okonomiyaki

Okonomiyaki is a Japanese savory pancake prepared with a flour-based batter, shredded cabbage, and a variety of ingredients chosen according to taste. The name combines okonomi, meaning “what you like” or “as you like it,” with yaki, meaning “grilled” or “cooked.” The dish is associated with the Kansai region, particularly Osaka, and has become a popular street food and casual meal nationwide.

A typical batter consists of flour, water or dashi, eggs, and sometimes grated yam or nagaimo to improve binding. Cabbage is the primary vegetable, with proteins such as sliced pork, shrimp, octopus, or squid, plus optional additions like green onions, tenkasu, or pickled ginger. The mixture is poured onto a hot griddle and cooked until firm, then flipped to crisp the other side.

In Osaka-style okonomiyaki, the ingredients are mixed into the batter before cooking. After cooking, it is brushed with a savory sauce and finished with Japanese mayonnaise, aonori seaweed, and bonito flakes.

In Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki, batter is spread to form a thin layer, then cabbage, bean sprouts, and pork are layered on top, with noodles added in the middle. The stack is flipped and cooked on a teppan; sauces and toppings are applied after cooking.

Okonomiyaki is commonly prepared at specialty restaurants and street stalls. Toppings and fillings vary by region and personal preference, reflecting the dish’s name: cook it as you like.