What is Okonomiyaki and Where to Eat It in Hiroshima

Nov 29, 2022

What is Okonomiyaki and Where to Eat It in Hiroshima

Hiroshima has plenty of local cuisines, but okonomiyaki stands out as the city’s specialty. The dish consists of a batter of wheat flour, mirin, and water made beforehand and chilled to give it a smooth texture. The chef cooks this batter with other ingredients, usually cabbage, noodles, and some kind of protein. You can sit in front of the grill in many restaurants to watch the cooking process. Osaka also has a version of this dish, but the ingredients are mixed into the batter rather than sitting on top.

Since thousands of restaurants serve Hiroshima okonomiyaki, it can be difficult to know where to eat. It’s best to choose from restaurants that are renowned for being top choices to ensure you have a great experience.

Micchan Sohonten Hatchobori

In the 1950s, Micchan Sohonten Hatchobori started as a food cart. Today, it is one of the best-known restaurants in Hiroshima. What makes the okonomiyaki particularly special is the original sauce and the way the chefs chop the cabbage.

Address: Churisu Hatchobori, 1F, 6-7 Hatchobori, Naka Ward
Open hours: 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. on weekdays; 11:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. on weekends (closed Tuesdays)

Momotaro

Another one of the oldest okonomiyaki restaurants is Momotaro, which opened in 1961. The menu has changed considerably over the years, but the restaurant still strives to bring patrons classic flavors. The most popular dish is called Momotaro Deluxe, which features meat, squid, egg, and shrimp.

Address: Okonomimura Plaza Building, 2F, 5−13 Shintenchi, Naka Ward
Open hours: 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. (closed Mondays)

Nagataya

When a restaurant has a long line of people waiting to enter, you know you’re in for a treat. Nagataya has a large amount of seating available at the counters by the main grill and at individual tables, each of which has its own grill. Top choices to eat include the original okonomiyaki (which has shrimp and squid) and the special okonomiyaki (served with green onions, garlic chips, and otafuku okonomiyaki sauce). There are vegan and vegetarian options available, as well as an allergy-free sauce.

Address: Shigeishi Building, 1F, 1-7-19 Otemachi, Naka Ward
Open hours: 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. (closed Tuesdays)

Hassei

Another indication of a great restaurant is having signatures of satisfied customers (including celebrities) adorning the walls. You can expect big portions and fast service from Hassei — plus, the restaurant has gluten-free options.

Address: 4-17 Fujimicho, Naka Ward
Open hours: 11:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. (closed Mondays)

Yet another way to find great places to eat Hiroshima okonomiyaki is to head to Okonomimura — the name translates as okonomi village. This spot in downtown Hiroshima has 24 restaurants under one roof, each putting its own twist on the dish. It’s worth trying a few places until you find one you can call your favorite.

pelican from Tokyo, Japan, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons