Okonomiyaki is a popular Japanese dish that translates to “grilled as you like it.” It is a savory pancake made with a batter of flour, grated yam, eggs, and shredded cabbage. Additional ingredients such as meat, seafood, vegetables, and cheese are mixed into the batter before being cooked on a hot grill. There are many regional variations of okonomiyaki throughout Japan, each with its own unique twist on this delicious dish.

History of Okonomiyaki

The origins of okonomiyaki can be traced back to the Kansai region of Japan, particularly to the cities of Osaka and Hiroshima. It was originally a cheap and filling street food during the post-war period but has since evolved into a beloved comfort food enjoyed by people of all ages. Okonomiyaki restaurants, where diners can customize their pancakes with a variety of toppings, have become a staple in Japanese cuisine.

Ingredients

• Flour
• Grated yam
• Eggs
• Shredded cabbage
• Meat (such as pork belly or seafood)
• Vegetables (such as scallions or mushrooms)
• Cheese
• Okonomiyaki sauce
• Mayonnaise
• Bonito flakes
• Seaweed flakes

Regional Variations

While the basic ingredients of okonomiyaki remain the same, different regions of Japan have their own unique twists on this dish. In Osaka, okonomiyaki is typically cooked with all the ingredients mixed together, while in Hiroshima, the ingredients are layered on top of each other. In Tokyo, okonomiyaki is known as monjayaki and has a runnier batter, making it more like a savory pancake soup.

In addition to these regional variations, there are also specialty okonomiyaki dishes found throughout Japan. For example, negiyaki is a type of okonomiyaki made with a higher ratio of scallions, giving it a stronger onion flavor. Modan-yaki is a modern take on okonomiyaki with a more Westernized twist, often incorporating ingredients like bacon and cheese.

How to Enjoy Okonomiyaki

Okonomiyaki is typically enjoyed as a casual meal with friends and family. Many restaurants in Japan have tabletop grills where diners can cook their own pancakes, adding to the fun and interactive dining experience. To eat okonomiyaki, it is traditionally cut into bite-sized pieces with a spatula and eaten with chopsticks.

When serving okonomiyaki, it is common to drizzle it with okonomiyaki sauce, mayonnaise, bonito flakes, and seaweed flakes for added flavor. Some restaurants even offer additional toppings like pickled ginger or fried tempura batter to customize your pancake further.

Whether you prefer the classic Osaka-style okonomiyaki or enjoy experimenting with different regional variations, one thing is for sure – savory okonomiyaki is a delicious and comforting dish that is sure to satisfy your cravings.