Hiroshima Style Okonomiyaki
Hiroshima Okonomiyaki:
The Breakdown
It generally contains about 11 layers which consist of various types of vegetables, moderate portions of protein, a decent layer of carbs, and a few layers of extra flavor.
And although each layer brings their own flavor and texture to the table, it's the famous Otafuku sauce that brings them all together.
Hiroshima style okonomiyaki has a few distinguishing features compared to the more widely known Osaka style.
For one, each ingredient has its own layer.
That means keeping each layer in order during cooking and merging all layers requires more attention and a little extra dexterity from the chef.
Second, Hiroshima style uses a whole lot more cabbage.
And third, there’s a layer of grilled noodles!
Watching masterful chefs preparing Hiroshima style okonomiyaki behind the teppan grill adds to the dining experience.
Keep in mind that the best seats in the house are right at the counter!
How Do You Eat It?
Part of what makes okonomiyaki so popular is the fun you can have when you eat it! Everyone gets their own “hera” (That’s Japanese for a miniature spatula) with each okonomiyaki. You can use the hera to cut smaller pieces of the okonomiyaki for easier eating or to trade and share pieces with, or you can just use it to eat the okonomiyaki outright! For those not as daring, you can eat the okonomiyaki with ohashi (chopsticks) or a fork.
The History of Hiroshima Okonomiyaki
Supporting the Spirit of Hiroshima
During the rebuilding phase of Hiroshima immediately following
World War II, daily living resources were scarce supply, especially food.
It was at this time a pre-war children's snack, called issenyoshoku,
evolved into what is now known as okonomiyaki. It became a staple for
the people of Hiroshima as they healed from the wounds of war andrebuilt their city.
1950
An okonomiyaki restaurant can be seen in front of the famous Genbaku Dome.
Hiroshima Peace Memorial
1956
Food stands making okonomiyaki were everywhere as the city rebuilt itself.
1965
Okonomiyaki street vendors expanded in numbers over time due to the popularity of okonomiyaki.
1970
Homes became impromptu okonomiyaki restaurants with people installing teppan tables in their kitchens.
Hiroshima Prefecture
Located in the south west Chugoku region of Japan,
the Hiroshima prefecture is a melding of industrialized city
dwelling surrounded by the vast swaths of nature.
With a bustling automotive industry (Mazda Motor Corporation) and a large commercial industry,
Hiroshima City is the largest city in the Chugoku region.
Hiroshima is historically known as the first city to experience the destructive power of a nuclear bomb during
World War II.
Since then, it has rebuilt itself and has become a global symbol of peace, and was fittingly
proclaimed the City of Peace by the Japanese parliament in 1949.
There are 2 UNESCO sites located in Hiroshima, the Genbaku Dome and the Itsukushima Shinto Shrine.
Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park
Itsukushima Shinto Shrine(Gate)
Hiroshima city
Otafuku Okonomi Sauce
Otafuku Okonomi Sauce and Hiroshima Okonomiyaki
Made with over 20 types of spices and its special ingredient, dates, Otafuku’s commitment to quality shows in its fan base. With their devotion to principle and integrity in both quality and in the selection of their ingredients, Otafuku's Okonomi Sauce has become the must-have sauce used in every household in Hiroshima.
Guided by its two-pronged philosophy, "Never compromise the quality of the ingredients" and "Every drop counts," Otafuku has grown into a multimillion dollar sauce company with factories in Japan, China, and the United States.
