Have you ever heard of Okonomiyaki, and how does it differ from Takoyaki and Monjayaki?
I first encountered this authentic Japanese dish during my 13-day backpacking trip across Japan.
I originally learned about Okonomiyaki from the anime and manga series Ranma, created by Rumiko Takahashi. In the series, a character named Ukyo Kuonji, who is engaged to Ranma, is a skilled Okonomiyaki maker.
The portrayal of Okonomiyaki in the series might be a bit exaggerated!
What is Okonomiyaki? Is It Worth Trying?
Okonomiyaki (お好み焼き) is a Japanese dish made from a batter of flour mixed with water or dashi, combined with cabbage, eggs, seafood, or meat (usually pork, but sometimes beef). This mixture is then cooked on a flat grill known as a *teppan.
It’s typically served with various toppings like mayonnaise, Okonomiyaki sauce, bonito flakes, and nori.
Okonomiyaki is a popular Japanese dish that has gained international recognition.
During my recent trip to Japan, I was eager to try Okonomiyaki, inspired by an anime film. Initially, I was hesitant because some types contain pork, which I avoid due to dietary restrictions.
To ensure I could enjoy this Japanese specialty, I carefully chose versions made with alternatives like eggs and seafood.
Unfortunately, almost all Japanese restaurants use Kanji characters, which I can’t read well. So, I looked for popular tourist-friendly restaurants where menus were clearly written in Roman characters.
My First Taste of Okonomiyaki at a Mall Near Odaiba
After a few attempts, I finally found a restaurant with a menu written in Roman characters. This restaurant was located in DiverCity Tokyo Plaza, near the life-sized Gundam replica.
While the location inside a mall wasn’t particularly unique, it was the only place where I could easily understand the menu.
I quickly scanned the menu, looking for items labeled “egg” or “tamago” to avoid dishes containing pork. I was able to find a mouth-watering Okonomiyaki option, confirming it was pork-free.
Tasting One of the Many Flavor Variations
Although the mall was bustling, it didn’t take long for me to receive my egg Okonomiyaki as ordered. The service was impressively quick, though I kind of wished it had taken a bit longer so I could document the cooking process.
I had to settle for snapping photos of the lively kitchen atmosphere and a few dishes being prepared on the teppan. In just a few minutes, my Okonomiyaki was ready to enjoy.
Once my order arrived, my excitement to taste it overtook my urge to capture the cooking process.
But… where should I sit? There wasn’t a single empty seat in sight!
I ended up sharing a spot and trying to strike up a conversation with a Japanese girl next to me.
How Did the Okonomiyaki Delight My Taste Buds?
Okonomiyaki is a Japanese dish that truly captivated my taste buds. Made from a batter of flour mixed with water or dashi, combined with vegetables like cabbage and other ingredients such as eggs, meat, or seafood, this dish is cooked on a flat grill called a teppan.
The delicious aroma of Okonomiyaki filled the air even before I took my first bite. As I cut into it, the savory scent of the ingredients made my stomach growl with anticipation.
The taste was incredible, with the rich flavors of the batter and seasonings, complemented by the vegetables and meat. What fascinated me most was the cooking process.
Watching the chefs skillfully mix the ingredients and cook the dish right in front of me was a joy. I also appreciated Okonomiyaki’s customizable nature, allowing for ingredients like shrimp, squid, cheese, or other vegetables to be added.
Overall, Okonomiyaki offers an extraordinary culinary experience with its flavor, aroma, and preparation process. For anyone seeking an authentic Japanese dining experience, Okonomiyaki is a must-try.
Understanding the Differences Between Monjayaki, Okonomiyaki, and Takoyaki: Three Japanese Snacks That Will Tempt Your Taste Buds
Japan is renowned for its delicious cuisine, and two of the most popular snacks in Indonesia are Okonomiyaki and Takoyaki.
Takoyaki is made from a flour and water batter mixed with pieces of octopus and other ingredients, then cooked in a special mold.
Okonomiyaki, on the other hand, consists of a batter made with flour and dashi, mixed with shredded cabbage, beaten eggs, and a variety of fillings like meat, seafood, and vegetables.
Here’s a comparison of Monjayaki, Okonomiyaki, and Takoyaki:
What is Monjayaki?
Originating from Tokyo, Monjayaki has a thinner batter than Okonomiyaki. The batter is mixed with sauce and soy sauce before grilling, resulting in a unique flavor.
Originally popular in downtown Tokyo candy shops, Monjayaki is now commonly found in dedicated Monjayaki restaurants and sometimes in places that also serve Okonomiyaki.
The cooking process for Monjayaki is distinctive: the batter, mixed with ingredients like cabbage, green onions, shrimp, squid, and meat, is spread thinly on a flat grill with a hole in the center for pouring in the sauce and soy sauce.
Monjayaki has a softer, more liquid texture than Okonomiyaki and offers a more intense flavor.
What is Okonomiyaki?
There are several versions of Okonomiyaki in Japan. Kansai-style Okonomiyaki mixes ingredients like cabbage, noodles, vegetables, meat, and fish into a batter of flour and water, which is then grilled by the restaurant.
Hiroshima-style Okonomiyaki layers the ingredients one by one on a thin flour and water batter, also grilled on a flat skillet.
Some restaurants also offer the option to grill the Okonomiyaki yourself, adding a fun cooking experience alongside the delicious taste.
What is Takoyaki?
Takoyaki, a specialty from Osaka, consists of batter balls filled with pieces of octopus measuring 3-5 cm. Popular additional ingredients include tempura scraps, green onions, and pickled ginger.
The outside of Takoyaki is crispy due to being cooked in a special mold, while the inside remains soft and thick like Monjayaki.
Takoyaki is typically topped with sauce, seaweed, and dried bonito flakes, and some vendors add mayonnaise. It is a popular snack or appetizer.
If you want to try making Takoyaki yourself, you can search for recipes online or learn from experts in Japan.
Can’t Go to Japan? How About Trying to Make Okonomiyaki at Home with This Recipe?
Okonomiyaki is a Japanese dish that can be easily made at home. Here’s how:
Ingredients:
– 1 cup flour
– 1/2 cup chicken broth or dashi
– 1 cup finely shredded cabbage
– 2 tablespoons tenkasu (tempura scraps)
– 1 egg
– 1/4 cup chopped shrimp or chicken
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 2 tablespoons Okonomiyaki sauce
– 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
– Thinly sliced green onions for garnish
– Thinly sliced nori for garnish
– Beni shoga (pickled red ginger) as a side
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, mix the flour and chicken broth/dashi until well combined.
2. Add the shredded cabbage and tenkasu to the bowl.
3. Crack the egg into the bowl and stir until everything is well mixed.
4. Add the shrimp or chicken and mix thoroughly.
5. Heat the vegetable oil in a flat skillet, ensuring the skillet is hot.
6. Pour the batter into the skillet and spread it evenly with a spatula. Cook for about 4-5 minutes or until golden brown.
7. Use the spatula to flip the Okonomiyaki and cook for another 4-5 minutes until browned.
8. Drizzle with Okonomiyaki sauce and mayonnaise.
9. Garnish with green onions, nori, and beni shoga.
10. Serve and enjoy!
This easy recipe allows you to enjoy Okonomiyaki at home, and you can add other ingredients like corn, cheese, or chicken for variety. Happy cooking!