Osaka-style Okonomiyaki
Okonomiyaki, often called "Japanese pizza" or "Japanese pancake," is a savory dish that literally means "grilled as you like it." The Osaka-style version mixes all ingredients into the batter before cooking, unlike Hiroshima-style which layers ingredients.
Key Ingredients
- Flour batter
- Shredded cabbage
- Eggs
- Tenkasu (tempura scraps)
- Your choice of meat (pork belly is most common) or seafood
- Topped with okonomiyaki sauce, mayonnaise, aonori (seaweed flakes), and katsuobushi (bonito flakes)
Best Okonomiyaki Restaurants in Osaka
- Mizuno - Michelin-recommended since 2016
- Chibo - High-end okonomiyaki chain
- Ajino-Tekkyu - Famous for their "Modern-yaki"
- Okonomiyaki Kiji - Popular with locals
How to Enjoy Okonomiyaki
Many restaurants have teppan (iron griddle) tables where you can either cook it yourself or watch the chef prepare it:
- Mix the batter and ingredients (or let the chef do it)
- Cook on both sides until golden brown
- Add toppings and sauces
- Use the small spatula to cut portions
- Enjoy straight from the griddle for the best experience