Hiroshima

A classic dish in Hiroshima is okonomiyaki (there’s also a version from Osaka). It started gaining traction before World War II and then became a staple among residents after the bombing as a cheap way to eat a filling meal. Today, it remains a popular meal, with restaurants around prefecture specializing in the dish. What is Hiroshima Okonomiyaki? Okonomiyaki is a savory pancake made of layers of ingredients, typically wheat batter, pork belly, cabbage, and yakisoba (noodles). Chefs have their own preferences for the order of these layers. Toppings can include green onions, bonito flakes, shrimp, octopus, egg, cheese, and chicken. The variety in ingredients means customers can tailor the meal to their own tastes — in fact, okonomi means “to one’s liking.” There are a couple key differences between Hiroshima and Osaka okonomiyaki. For instance, the Osaka style mixes rather than layers the ingredients and the Hiroshima style has three to four times the amount of cabbage. In the rest of the country, you’ll usually find Osaka style okonomiyaki — a major reason why it’s important to try okonomiyaki while you’re in Hiroshima! How to Eat It You’ll receive your okonomiyaki on a hot iron plate. You can eat…