It’s tough to describe okonomiyaki in simple English. People often call it “Japanese pizza” or “Japanese pancake,” but those descriptions don’t capture its true essence. Okonomiyaki literally translates to “grilled as you like it,” and it’s like a savory pancake that’s loaded with delicious ingredients. Think pork belly, cheese, cabbage, spring onions, and seafood! To top it off, they add bonito flakes, seaweed flakes, mayonnaise, and okonomiyaki sauce. Yum!
Origins of Okonomiyaki
The exact origins of okonomiyaki are a bit of a mystery, but it’s thought to have evolved from a dish called issen yoshoku. This dish was popular during the Taisho Era (1912-1926) in Kyoto. It was a thin, savory crepe with all sorts of ingredients, swimming in a delicious sauce.
The Great Okonomiyaki Rivalry
There’s a friendly rivalry between Osaka and Hiroshima over who makes the best okonomiyaki. Both cities claim to have the superior version, and each has a distinct way of preparing it. It’s like a delicious competition!
Osaka-style Okonomiyaki
Osaka-style okonomiyaki is the most well-known type. It’s made like a regular pancake. The batter is mixed with all the ingredients and then cooked on a griddle. It’s a simple and satisfying way to enjoy okonomiyaki.
Hiroshima-style Okonomiyaki
Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki, on the other hand, is prepared in layers. The batter is thin and crepe-like, and the ingredients are cooked separately in layers. Noodles are a key part of Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki, and the final dish looks like a stacked tower of deliciousness. This style is always cooked by the chef, so you can relax and enjoy the show!
Modern Okonomiyaki
These days, even Osaka-style okonomiyaki may include noodles. This kind of okonomiyaki is called modan-yaki, which means “modern.” So, the main difference between these two styles is really just the cooking method. But no matter how it’s cooked, okonomiyaki is always delicious!
Best Okonomiyaki Spots in Tokyo
You can find great okonomiyaki in Tokyo. While Tokyo has its own version of okonomiyaki called monjayaki, which is even runnier, there are still lots of places to get classic Osaka and Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki. Here are some of the top spots:
Okonomiyaki Restaurants in Tokyo
Sakuratei is a great place to start your okonomiyaki adventure. It’s tucked away in a back alley in Harajuku and has a cool, laid-back vibe. They have an English menu, so you don’t have to worry about ordering. Their okonomiyaki is known for its fluffy texture and secret sauce. They even have all-you-can-eat courses for those with big appetites.
Otafuku is a relatively new addition to the Bib Gourmand list, which means it serves amazing food at affordable prices. They have three locations in Hiroshima and two in Tokyo, so you can’t go wrong. Try to grab a seat at the counter so you can watch the chefs work their magic.
Okonomiyaki-mura is a famous okonomiyaki restaurant in Osaka, and it has two branches in Tokyo. They serve up classic okonomiyaki with reasonable prices. You can also find an English menu here. Be prepared to wait in line, though, because it’s very popular.
Sometaro has been serving up okonomiyaki since 1937. It’s a grill-it-yourself restaurant in Asakusa that has affordable prices. You can order basic okonomiyaki or try their unique creations, like pizza okonomiyaki with peppers, bacon, and cheese.
Monja-en is another grill-it-yourself restaurant that offers all-you-can-eat and all-you-can-drink courses. They have a huge selection of okonomiyaki and monjayaki, as well as a variety of drinks.
Okonomiyaki Yatai has a cozy, homey atmosphere. They serve okonomiyaki and monjayaki at slightly higher prices than some other places, but they are still very reasonable.
Buchiumaya is one of the few places in Tokyo that serves Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki. Their nikutama (meat and egg) okonomiyaki is a must-try. They also have other delicious dishes, like crispy squid.
Okonomiyaki Shinjuku is a great spot for budget-friendly okonomiyaki. They have large portions and generous servings of noodles.
Okonomiyaki is a delicious and fun food to try in Tokyo. There are so many different restaurants and styles to choose from, so you’re sure to find something you love.
