Okonomiyaki is a comfort food said to come from the Kansai and Hiroshima regions of Japan. Similar to delicious pancakes, this food is popular across the country. It’s also easy and fun to prepare.
What is okonomiyaki?
Okonomiyaki is a delicious Japanese pancake made with a mixture of flour, eggs, cabbage and other toppings of your choice. The name itself translates to “roast it the way you like it,” reflecting its customizable nature. The appeal of okonomiyaki lies in its versatility and interactive cooking style, as diners often prepare it themselves on a hot griddle called “okonomiyaki.” Teppanyaki.
Once cooked, the finished okonomiyaki is topped with a rich, sweet okonomiyaki sauce, mayonnaise, bonito flakes and alone (seaweed flakes), forming a typical Japanese flavor combination.
The history of okonomiyaki
Okonomiyaki has a long history that spans centuries – its ultimate ancestor is said to be from the Neolithic Age, a “cake” type food from China.
Pre-modern okonomiyaki itself dates back to Japan’s Azuchi-Momoyama period (1573-1603). Renowned tea master Sen no Rikyu is credited with inventing Japan’s first flour snack, which became the precursor to today’s okonomiyaki: boat burning. This is made by mixing flour and water and cooking it into pancakes. It is considered a sweet treat. Although simpler than modern okonomiyaki, it paved the way for flour-based dishes that could adapt to changing tastes and available ingredients.
During the Meiji Era (1868-1912), Japan experienced rapid modernization, which led to the greater availability of wheat products and the development of flour-based dishes. After World War II, food was scarce and okonomiyaki became popular.
formerly known as First-line foreign food (one-coin Western food), “Okoyaki” shops began to pop up after the war, especially around Hiroshima. The dish subsequently became a staple in the prefecture as well as the neighboring Kansai region, with each region independently developing unique recipes that are now enjoyed nationwide.
Types of okonomiyaki
There are two main types of okonomiyaki.
Kansai style okonomiyaki
Kansai-style okonomiyaki mixes all the ingredients directly into the batter. This style originated in Osaka and stems from the local food culture, which emphasizes affordable dishes made with readily available ingredients. In Osaka, restaurants usually have pancakes on every table, and guests are encouraged to prepare their own pancakes for an interactive dining experience.
Hiroshima style okonomiyaki
The difference between Hiroshima okonomiyaki and Kansai okonomiyaki is that in Hiroshima okonomiyaki the ingredients are layered rather than mixed. It is based on a thin pancake, topped with cabbage, meat and fried noodles. This style was created to maximize the use of ingredients while keeping dishes affordable and nutritious. Today, Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki is an iconic comfort food and beloved specialty that showcases the city’s resourcefulness and creativity.
Where to find okonomiyaki in Tokyo
Tokyo offers many options for enjoying Kansai and Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki. Here are some places to check:
Tokyo Kansai style okonomiyaki
Taitung Daocao
Located on a back street near Okachimachi Station, Michikusa is a traditional restaurant that serves affordable Kansai-style okonomiyaki. The restaurant has a variety of seating options (up to four people), with the sizzling plate right in front of you, or at the counter where you can watch the chefs cooking.
Zen, Shinjuku
Zen is a bustling okonomiyaki shop in Shinjuku that offers a variety of classic okonomiyaki varieties as well as its own specialties. From meat to vegetarian options, it’s perfect for discovering new okonomiyaki dishes you can’t find anywhere else. There are tables in the store and teppanyaki inside.
Hiroshima Style Okonomiyaki in Tokyo
Dakanman, Shimokitazawa
This super cool local restaurant offers both Kansai-style and Hiroshima-style dishes, but it’s the Hiroshima food that really shines. Loaded with noodles and cabbage, I sat at the counter and watched the Daikonman chef happily prepare it.
Village Oyoshi, Higashi Koenji Temple
The owner of Okomura serves Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki with a smile. Okomura is famous for its bustle at night, which is like walking into an izakaya in Hiroshima.