Okonomiyaki: Hiroshima vs. Osaka Style – Which One is Better?

Okonomiyaki is a popular Japanese dish that consists of a savory pancake topped with various ingredients and sauces. The name literally means “grilled as you like it”, which reflects the versatility and customization of this dish. However, not all okonomiyaki are created equal. There are two major styles of okonomiyaki that have been competing for the hearts and stomachs of Japanese people for decades: Hiroshima-style and Osaka-style. In this blog post, we will dive into the heated debate between these two signature okonomiyaki styles, highlighting the variations in ingredients and cooking techniques. We will also give you some tips on where to find the best okonomiyaki in Japan and how to make your own at home.

What is Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki?

Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki is characterized by its layered structure and generous use of noodles. The base layer is a thin crepe-like batter that is cooked on a hot griddle. Then, shredded cabbage, bean sprouts, pork, and optional ingredients such as cheese, squid, or oysters are piled on top. The next layer is a generous serving of yakisoba or udon noodles, which are fried separately and then added to the stack. Finally, the whole thing is topped with a sweet and tangy sauce, mayonnaise, seaweed flakes, and bonito flakes. The result is a hearty and filling dish that can weigh up to 1 kg!

Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki was invented after World War II when food was scarce and people had to make do with whatever ingredients they could find. The noodles were added to increase the volume and calories of the dish, while the cabbage and bean sprouts provided some freshness and crunch. Today, Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki is a symbol of the city’s resilience and creativity and a source of pride for its residents.

What is Osaka-style okonomiyaki?

Osaka-style okonomiyaki is characterized by its mixed batter and simpler toppings. The batter is made of flour, water, eggs, and shredded cabbage, and sometimes contains other ingredients such as cheese, green onions, or octopus. The batter is mixed well and then poured onto a hot griddle, forming a thick and fluffy pancake. The pancake is then flipped over and cooked on both sides before being topped with a sweet and tangy sauce, mayonnaise, seaweed flakes, and bonito flakes. The result is a soft and moist dish that melts in your mouth.

Osaka-style okonomiyaki is said to have originated in the early 20th century when street vendors started selling a dish called “issenyaki”, which was a mixture of flour and water cooked on a griddle. Later, cabbage and other ingredients were added to the batter, and the dish evolved into what we know today as okonomiyaki. Osaka-style okonomiyaki is a staple of the city’s cuisine and a reflection of its playful and lively culture.

Which one is better?

The answer to this question depends on your personal preference and taste. Some people prefer the rich and complex flavors of Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki, while others enjoy the simple and light texture of Osaka-style okonomiyaki. Some people like to have both styles in one meal, while others stick to their favorite one. There is no right or wrong way to enjoy okonomiyaki, as long as you have fun and respect the traditions of each region.

Where to find the best okonomiyaki in Japan?

If you want to try authentic okonomiyaki in Japan, you should visit the cities where they originated: Hiroshima and Osaka. There are many restaurants and stalls that specialize in okonomiyaki, and you can even watch the chefs cook them in front of you. Some of the most famous places to eat okonomiyaki in Hiroshima are Okonomi-mura, a building that houses 24 okonomiyaki shops, and Hassho, a restaurant that claims to have invented the Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki. Some of the most famous places to eat okonomiyaki in Osaka are Mizuno, a Michelin-starred restaurant that has been serving okonomiyaki since 1945, and Chibo, a chain that has branches all over Japan and abroad.

How to make your own okonomiyaki at home?

If you want to make your own okonomiyaki at home, you will need some basic ingredients and tools. You will need flour, water, eggs, cabbage, pork, and noodles for the batter, and sauce, mayonnaise, seaweed flakes, and bonito flakes for the toppings. You will also need a large frying pan or a griddle, a spatula, and a brush. You can find most of these ingredients at Asian grocery stores or online.

To make Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki, follow these steps:

1. Make a thin batter by mixing flour and water in a bowl.
2. Heat some oil on a frying pan or a griddle over medium-high heat, and pour a ladleful of batter onto it, spreading it into a thin circle.
3. Place a handful of shredded cabbage, bean sprouts, and pork on top of the batter, and press them lightly with a spatula.
4. Cook for a few minutes, then flip the whole thing over carefully with a spatula.
5. In another pan, cook some yakisoba or udon noodles with some oil and salt, stirring occasionally.
6. When the noodles are done, place them on top of the cabbage layer, and flip the whole thing over again.
7. Brush some sauce and mayonnaise on the noodle layer, and sprinkle some seaweed flakes and bonito flakes on top.
8. Cut into pieces and serve hot.

To make Osaka-style okonomiyaki, follow these steps:

1. Make a thick batter by mixing flour, water, eggs, and shredded cabbage in a large bowl. You can also add cheese, green onions, or octopus to the batter if you like.
2. Heat some oil on a frying pan or a griddle over medium-high heat, and pour a ladleful of batter onto it, spreading it into a thick circle.
3. Place some pork slices on top of the batter, and press them lightly with a spatula.
4. Cook for a few minutes, then flip the whole thing over carefully with a spatula.
5. Cook for another few minutes, then flip it back over.
6. Brush some sauce and mayonnaise on the pancake, and sprinkle some seaweed flakes and bonito flakes on top.
7. Cut into pieces and serve hot.

Conclusion

Okonomiyaki is a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed in different ways. Whether you prefer Hiroshima-style, Osaka-style, or both, you can’t go wrong with this Japanese comfort food. Try it for yourself and see which one suits your palate better. And don’t forget to share your thoughts and opinions with us in the comments section below. Happy eating! We keep writing such niche content on our website, click here to check more of our blogs.

Check out the Rating of places on sites like Trip Advisor.