Okonomiyaki is a beloved Japanese comfort food, often described as a savory pancake, made with a base of flour, eggs, and finely chopped cabbage. It’s a dish that allows you to add almost anything you like—from meat and seafood to vegetables—making each one a unique creation. Originating in the Kansai and Hiroshima regions, okonomiyaki is now a nationwide favorite. Tokyo offers numerous spots where you can savor this delicious dish, whether you prefer to cook it yourself or have it expertly prepared for you.
What is Okonomiyaki? A Japanese Comfort Food
Okonomiyaki translates to “grilled as you like it,” and this flexibility is at the heart of the dish. The base ingredients typically include flour, eggs, cabbage, and a mix of toppings such as pork belly, seafood, or cheese. These ingredients are combined to create a thick batter, which is then grilled on a hot plate and topped with okonomiyaki sauce, mayonnaise, bonito flakes, and seaweed. Each bite offers a mix of textures and flavors that keep people coming back for more.
In Tokyo, you can find okonomiyaki in dedicated restaurants, izakayas (Japanese pubs), and even festivals. While Tokyo is known for other local favorites like monjayaki, the city has embraced okonomiyaki, and you’ll find it available across the capital.
The History of Okonomiyaki: From Street Food to Popular Dish
Okonomiyaki has humble beginnings as a street food during Japan’s post-war period. It was an affordable and nutritious meal, often made from simple ingredients available at the time. As its popularity grew, regional styles began to emerge.
Kansai (Osaka) Style okonomiyaki became the standard, where all the ingredients are mixed together in the batter and then cooked on a hotplate. Meanwhile, Hiroshima Style kept the layers separate, with noodles like yakisoba or udon added for extra heartiness. Both styles have become well-loved throughout Japan and can be found in various Tokyo restaurants today.
Hiroshima Style vs. Kansai Style: The Key Differences
If you’re new to okonomiyaki, it’s important to understand the key differences between the two most popular styles:
- Kansai Style: The batter, vegetables, and toppings are mixed together, giving it a more uniform texture. It’s soft, savory, and often includes pork belly, squid, or other ingredients. This style is fluffier and easier to customize.
- Hiroshima Style: Instead of mixing all the ingredients, the batter is spread thinly on the grill, and ingredients like cabbage, pork, and noodles are added in layers. The end result is more structured, with the distinct layers offering different textures in every bite.
Both styles have their own loyal followings, and in Tokyo, you’ll have no trouble finding places that serve both.
How to Enjoy Okonomiyaki: Tips for Cooking and Toppings
One of the joys of eating okonomiyaki is the interactive experience, especially at restaurants where you cook the pancake yourself. Here are some tips for getting the best out of your okonomiyaki:
- Grilling the batter: When cooking your own okonomiyaki, make sure to spread the batter evenly on the grill and allow it to cook thoroughly before flipping. Wait for the surface to brown and the edges to crisp.
- Toppings: Experiment with various toppings. Common choices include okonomiyaki sauce, Japanese mayonnaise, bonito flakes (which dance with the heat), and seaweed flakes. Some restaurants even offer cheese, mochi, or kimchi as additional toppings.
- Sauces: The sauce is one of the most crucial parts. Okonomiyaki sauce is typically sweet and savory, similar to Worcestershire sauce but thicker. Combine it with Japanese mayo for a delicious contrast.
In Tokyo, many restaurants allow you to cook your own okonomiyaki on the table’s built-in grill, which adds to the fun of dining out.
Best Okonomiyaki Restaurants in Tokyo: Where to Get the Perfect Pancake
While Kansai and Hiroshima may be the homes of okonomiyaki, Tokyo offers plenty of great places to enjoy this dish. Whether you’re looking for a casual spot to cook your own or a top-rated establishment, Tokyo has options to suit every taste.
- Asakusa Tsurujirou (Asakusa): Known for its cozy ambiance and exceptional okonomiyaki, this spot in Asakusa draws both locals and tourists alike. They offer a wide variety of toppings, and their soft, fluffy okonomiyaki is well worth the visit. You can either cook the pancake yourself or leave it to the professionals.
Visit Asakusa Tsurujirou - Sakura Tei (Harajuku): This Harajuku favorite offers a colorful, art-gallery-inspired environment where you can cook your own okonomiyaki. Known for its creative atmosphere, Sakura Tei is an excellent choice for those looking to enjoy a fun meal in a lively setting. Their menu includes traditional okonomiyaki as well as unique twists, like adding avocado or kimchi.
Visit Sakura Tei - Okonomiyaki Kiji (Tokyo Station): A famous name from Osaka, Kiji’s Tokyo branch, located near Tokyo Station, serves some of the best okonomiyaki in the city. Their Kansai-style okonomiyaki is a must-try, with perfectly crisp edges and fluffy insides. Be prepared to wait during peak hours, as this place is always in high demand.
Visit Okonomiyaki Kiji - Denko Sekka (Shinjuku): For fans of Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki, Denko Sekka offers a perfect example of this layered dish. Known for its generous portions of cabbage and noodles, Denko Sekka’s okonomiyaki is as filling as it is delicious. Located in Shinjuku, this is an ideal spot for a satisfying meal after a day of shopping or sightseeing.
Visit Denko Sekka - Botejyu (Shibuya and multiple locations): One of Japan’s most famous okonomiyaki chains, Botejyu serves Kansai-style okonomiyaki across several locations in Tokyo. With consistently high quality and a reliable menu, Botejyu is a safe bet for anyone looking to try authentic okonomiyaki in Tokyo.
Visit Botejyu
Tokyo’s okonomiyaki scene is diverse, offering traditional and innovative styles that capture the essence of this beloved dish. Whether you prefer Kansai or Hiroshima style, or you want to experiment with toppings, you’re sure to find an okonomiyaki experience that satisfies your cravings.
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