“What is okonomiyaki exactly?”

It’s a savory Japanese pancake! Made with batter, cabbage, and your choice of toppings.

Two Main Styles

“What’s the difference between styles?”

Osaka style:

• Everything mixed together
• Ingredients in batter
• Flipped like a pancake
• Topped with sauce, mayo, bonito

Hiroshima style:

• Layered, not mixed
• Noodles included
• Much taller/thicker
• More complex to make

Both are delicious!

Common Ingredients

“What’s in it?”

Base ingredients:

• Cabbage (lots of it!)
• Flour batter
• Egg
• Green onion

Popular additions:

• Pork belly
• Shrimp
• Squid
• Cheese
• Mochi

How to Eat

“Do I cook it myself?”

Depends on the restaurant:

Self-cook: You make it on the table griddle Staff-cook: They make it, you eat

Toppings:

• Okonomiyaki sauce (sweet and savory)
• Japanese mayo
• Bonito flakes (they dance!)
• Aonori (seaweed powder)

Where to Try

“Best places?”

Osaka: Dotonbori area has many shops Hiroshima: Okonomimura building (multiple restaurants) Tokyo: Monjayaki is Tokyo’s version (runnier)

What Japanese People Actually Do

Most locals:

• Have regional pride in their style
• Know how to cook at home
• Use the small spatula to eat
• Cut pieces and share at the table

Extra Travel Tips

1. Osaka for beginners – Easier to make yourself

2. Hiroshima is filling – Noodles make it hearty

3. Don’t press down – Let it cook naturally

4. Use the spatula – Cut and eat with it

5. Lunch special – Often cheaper than dinner

Have more questions about Japanese food? Follow me on YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok for daily tips!