OKONOMIYAKI

Gather around boys and girls it's time I explain the meaning of my blogs name Okonomiyaki: Life in Japan.
If you've read the short explanation at the top of the page you can see that I mentioned Okonomiyaki as possibly being my favorite of Japanese foods. I then told you to Google it which I am almost certain you didn't so now I will explain the awesomeness that is Okonomiyaki.


Okonomiyaki also occasionally called "Japanese pizza" is a Japanese savoury pancake containing a variety of ingredients. The name is derived from the word okonomi, meaning "what you like" or "what you want", and yaki meaning "grilled" or "cooked" (cf. yakitori and yakisoba). (stolen directly from Wikipedia)
It is usually associated and most famous in the Hiroshima and Kansai areas of Japan but you can find it throughout the country and other areas may even have their own take on it. In general after entering an Okonomiyaki restaurant you're gonna wanna decide if you want Hiroshima style or Kansai style. The big difference between these two is that Hiroshima style has Yakisoba (fried noodles) inside of it. Personally I prefer the Hiroshima style. That being said the Hiroshima style is also harder to cook if you are thinking about doing it yourself which is common. You can buy Okonomiyaki kits in the stores that include most of the ingredients needed. On top of Okonomiyaki is usually a sweet sauce often used for both Okonomiyaki and its close of kin Takoyaki, mayonnaise, and fish flakes.

Here's a Kansai style loaded with toppings.

This Hiroshima style is known for its fried noodles inside.

A big part of Okonomiyaki is egg and thus the taste of egg is one of the most prevalent. The sauce is also quite important and tasty. As well as making it at home or having it cooked for you in a restaurant you can also go to a restaurant and have the ingredients prepared for you and then you cook and eat it on a large table with a built in stove. While there is a little bit of an art to cooking it including flipping it I find doing it yourself is the most enjoyable way especially if you are with friends.

Enjoying with friends in Yokohama.

Watching Hiroshima style being prepared in Hiroshima.

Hiroshima style cooking.

So there you have it. If you are interesting in making it yourselves you can find many videos on YouTube showing you easy methods for doing so. Whether you do it yourself or go to a shop I highly suggest giving it a chance while in Japan. I tried it for the first time in summer of 2009 and never looked back.

Okonomiyaki inspires nations to rise above oppression or at least inspired a title for my blog.