Okonomiyaki is a delicious grilled pancake that resembles an omelet. This classic Japanese cuisine may be prepared with a variety of ingredients and tastes, and there are several regional variations. Osaka and the Kansai area are well-known for their Okonomiyaki, but Tokyo boasts a few standouts as well. Let’s follow us to find out the best Okonomiyaki in Tokyo right now!
How to Eat Okonomiyaki in Tokyo
The “Okonomi” in “Okonomiyaki” refers to more than simply the ingredients! When it comes to eating okonomiyaki, there is also a lot of variety. I’ll go over some of the frequent decisions you might have to make when dining Okonomiyaki in Japan, but my recommendation is to relax: I’ve never gone to an okonomiyaki place that wasn’t welcoming and relaxed. After all, okonomiyaki is a form of comfort meal, so don’t be afraid to inquire and do what seems right for you.
The most crucial decision you may have to make is whether to prepare the okonomiyaki yourself or have it done for you at the restaurant. You frequently have the choice to get bowls of batter and toppings that you may cook yourself on a grill at Kansai-style eateries because of their relatively straightforward cooking method.
Though it may be a lot of fun, if you’ve never had okonomiyaki, I suggest having one prepared for you first so you can get a sense of how it should taste and seem. Ask the staff for assistance if a bowl of ingredients shows up at your table and you aren’t sure what to do with it.
Top 6 Best Okonomiyaki in Tokyo
Monja Oshio Makoto
Monja Oshio Makoto is the sixth location of the renowned Oshio Monjayaki restaurant franchise in Tsukishima. This restaurant takes pride in its slow-cooked broth recipe, which has been utilized for over 30 years. If you like spicy cuisine, try the [Tantan] (1,200 JPY), a former favorite recreated only at the Makoto branch.
This is a crowd-pleaser thanks to a substantial amount of thick noodles, minced pork, and a spicy kick. Wide windows and lots of natural light make this cozy, unassuming eatery a terrific place for a leisurely meal. In addition, a variety of sides and vegetables are offered here, along with okonomiyaki.
Naniwa: Best Okonomiyaki in Tokyo
Naniwa is well-known for its Osaka-style Japanese food and takoyaki (beaten up octopus balls) and has a large following. This restaurant offers a broad variety of tastes from which to pick. The environment is relaxed and welcoming. Naniwa is only available at night and is located in Tokyo’s Nerima neighborhood.
Okonomiyaki Monjayaki Asakusa Tsurujiro
Suzume no Oyado
Come for the okonomiyaki, but stay for the vibe. Suzume no Oyado was previously a geisha home or okiya, and many of its original elements have been preserved. This is a teppanyaki eatery with grills at the tables with seating options in both conventional Japanese and Western styles. They also offer Monja, a form of liquid okonomiyaki popular in Tokyo.
Iroha Main Store
Iroha, which opened in 1955, is an Okonomiyaki & Monjayaki restaurant in Tsukishima, Tokyo, which is claimed to be the origin of Monjayaki. Look no further if you want to sample this Tokyo-style okonomiyaki! This wonderfully retro-styled restaurant has cozy booth tables and smoked extraction fans, which help to keep your clothing from smelling like meat after you leave. Local Tsukishima artisan beer is also accessible here, allowing you to elevate the local mood.
Katana
Katana is located in Tokyo’s Marunouchi Building, and as you go in, you will be greeted instantly by their cheerful personnel. The employees at this restaurant will cook your okonomiyaki to perfection. There are a lot of repeat customers who can’t enjoy enough of the Okonomiyakis here. Because it is in such an accessible location, you should attempt to make your trip here to enjoy their okonomiyaki.
Ordering Okonomiyaki
There are several ways to modify Okonomiyaki, but if you’re consuming it for the very first time in Japan, you may think, “Just tell me what’s nice!” If you’re not sure what to get, I recommend the original pork and eggs Kansai style okonomiyaki or the pork, egg, and soba Nagasaki style okonomiyaki. After all, they are regarded as the benchmark for a reason.
Of course, not everybody likes pork and eggs, so feel free to modify or try another alternative if that isn’t your thing. The majority of okonomiyaki dough is seasoned with dashi, a stock often prepared with bonito, so if you don’t consume fish for whatever reason, be aware of this fact. Nowadays, some restaurants will make a vegetarian batter, but if you have allergies or dietary requirements, it’s important to inquire in advance.
The vocabulary used just in relation to okonomiyaki on menus is another element that might confuse beginners. Even on a translated menu, the letter “W” might be a perplexing phrase. In Japanese, the letter “W” can be used to abbreviate the word “double,” and in okonomiyaki restaurants serving the Hiroshima style, this signifies two servings of noodles.
Conclusion
From the list of eateries above, we hope you’ll enjoy discovering and cooking your ideal okonomiyaki. Most okonomiyaki places allow you to freely combine and contrast the materials that go into your okonomiyaki, making the entire dining experience even more enjoyable. We may have omitted to mention this.