Hiroshima Okonomimura. Very Nice Local Okonomiyaki

Hiroshima Okonomimura is a famous okonomiyaki village located in Hiroshima, Japan. It is pretty easy to reach if you stay at downtown Hiroshima. Is it worth the effort ? Absolutely. Lovely food of Hiroshima (you can have the Osaka version too in Osaka).

What is Okonomiyaki

Okonomiyaki is a savory Japanese pancake made with various ingredients such as cabbage, meat, seafood, and noodles, all mixed together with a batter and grilled on a hotplate. It is a popular and delicious dish enjoyed by both locals and tourists.

Okonomiyaki is a traditional Japanese dish that is often referred to as a “Japanese pancake” or “Japanese pizza.” The word “okonomiyaki” translates to “grilled as you like it,” which reflects the dish’s versatility, as you can customize it with various ingredients according to your preferences.

Difference between Hiroshima Okonomiyaki and Osaka Okonomiyaki

There are two main styles of okonomiyaki: Hiroshima-style and Osaka-style. Each style has its own unique preparation and cooking method, and they are popular in different regions of Japan.

Hiroshima-style Okonomiyaki:

• In Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki, the ingredients are layered rather than mixed together. The batter is spread on the hotplate, followed by layers of thinly sliced cabbage, pork, noodles (usually yakisoba noodles), and sometimes other ingredients like shrimp or squid.
• Once the layers are assembled, the mixture is cooked on the hotplate until the bottom becomes crispy and golden brown.
• It is then flipped and topped with a generous amount of okonomiyaki sauce (similar to Worcestershire sauce but sweeter), mayonnaise, dried seaweed (aonori), and bonito flakes (katsuobushi).
• Finally, it is served on a hot plate or a tray, and diners can cut it into smaller pieces and enjoy it using spatulas.

Osaka-style Okonomiyaki

• Osaka-style okonomiyaki is characterized by mixing all the ingredients together to form a batter before cooking. The batter typically consists of flour, grated yam, water or dashi (Japanese broth), eggs, and shredded cabbage. Additional ingredients such as sliced pork, seafood, or cheese can also be added to the mixture.
• The mixed batter is poured onto a hotplate or a griddle to form a round pancake shape.
• Once the bottom is cooked and firm, the okonomiyaki is flipped and cooked on the other side until it’s fully cooked and slightly crispy.
• Like Hiroshima-style, Osaka-style okonomiyaki is also topped with okonomiyaki sauce, mayonnaise, dried seaweed, and bonito flakes before serving.

Both styles of okonomiyaki are incredibly popular in Japan and can be found in many restaurants and food stalls across the country. It’s a delicious and satisfying comfort food that appeals to both locals and visitors alike.

Yes I tried both. In Hiroshima and then in Osaka.

What is Hiroshima Okonomimura aka Okonomi Village

Hiroshima Okonomimura is a multi-story building that houses over 20 different okonomiyaki restaurants, each offering their own variations and specialties. Visitors to this village have the opportunity to try different styles of okonomiyaki, making it a great place for food enthusiasts to explore and indulge in the flavors of this regional delicacy.

If you’re a fan of okonomiyaki or simply curious about trying this iconic Japanese dish, Hiroshima Okonomimura is the perfect place to experience the wide range of flavors and styles that this culinary gem has to offer. It’s a fantastic spot to immerse yourself in the local food culture and enjoy a delightful and satisfying meal.

Here are some key features and highlights of Hiroshima Okonomimura:

1. Okonomiyaki Restaurants: The building houses over 20 different okonomiyaki restaurants, each with its own unique style and specialty. These restaurants typically have counter seating, allowing visitors to watch the chefs prepare the okonomiyaki right in front of them on hotplates.
2. Culinary Experience: Hiroshima Okonomimura provides visitors with an interactive and immersive culinary experience. You can explore the different restaurants, sample various styles of okonomiyaki, and even witness the skilled chefs flipping and serving the savory pancakes.
3. Regional Variations: While Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki is the main highlight, some restaurants might also offer other regional variations of okonomiyaki from different parts of Japan. This diversity allows visitors to compare and contrast the flavors and preparation methods.
4. Souvenir Shops: In addition to the okonomiyaki restaurants, there are often shops and stalls selling okonomiyaki-related merchandise and souvenirs. You can find items like okonomiyaki sauce, okonomiyaki-themed kitchenware, and more to take home as a memento of your visit.
5. Tourist Attraction: Hiroshima Okonomimura is a popular tourist attraction, drawing both local residents and international visitors. Its convenient location and reputation as a hub for delicious okonomiyaki make it a must-visit destination for food enthusiasts.
6. Accessible Location: The village is usually located near major tourist areas or transportation hubs in Hiroshima, making it easy for travelers to include a visit to Okonomimura in their itinerary.

Why I decided to go to Hiroshima Okonomimura

If you happen to visit Hiroshima, Okonomimura is a fantastic place to experience the local food culture and taste authentic Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki. But I first saw this place on the YouTube Channel of “Aboard in Japan”. He is so funny. In the Youtube video, he showed the place and I tracked it down through some Googling.

How to go from Nest Hiroshima Hotel to Hiroshima Okonomimura

I stayed at the Nest Hotel Hiroshima (which I highly recommended if you are going to Hiroshima) and it is a nice 7-10 mins walk from the hotel to the location. Besides there are (as usual) many shops to look while you walk. It is a city walk.

You cannot get lost one 🙂

See lots of shopping when going from Nest Hiroshima Hotel to Hiroshima Okonomimura

Before you reach… and you cannot miss it. Nice Signboard

Don’t worry. It is this building. Take the lift.

Advice : When to go to Hiroshima Okonomimura

Ok. This is important. I went in the evening after I had a chance to visit the Hiroshima Atomic Dome (and Hiroshima Memorial Park). So I thought I would go for this for DINNER.

Turns out it is not the right choice. The place is almost dead quiet by dinner time. You really should go during LUNCH Time.

Only a few shops were opened during dinner time and you know you are the wrong time when you only see a few confused tourists (like myself), wondering what’s the deal 🙂

Nevertheless, we picked one and just had the best time of our trip. It is okay. Enjoy what you can. The food was good !

Don’t know what this is saying but I guess it is MANY FLOORS of Okonomiyaki !! Many Choices !!

We choose this shop. Actually it is one of 3 which is open 🙂

Which No 9 on this photo

Photos of our Okonomiyaki

Choices aplenty in the menu

Cooking of Okonomiyaki starts !

Conclusion : Eat Or Not

EAT !!

But you would need to plan your trip as you would want to go during lunch time rather than dinner time. How to fit in Hiroshima Atomic Dome and other sights too so probably 2-3 days in Hiroshima is a good idea.

How can you resist this…..