Okonomiyaki is a classic Japanese dish. It is made out of batter and contains anything you want to add like vegetables, meat, seafood, and then topped with sauce and mayo, sprnkled with green nori and sometimes bonito flakes.
I was first introduced to it when I visited Japan in the 80’s and stayed with a family in Kanazawa-shi, Ishikawa-ken, home of Kenrokuen gardens. It was described to me as a Japanese pancake. I have also heard it called a Japanese pizza, but it really is unique and quite different to either a pancake or pizza.
While I am in Australia some of the foods from Japan I am missing are tonkatsu (particularly from Wako), okonomiyaki (from any store, anywhere) and a decent umeboshi (not from the convenience store).
Rice is easy to get in Australia and my family has a rice cooker so that is good news at least. I remember traveling to Europe years ago and having to search for Japanese restaraunts just so I could eat some curry rice.
What Japanese food do you crave the most when not living in Japan?
9 comments
http://shibuya246.com/2009/10/14/okonomiyaki/
Being made out of batter, you could consider it a waffle or a thick pancake. I’d probably put hamburger,cheese and mushrooms, tomatoes. that’s the way I have my hamburger when I order one. that one looks quite yummy just the way it is. would really want to visit Japan to be able to sample all the great food, someday.
Btw, will the dr. let you come back soon? and how did your tests come out?
I am still grounded at the moment, but visit the Dr again tomorrow. So far all the tests say nothing is seriously wrong, so that is good news. thanks 🙂
That okinomiyaki looks delicious! Unfortunately I didn’t try it out while I was in Japan. I did have yakisoba though, and that was very tasty! I want to learn how to make it at home.
Good idea to learn for eating at home, then you can have it anytime you want ^__^
I went to Tokyo last and ate shrimp and meat okonomiyaki, not in the same dish!! I didn’t and I don’t know why, it just tasted strange. I liked every dish but Okonomiyaki didn’t pass my test!!
looks delicious
Okonomiyaki is one of my favorite Japanese dishes, it is served in only two restaurants in Western Europe; one of which being in Amsterdam (japanese pancake world) and the other in London.
So I don’t really miss Okonomiyaki outside of Japan since i’m quite satisfied with the chef here in Amsterdam knowing both Hiroshima and Osaka styles … but what i do miss from Japan is something as simple as Gyuudon !
Why ? Gyuudon in Japan is a simple and inexpensive dish that you can use for lunch or whenever the mood strikes for a quick bite; hell it’s even cheaper than the local (i.e in Japan) Mcdonalds so go figure !
I know I already asked you this over Twitter; but I tought if there’s anybody else googling up or re-reading these older articles having the awnser here might be handy: Do you have any recommended Okonomiyaki restaurants in Shibuya ? I only know of two namely Hah Hah Fugetsu and another one which is more expensive.
I rather prefer the Okonomiyaki places that let you cook your own unlike the two I just mentioned.
For the foreigner travelling Japan that can speak a bit of basic Japanese, but not read Kanji it’s quite hard to find stores or restaurants as in Japan these are mostly located X floors high in some building that doesn’t look like it would contain a restaurant from the outside.
So any Okonomiyaki tips in Shibuya would be greatly appreciated !
this okonomiyaki looks like what i cook-up for breakfast using eggs- what kind is tha batter used ? like pancake/waffle stuff? i puts in green onions, mushrooms, zucchini squash, bacon or some kinds meat, spinich but not altogether. LP
I ate this dish, Okonomiyaki, when I lived in Japan (2006-2008), is my favorite japanese’s food, but I like to a “tonkotsu ramen”, if don’t you have a eat do it! Shibuya246 is wondrfull! Parabéns!