Okonomiyaki

What's Okonomiyaki?

Okonomiyaki is one of Japan’s most beloved comfort foods, often referred to as a Japanese-style savory pancake. The name "okonomiyaki" translates to "grill as you like it," which reflects the versatility and variety of ingredients that can be used to create this dish. Originating from the Kansai region, particularly Osaka, okonomiyaki has evolved over the years and now comes in several regional styles, each with its own unique characteristics. Here’s a closer look at the different types of okonomiyaki, their flavors, and prices.

Types of Okonomiyaki

1. Osaka (Kansai)-Style Okonomiyaki:
The most popular and widely known version of okonomiyaki comes from Osaka. In this style, the batter is made from flour, eggs, grated yam (nagaimo), water or dashi (Japanese soup stock), and shredded cabbage. Ingredients like pork, shrimp, squid, or octopus are mixed into the batter and then grilled on a hotplate. Once cooked, it's topped with a variety of sauces and condiments such as okonomiyaki sauce (a sweet and savory sauce similar to Worcestershire sauce), Japanese mayonnaise, bonito flakes (katsuobushi), and dried seaweed (aonori).
The defining feature of Osaka-style okonomiyaki is that the ingredients are mixed together in the batter before cooking. This gives it a consistent texture and a savory, slightly crispy exterior with a soft, fluffy interior.

2. Hiroshima-Style Okonomiyaki:
Another well-known style comes from Hiroshima. The key difference in this version is that the ingredients are layered rather than mixed. First, a thin layer of batter is poured onto the grill, and then toppings such as cabbage, pork, seafood, and bean sprouts are stacked on top. Unlike the Osaka version, noodles (either yakisoba or udon) are often added as an extra layer in Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki. Once the layers are cooked, an egg is cracked on top, and the dish is flipped over to finish cooking.
The result is a heartier, more complex dish with a variety of textures, from the soft noodles to the crunchy cabbage. Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki is often larger and more filling than its Osaka counterpart.

3. Modan-yaki:
A fusion of okonomiyaki and yakisoba (fried noodles), modan-yaki is often associated with Osaka but can be found throughout Japan. In this version, a layer of yakisoba noodles is placed underneath or inside the okonomiyaki batter, adding an extra chewy and savory component. The noodles are typically stir-fried with a rich sauce before being combined with the pancake, making this dish even more filling and satisfying.

4. Negiyaki:
Negiyaki is a variation of okonomiyaki that uses a large amount of green onions (negi) instead of cabbage. This dish is thinner and lighter compared to traditional okonomiyaki, with a more pronounced onion flavor. It is usually seasoned with soy sauce rather than the sweeter okonomiyaki sauce, giving it a more savory and sharp taste. Negiyaki is popular in the Kansai region, especially in Osaka.

Flavor of Okonomiyaki

Okonomiyaki offers a delicious balance of flavors, making it a beloved comfort food across Japan. The base flavor comes from the batter, which is savory and often enhanced by the umami-rich dashi (soup stock). Cabbage adds sweetness and texture, while proteins like pork, shrimp, or squid contribute their own unique flavors.

・Osaka-style okonomiyaki:
It tends to be lighter and fluffier, with a crispy outer layer and soft interior. The okonomiyaki sauce provides a sweet, tangy, and slightly salty flavor, which is balanced by the creamy richness of the mayonnaise. Toppings like dried bonito flakes (katsuobushi) add a smoky umami punch, while aonori (dried seaweed) enhances the overall flavor with its fresh, briny taste.
・Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki:
Due to its layered construction and the addition of noodles, has a more varied texture, with crunchy cabbage and tender noodles. The layering allows each ingredient to stand out, making the experience of eating Hiroshima okonomiyaki more complex in terms of both flavor and texture.
・Modan-yaki:
It has a rich, savory flavor due to the combination of okonomiyaki batter and stir-fried noodles. The noodles add a chewy texture and soak up the sauce, making the dish particularly flavorful and satisfying.
・Negiyaki:
Negiyaki, with its strong green onion flavor, offers a sharper, more savory taste. The use of soy sauce instead of okonomiyaki sauce results in a less sweet, more umami-heavy experience, ideal for those who prefer a more savory pancake.

Pricing of Okonomiyaki

The price of okonomiyaki can vary depending on the ingredients, location, and restaurant. However, it’s generally an affordable dish enjoyed by people from all walks of life.

・In Casual Restaurants or Okonomiyaki Specialty Shops:
A basic okonomiyaki with pork or seafood usually costs between ¥700–¥1,500 (approximately $5–$12) depending on the location. If additional toppings such as cheese, mochi, or extra seafood are added, the price may increase slightly, ranging from ¥1,500–¥2,000 ($12–$16). In tourist areas or well-known okonomiyaki restaurants, prices can go higher, especially for premium or larger portions.
・Hiroshima-style Okonomiyaki:
Due to the additional ingredients and size, Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki can be slightly more expensive, ranging from ¥1,000–¥2,000 ($8–$16). The inclusion of noodles and multiple layers makes it more filling, justifying the higher price.
・Street Food and Festivals:
Okonomiyaki is also popular as street food at festivals or outdoor events, where smaller, simpler versions may be sold. Prices here can range from ¥500–¥1,000 ($4–$8), offering an affordable and convenient option for enjoying the dish.
・At DIY Okonomiyaki Restaurants:
In some restaurants, diners are provided with the ingredients and cook their own okonomiyaki on a grill at the table. The price for these experiences can range from ¥1,000–¥2,500 ($8–$20) per person, depending on the variety and quantity of ingredients you choose to include.