Osaka-Style Okonomiyaki

Okonomiyaki is a traditional dish that consists of batter and shredded cabbage. Two main variations come from Osaka (also called Kansai-style) and Hiroshima. The Osaka-style okonomiyaki is prepared by mixing the ingredients together – including grated yam, flour, eggs, water or dashi, and shredded cabbage – and pouring the batter on a hot griddle just like a pancake. Additional toppings and ingredients are all mixed into the batter, such as seafood, meat, and scallions, unlike the Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki, which is layered and the ingredients are cooked separately. Once cooked, the dish is topped with a special sweet and sour okonomi sauce, and usually Japanese mayonnaise and bonito flakes.