Okonomiyaki is a pancake-like batter with meat and vegetables, born in Osaka and now eaten across Japan.
However you like it
The name comes from an expression meaning “however you like it” — Japan's version of have-it-your-way. That is the whole idea of the dish: the batter is a base, and what goes in it is up to whoever is cooking.
A long history
It goes back to the Samurai era, and was called funoyaki during Buddhist ceremonies in the Edo period. After the Second World War it spread as a cheap and filling meal at a time when food was scarce. Today it sits alongside ramen and takoyaki as one of Japan's best-known street foods.
Osaka and Hiroshima
In Osaka the ingredients are mixed through the batter. In Hiroshima the batter is thinner and more crepe-like, the ingredients are layered rather than mixed, and yakisoba usually goes on top.
How it is made
Cabbage, scallions, egg, flour and sesame oil, with pork or shrimp if you want it, cooked on a griddle until golden. Then mayonnaise, okonomiyaki sauce, scallions, bonito flakes and pickled ginger over the top.
Ask for it. It is on the secret menu.