed her the menu photos and asked, “Which one do you want?” I then entered the numbers to place the order.
After sitting down and taking our hand towels, we waited. The staff promptly brought us tea and water. They were especially attentive to older patrons, offering help with the tablet right away if needed. It was a very thoughtful touch.
Usually, cat-shaped delivery robots bring the food, but since it was still before the busy period that day, the staff brought the meal directly to us. While the robots are convenient, there’s still a certain warmth to having food brought by a person.
🍱 My mother’s Shokado bento and my Nabeyaki udon set meal
My mother likes to try a little bit of everything, so she chose the Shokado Bento today. It offers many small portions, making it perfect for someone like her who eats uneven amounts. I ordered the Nabeyaki Udon Set Meal. I chose a manageable portion, thinking I might finish what my mother left.
When the food arrived, both looked delicious and instantly brightened up the table. Wafutei is a chain found only in Okinawa, with stores exclusively inside Sanei shopping centers. While slightly pricier than other restaurants, it offers a calm atmosphere where you can enjoy a leisurely meal.
During lunchtime, it’s often bustling with housewives chatting over lunch, creating a lively yet somehow reassuring vibe. It feels less like a place where young people or students dine alone, and more like a spot for families and housewives to relax. It had that warm, welcoming atmosphere typical of Okinawan shopping centers.
🍽️ Meal Time and Recent Concerns
As usual, my mother couldn’t finish everything, so I ate with her, taking small portions from her plate. She seemed to eat well today and looked satisfied. I helped finish the leftovers. This “taking small portions” style has become our routine lately, and I’ve noticed my own food intake has naturally increased.
Perhaps because of this, my weight has been creeping up recently. At the hospital, I was told, “Please try to lose weight, even if it’s just a little at a time.” Supporting my mother’s meals while managing my own weight is quite challenging and a bit of a dilemma. Still, seeing her eat so heartily brings me such peace that I probably end up helping her more than I should.
🏡 After-Meal Routine and a Peaceful Afternoon
After lunch, I finished tomorrow’s shopping and headed straight home. Back at home, my mother took her usual nap and woke up slowly around evening. The time spent relaxing together while watching TV is precious for both of us.
Today was particularly unhurried, a quiet and peaceful afternoon. Having days like this, spent calmly, gives my heart some breathing room. Caregiving days inevitably tend to be hectic, but having time that flows slowly like this makes me feel ready to tackle tomorrow again.
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