Okonomiyaki master class

Okonomiyaki is my favourite Japanese food of all time. It’s generally described as Japanese pancake or omelette, but neither of these really does it justice. Most websites (such as this excellent one) refer by default to the inferior Osaka variation where they chuck all the ingredients in with the batter (ugh), as opposed to the Hiroshima version which as we all know is the only proper way to enjoy this marvellous dish. So in the interests of journalistic balance and completeness I hereby present the okonomiyaki masterclass, coming to you from a tiny shop just near Mihara station.

First you make a batter pancake. Note that it’s really thin; in fact this particular place makes them so thin as to be almost non-existent. Then you chuck the soba noodles straight on top of the pancake (they don’t even add the soba up in Osaka, poor things).

Now add a mountain of shredded cabbage on top. (FACT: Kids love okonimiyaki despite the fact that it’s full of cabbage.)

Next, put some crunchy things on top of the cabbage. This place uses bits of cooked tempura batter (which look to all the world like Rice Bubbles) and crispy fried squid things.

After this comes the meat (usually bacon or pork), or bits of octopus, prawn, squid,  mochi (rice cakes — only for the super-hungry) or whatever else you’ve ordered.

Add a bit more batter on top. After all, that first pancake was pretty thin.

But why put more batter on top? Because now you’re going to flip it over again and again to make it flatter, like this:

The egg is optional. You can also have cheese should you require an extra protein boost.

Chuck a whole lot of chopped spring onions on the egg, or for those not having egg, on top of the pancake.

Now slather the whole thing with thick brown Okonimiyaki sauce. Dunno what’s in it but it sure tastes good.

Sprinkle liberally with the eleven secret herbs and spices known only to the chef and not to be revealed on pain of death by disembowelment:

As the final piece of resistance, add mayonnaise (optional but highly recommended).

See how the kiddies love it.

Of course you can buy all these ingredients down the supermarket, including the batter pre-mix (just add water) and the special sauce, although perhaps not the secret herbs and spices. You can cook it up in the comfort of your own home—but at about $20 for a family of four, why would you?

Not only is okonomiyaki cheap and filling, I like to think that it’s also quite a healthy balanced meal, in the same way that pizza is a healthy balanced meal: carbs, protein, fresh chopped vegies, what more could you want?