Okonomiyaki
Tokyo, Japan
Okonomiyaki is a savory Japanese pancake made from batter and cabbage with additional ingredients such as pork, seafood or vegetables, then cooked on a hot griddle and finished with savory sauce, mayonnaise, seaweed and bonito flakes. The exact combination varies, which is part of the dish's appeal.
Tokyo has its own style of okonomiyaki, generally associated with a thinner batter than the Hiroshima style and often cooked in a restaurant where diners can watch or participate in the preparation. It is social, filling food that works particularly well when shared.
Why locals eat it
Okonomiyaki became popular as an affordable and adaptable urban food, and Tokyo developed its own version alongside other regional styles. Its name is often translated loosely as "what you like, grilled," reflecting the flexibility of its ingredients.
Local tip
Don't assume every okonomiyaki is the same. If you're in Tokyo, ask whether the restaurant serves the local style and let the staff guide you if you're unsure how to cook or cut it.
Typically made with
cabbage, flour batter, pork belly, okonomi sauce, bonito flakes. Recipes vary — always check with the vendor if you have allergies.