Okonomiyaki

Okonomiyaki is a Japanese savoury pancake containing a variety of ingredients. The name is derived from the word okonomi, meaning “how you like” or “what you like”, and yaki meaning “grill.”  Okonomiyaki is mainly associated with the Kansai or Hiroshima areas of Japan, but is widely available throughout the country. Toppings and batters tend to vary according to region. 

There are only a few, basic ingredients: chopped cabbage, egg and flour. Traditionally, flour made from a root vegetable called “yamaimo” (the literal translation is mountain potato, but it is not a potato) was used, however more and more wheat flour is being used as it is becoming more and more common and plentiful in Japan. After these basic ingredients, as the name implies, anything can and is added. Some common added ingredients are pork, beef, shrimp and squid to name just a few. There are also a few condiments that are added to the top of the okonomiyaki to finish it off. The main condiment is the okonomiyaki sauce which is a soy-based sauce. Other condiments include Japanese mayonnaise, katsuo (dried and pickled bonito flakes) and dried green seaweed.

Some will prepare the okonomiyaki at a grill in the kitchen, some will prepare the okonomiyaki at a grill built into your table and some will even allow you to prepare it yourself if you would like.


Donguri

Almost every ingredient in Donguri’s okonomiyaki recipe is from Kyoto, from Kyoto flour and rice to Kyoto vegetables and Kujo green onions. Even soy sauce and tofu are carefully selected from local manufacturers. Donguri allows diners to enjoy okonomiyaki in a restaurant setting rather than in a conventional street stall.

http://www.kyoto-donguri.co.jp/shop/index.html


Nishiki Warai

There are few foods more fun to eat than okonomiyaki and Nishiki Warai is a great place to enjoy this treat.

http://www.nishikiwarai.com/tenpo/kyoto/k_01.htm


Issen Yosyoku Kyoto

When it comes to Kyoto style okonomiyaki, Issen Yosyoku Kyoto would pop up in most Japanese’s minds. Located in the heart of Gion, Issen Yosyoku Kyoto prepares okonomiyaki with Worcestershire sauce and chopped kujo onions. It brings out the old nostalgic taste of Japanese street food.  Despite the long queue it is worth the wait.

http://www.issen-yosyoku.co.jp/


Okonomiyaki Kiraku

Okonomiyaki Kiraku, next to Kiyomizu-dera temple, is a good place to take a rest after touring temples and shrines. It serves delicious okonomiyaki at affordable and reasonable prices. Okonomiyaki with different meat, including chicken and beef, is the best choice at Kiraku. It also offers snacks like fried noodles and squid. As it is usually not crowded and the chefs are friendly and welcoming, Okonomiyaki Kiraku provides a perfect dining experience in a great atmosphere.

Address: 208 Nakanochō, Sanjō-Shirakawa, Kyoto

Kyoto Tanto

A local favorite, next to Tatsumi Shrine in Gion, along Shirakawa. 

For a reasonable price and great atmosphere, this small traditional Japanese restaurant serves good size portions of okonomiyaki, yaki udon and teppanyaki.

Cooks prepare your dishes which are then transferred to a hot grill in front of you.

http://www.gion-tanto.com/