 |
 |
Okonomiyaki
Okonomiyaki is often described as a Japanese pancake, or even a Japanese pizza, but resembles Korean pajeon more than anything else. It is a popular comfort food all throughout Japan, much like a burger or pizza is viewed upon in America, or a plate lunch in the islands.
Okonomiyaki is made from a flour batter that is filled with various ingredients, such as cabbage, green onions, squid, octopus, shrimp, pork, beef, cheese, and yakisoba noodles, then cooked on a hot pan or griddle. As you may be able to tell from this wide range of items, almost nothing is out-of-bounds when it comes to fillers. After cooking, the mix is covered with a thick, dark okonomiyaki sauce, which is kinda like a sweetened tonkatsu (even worcestershire) sauce, Japanese mayonnaise, nori, katsuo-boshi flakes, and sometimes a few more items.
 |
Sorry, this okonomiyaki from now-closed Shochan was once the best on the island. However, the owner now creates them pre-packaged at Marukai. In plastic containers or fresh from a hot skillet? Doesn't compare. Nevertheless, you can still satiate your okonomiyaki fix there at Marukai. |
There are two major types of okonomiyaki. The first, Osaka-style, is made by mixing in all the ingredients together, including batter, then cooking them all at once (although a few extra items, like certain thin meats, can be added in later). The second, Hiroshima-style, is made by pouring just batter over the hot griddle, then layering in the various other items. One of the more obvious signs of this style is the presence of a generous helping of yakisoba noodles sandwiched within. Noodles can also be found in Osaka-style, but not nearly as often, and when included it goes by the name modanyaki, or "modern-yaki."
In Japan, there are many places where cooking is done by customers themselves in a fashion similiar to yakiniku, only instead of a fire grill, a hot griddle is used. Raw batter, along with other uncooked items and a host of different condiments, are presented to customers in a fun atmosphere conducive to small social gatherings. However, I'm not aware of anywhere on the island that this style of self-cooking is available.
Da Big Boy'z: With Shochan now gone and a rather limited few choices, Chibo is great for a more upscale, drink-friendly atmosphere in Waikiki and Japanese foods, but I'm not so high on their okonomiyaki; Jinroku, of the izakaya section, has a great okonomiyaki and lots of other teppan-style dishes in a modern, stylish atmosphere.
Recently Closed: Shochan.
Chibo. 2201 Kalakaua Ave. at the Royal Hawaiian S.C. in Waikiki. 922-9722. Lunch daily except Sunday, dinner nightly. Parking in center lot. Prices: $$$. Map. Though okonomiyaki is a classic comfort food and not traditionally a pricey dish, Chibo is a modern Japanese restaurant in the heart of Waikiki, so you will be paying a bit more. It's a great place for drinks and social gatherings, with large several large griddles manned by chefs who cook everything up right in front of customers. On the down-side, I wouldn't come here special for real okonomiyaki, unless it's for new-wave creations like bacon and kim chee or mochi and cheese. However, there are also many other great Japanese food selections, such as premium beef and seafoods like whole-fried shrimp, sizzling scallops, teriyaki chicken, yakisoba, and much more, along with all kinds of drink offerings.
Jinroku. Jinroku is a teppan-style restaurant that has many varieties of okonomiyaki, as well as some very similiar dishes like negiyaki. Please check out the izakaya section to find out more about Jinroku.
