What is Hiroshima okonomiyaki? — How is it different from the Osaka style?
One of Japan’s representative flour-based dishes, okonomiyaki.
Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki is especially known for its unique style that differs from Osaka’s version.
The biggest characteristic of Hiroshima okonomiyaki is the “layered grilling”.
While Osaka-style okonomiyaki is made by mixing the ingredients together and then grilling,
in Hiroshima it’s common to stack the batter, cabbage, bean sprouts, meat, and soba (or udon) in layers and grill them.
Unlike the fluffy Osaka style,
the charm of Hiroshima okonomiyaki is enjoying the sweetness of the cabbage and the texture of the noodles!
The history of Hiroshima okonomiyaki
A flavor born from postwar street-food culture
Hiroshima okonomiyaki was born from street stalls during the postwar food shortages.
It originated from a dish called “issen yoshoku”, where wheat flour mixed with water was cooked thin like a crepe,
and whatever ingredients were available were layered and grilled on top.
Adding cabbage, bean sprouts, meat, and noodles,
and finishing with sauce resulted in the modern Hiroshima okonomiyaki.
Basic way to make Hiroshima okonomiyaki
1. Cook the batter thin like a crepe
Unlike Osaka-style okonomiyaki, the batter is not mixed but spread thinly.
This thin batter becomes the base of the okonomiyaki.
2. Pile on lots of cabbage & bean sprouts
Another key feature of Hiroshima okonomiyaki is the amount of cabbage!
It can use twice as much cabbage as a typical Osaka okonomiyaki.
When this cabbage is steamed on the grill, its sweetness increases,
and you get a delightful crisp texture.
3. Layer meat and noodles and grill
Hiroshima okonomiyaki is topped with pork belly and cooked slowly.
Adding yakisoba or udon is the trick!
Grilling them together with the sauce creates a hearty, satisfying dish.
4. Fry an egg and place it on top
Hiroshima okonomiyaki adds an egg at the end.
By flipping it onto the fried egg on top,
the whole dish gets a light, fluffy finish.
5. Finish with sauce & aonori
Finally, spread plenty of Hiroshima’s slightly sweet okonomiyaki sauce,
and sprinkle aonori (green seaweed) and katsuobushi (bonito flakes) to finish!
5 recommended Hiroshima okonomiyaki spots
1. Micchan Sohonten (long-established classic)
Location: Hatchobori, Naka Ward, Hiroshima City
Hours: 11:00–21:00
Features: A long-established shop said to be one of the origins of Hiroshima okonomiyaki
2. Hassho (authentic local flavor)
Location: Yagenbori, Naka Ward, Hiroshima City
Hours: 16:30–23:00
Features: Known for thicker noodles and popular with locals
3. Okonomi-mura (an okonomiyaki theme park)
Location: Shinchi, Naka Ward, Hiroshima City
Hours: 11:00–22:00
Features: More than 20 shops gathered in one place, a “holy ground” for okonomiyaki
4. Goemon (modern-yaki also popular)
Location: Around Hiroshima Station
Hours: 11:00–22:00
Features: Stylish atmosphere, recommended for tourists
5. Icchan (a local hidden gem)
Location: Mitsu-machi, Higashi Ward, Hiroshima City (about a 10-minute walk from Hiroshima Station Shinkansen exit)
Hours: 11:30–20:30
Features: Excellent balance of sauce and cabbage!
Practical information for travelers
1. When is the best time to eat Hiroshima okonomiyaki?
Okonomiyaki is great for lunch or dinner!
Popular places get busy especially during lunch (11:30–13:30), so
it’s best to go early.
2. What’s the difference between Hiroshima-style and Kansai/Osaka-style?
Comparison itemHiroshima-style okonomiyakiOsaka-style okonomiyakiCooking methodLayered grillingMixed and grilledPresence of noodlesYes (soba or udon)NoTextureCrispy cabbage textureFluffyUse of eggPlaced on topMixed into the batter
3. Are there okonomiyaki souvenirs?
At Hiroshima Station and the airport you can find frozen okonomiyaki and okonomiyaki sauce.
If you’re taking something abroad, a sauce and flour set is recommended!
Summary and FAQs
Summary
- Hiroshima okonomiyaki is characterized by “layered grilling”!
- With cabbage and noodles, it’s a filling and flavorful dish.
- There are many famous shops in Miyajima and Hiroshima city, so trying several is recommended!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Which is more popular, Hiroshima okonomiyaki or Kansai/Osaka okonomiyaki?
A: Both are popular, but in Hiroshima it’s Hiroshima okonomiyaki all the way!
Compared to Kansai, the addition of noodles makes it more filling and satisfying.
Q: Where can I buy Hiroshima okonomiyaki sauce?
A: “Otafuku Sauce” is a representative Hiroshima okonomiyaki sauce.
It’s sold in supermarkets and airport shops.
Q: Any etiquette for eating okonomiyaki?
A: The authentic way is to eat it piping hot straight from the iron griddle!
If you want more sauce, it’s best to ask the staff.
If you visit Hiroshima, be sure to try the authentic Hiroshima okonomiyaki!
