Okonomiyaki, often referred to as “Japanese savory pancakes,” is a beloved street food that originated in the Kansai region but has gained widespread popularity throughout Japan, including Tokyo. The name “okonomiyaki” translates to “grilled as you like it,” reflecting the dish’s customizable nature. A batter of flour, eggs, shredded cabbage, and dashi is cooked on a hot griddle, with various toppings such as thinly sliced pork belly, shrimp, squid, or octopus added to the mix. Once cooked, the okonomiyaki is drizzled with a savory-sweet sauce, mayonnaise, bonito flakes, and dried seaweed powder. In Tokyo, visitors can enjoy okonomiyaki in both traditional restaurants and modern izakayas, where the dish is often cooked on a hot grill built into the table, allowing diners to customize their creations to their liking. Okonomiyaki is not just a delicious meal; it’s a communal dining experience that brings friends and family together to bond over shared culinary delights.
