Ajinoya restaurant in Osaka is a must-try spot for anyone interested in okonomiyaki.
The award-winning restaurant specialises in okonomiyaki and yakisoba dishes. Staff prepare, mix and then cook the food on a hotplate at your table in front of you.
There's likely to be queues outside, but its worth the wait!
Ajinoya Restaurant Osaka: Japan’s Best Okonomiyaki?
by Rob Dyer
Okonomiyaki - Japan's savoury pancake
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.
VIDEO: This Is How You Make Okonomiyaki! Ajinoya Restaurant
In this video you see how a seafood okonomiyaki is prepared and cooked. It includes a HUGE prawn and pieces of squid. Strips of bacon, some beef and, finally, an egg is cracked on top of it.
Topped off with a fried egg
Alongside is a traditional yakisoba dish made with noodles, pork, vegtables and ginger. At Ajinoya it is topped with a fried egg. Although literally "fried buckwheat," yakisoba noodles are made from wheat flour. It is typically flavored with a condiment similar to oyster sauce.
Optional bonito flakes can be liberally sprinkled on top of either dish if you want (I do).
Left: yakisoba, Right: okonomiyaki
Listed in the Michelin Guide to Osaka
There were four of us here, so these large portions serve four people!
Ajinoya is listed in the Michelin Guide to Osaka and rightly so. A terrific place to go with a partner or a group of friends.
It's a popular place so book in advance if you can (bookings by telephone only in Japanese) or expect to queue before getting a table. The restaurant is upstairs on the 1st floor. But it will be worth it!
Other signature Osaka dishes you might want to try
Okonomiyaki is perhaps Osaka's best-known dish. I say 'perhaps' as takoyaki, often referred to as 'octopus dumplings' is also synonymous with Osaka. But Osaka doesn't earn its label as 'Japan's Kitchen' on the strength of two dishes alone.
Takoyaki - aka 'octopus dumplings' - are one of Osaka's best-known street foods
Here's a few others you might want to try during any visit to the city:
SEE ALSO: Osaka City Guide - Something For Everyone
11 Unique things to do in Osaka
Aside from its incredible food culture, what I love so much about Osaka as a city is that it really stands apart from all other cities in Japan. It has its own vibe and way of doing things. Which, if you're looking for less obvious things to do on your travels, then Osaka has a seemingly neverending supply!
If Osaka is in your next trip you might want to pick up one of Osaka's attraction passes in advance. They can save you both time and money.
Honestly, I could write a dozen blog posts about unusual or unique things to do in Osaka (and given time I probably will!), but I started with this blog post that you might want to check out: 11 Unique Things To Do In Osaka.
Ajinoya Location Map
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Further Reading
5 Great Value Osaka Attraction Passes to Save You Time and Money
11 Unique Things To Do In Osaka
Discover Okinawan Food: Japan's Life-Giving Diet
Resources
Official Ajinoya restaurant restaurant (Japanese only): http://ajinoya-okonomiyaki.com/top/
Ajinoya restaurant reviews on: TripAdvisor
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Okonomiyaki Food Experiences
https://www.byfood.com/okonomiyaki-food-experiences
Okonomiyaki Restaurants In Japan
Hi Rob,
This savoury pancake looks absolutely amazing. Mouth-watering fare here.
Ryan
LOL! Thanks Ryan – glad it has whetted your appetite!