Let’s enjoy Japanese flour culture! | Recommendations for “Okonomiyaki” to enjoy with your family

In my previous article, I introduced Taiyaki, and this time I would like to tell you about Okonomiyaki, a representative of Japan’s “flour culture”.

Although there is a basic shape for okonomiyaki, it is very interesting to see how each area of Japan has its own unique characteristics in terms of ingredients and methods of making okonomiyaki.

There are also variations in the way of eating okonomiyaki,

There are many ways to enjoy okonomiyaki, such as eating it on the street, enjoying it at a restaurant, or making it inside by adding your favorite ingredients.

In this issue, we will introduce basic information about okonomiyaki, its charms, recommended restaurants, and ways to enjoy okonomiyaki at home.

We hope you will find this information useful when you want to enjoy okonomiyaki!

Origin and roots of the name okonomiyaki

The name “okonomiyaki” was derived from the fact that it is made by adding ingredients of your choice (okonomiyaki).

The name spread as a result of the style of incorporating a variety of ingredients amidst the postwar demand for volume and nutritional value.

The origin of okonomiyaki dates back to the Azuchi-Momoyama period, and there is a theory that it was “fu no yaki” by Sen no Rikyu.

This was a tea snack made by kneading flour with water and sake, coating it with sansho (Japanese pepper) or sweet miso (soybean paste), and baking it.

Its roots can be traced back to tea cakes and dagashi, and during the postwar reconstruction period, it developed in its own unique way, especially in Hiroshima and Kansai areas.

Three Attractions of Okonomiyaki

Here is a summary of some of the attractions of Okonomi-yaki that I have found.

Abundant ingredients and customizability

Okonomiyaki is a fun dish that can be made to your liking by freely combining as many as 30 different ingredients.

In addition to the basic cabbage and pork, a wide variety of toppings are available, including seafood such as shrimp and squid, as well as cheese and kimchi.

This allows you to enjoy original flavors at home or when dining out, and the process of making as well as eating the dish can be a lot of fun.

Texture and aroma unique to teppan-yaki

The exquisite texture of “crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside” created by grilling on a teppan is a major attraction of okonomiyaki.

In addition, the fragrant aroma that wafts through the air during the grilling process is appetizing, and the flavor is enhanced by the addition of toppings such as special sauce, mayonnaise, aonori (green laver), and dried bonito flakes after the dish is finished.

Role as a communication tool

The process of making okonomiyaki together at home or with friends is one of the pleasures of the dish.

Sharing the process of preparing and cooking the ingredients provides an opportunity to strengthen bonds with family and friends.

In addition, the time spent eating the finished okonomiyaki around the table will remain in your mind as a special memory.

Recommended okonomiyaki restaurants

Here are some okonomiyaki restaurants I recommend, both national chain restaurants and independent stores.

How to enjoy okonomiyaki

To enjoy okonomiyaki to its fullest, try these tips:

✅ Create your own creativity by customizing ingredients

The most appealing feature of this dish is the freedom to combine any of about 30 different ingredients.
In addition to the basic cabbage and pork, seafood such as shrimp and squid, cheese and kimchi, and even healthy variations using yam and tofu are available.
The “seafood version” is particularly popular, with the savory flavor of the griddle enhancing the flavor of the ingredients.
The process of choosing ingredients with family and friends is a conversation starter, and the development of original recipes can be enjoyed.

✅ Experience teppan cooking performance

A unique feature of this program is the enjoyment of the cooking process using a teppan at home or in a restaurant.
While practicing the trick of cooking crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside, toppings such as sauce and mayonnaise are added as designed.
Especially at the “moment of cutting with the iron,” a savory aroma rises up and stimulates the appetite.
The restaurant allows visitors to observe the craftsmanship up close, making it an enjoyable performance as well.

✅ Express your individuality through variations in the way you eat

There are various styles of cutting and serving.

Typical eating styles:
– Grid cut: Kansai style, easy to eat with chopsticks
– Pizza cut: Kanto style with equal portions
– Directly from the griddle to the mouth (be careful of the heat)
– Folding: Easy to eat, yatai-style

In Hiroshima, the layers are eaten without breaking them up, while in Kansai, the mixture is cooked in a more vigorous manner.
In Hiroshima, the layers are eaten without breaking them up, while in Kansai, the mixture is cooked in a more vigorous manner.

You Can Enjoy Okonomiyaki Easily at Home!

Okonomiyaki can be enjoyed at food stalls and restaurants, but in fact, you can easily enjoy the okonomiyaki served by professionals at home!
Since it is also sold as a frozen food, you can simply heat it up in a microwave oven and enjoy it anytime.

If you want to enjoy hot, delicious okonomiyaki at home, try it!

1. Remove from the bag, cover with plastic wrap, and microwave at the specified wattage and time.
2. Pour the sauce or mayonnaise over the whole dish afterwards!

is good, please try it!

If you are interested, check out the following products on Amazon!

[Botejyu] Ganso Tonjyu, Frozen Okonomiyaki, Set of 3, Easy Cooked in the Stove, Authentic Osaka Flavor, Rich Sauce, Mayonnaise, Perfect for Liquor, Snacks (Recommended as a Gift)

Chibo Okonomiyaki (Pork Ball, Mochi Cheese, Scallion) / Takoyaki Set (H13)