Tag: Okonomiyaki

Okonomiyaki is well-known as the local cuisine of Hiroshima and Osaka, but it is also a food that is familiar to many Japanese people, with local flavors existing throughout Japan. As the name “okonomiyaki” implies, it is very easy to prepare using only a few ingredients. The common ingredient is plenty of cabbage. Pork and eggs are also used. There are many other combinations and types of okonomiyaki, such as using udon or yakisoba noodles, or seafood such as shrimp or squid. The origin of okonomiyaki is said to be as old as the late 1500s. The ingredients were gradually changed, and after World War II, okonomiyaki became a hearty and luxurious dish topped with vegetables, meat, seafood, and other ingredients, and it spread from being a snack for children to being eaten by adults as well. Okonomiyaki dough is made of flour, and cabbage, eggs, pork, and other ingredients are added to provide carbohydrates and protein, as well as vitamins since plenty of vegetables are also used. This allows for a healthy, nutritionally balanced meal in a single meal. By changing the ingredients used and the size of the grill, this dish can be enjoyed by people of all ages, from small children to the elderly. At some restaurants, you can grill it yourself at a table with a griddle. At home, you can also use a hot plate and enjoy the aromatic smell of the food as it sizzles in front of your eyes. The dish is finished with sweet and spicy sauce, but it tastes even better with mayonnaise, aonori (green laver), or bonito flakes, if you like.