Hiroshima-Style Okonomiyaki

Okonomiyaki is a traditional dish that consists of batter and shredded cabbage. Two main variations come from Osaka (Kansai-style) and Hiroshima. The Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki is not prepared by mixing the ingredients together like the Osaka-style variety. Instead, the batter is cooked just like a thin pancake and all the ingredients are cooked separately and layered. Ingredients such as fried eggs, scallions, dried bonito flakes, bean sprouts, and sliced pork belly are placed on the pancake with the toppings, and the dish is served on top of yakisoba (or sometimes udon) noodles. Typical toppings include Japanese mayonnaise, dried green seaweed (aonori), and the sweet and sour okonomi sauce. This style of okonomiyaki has been around since the 1950s.