Okonomiyaki from Your Name: Japanese Savoury Pancake at Home

Okonomiyaki from Your Name: Japanese Savoury Pancake at Home

In Your Name, Mitsuha and Taki share the experience of two different Japans — village and megacity. The okonomiyaki they eat embodies street-food Osaka: democratic, fragrant, a dish for every taste.

History and origin

Okonomiyaki ('grilled as you like it') is Osaka's signature dish, made differently from Hiroshima's version. Osaka style: all ingredients mixed into the batter. Hiroshima style: layered. Osaka has entire restaurants where guests grill it themselves.

Key ingredients

The batter base is flour, water, eggs and shredded cabbage. Into this go pork, squid, seafood or cheese. Toppings: okonomiyaki sauce, Kewpie mayonnaise, bonito flakes and aonori.

How to cook at home

The secret to crispy okonomiyaki is adding nagaimo (yam): it gives the characteristic airy texture. If you can't find nagaimo, use an extra egg. Fry on medium heat without touching it for at least 5 minutes each side.

Try this recipe at home — it's much easier than it looks and will make you feel part of your favourite universe.