Hiroshima vs Osaka Okonomiyaki: 3 Key Differences
Hiroshima and Osaka are the top destinations for the best & authentic Okonomiyaki. While they are both great places to find amazing Okonomiyaki, each city has their own version. Here are the 3 key differences to help you distinguish the two different styles:
1. Layers
In Hiroshima, each ingredient of the Okonomiyaki is layered separately like a cake. In Osaka, all the ingredients are mixed into a batter, which is then cooked like a pancake. When you bite into a Hiroshima style Okonomiyaki, you will get contrasting textures of crispy noodles and the soft steamed cabbages. The Osaka style will have more of a fluffy texture.
2. Ingredients
Hiroshima style Okonomiyaki has a layer of Yakisoba noodles that gets pressed in with the rest of the Okonomiyaki. Osaka style is usually without noodles, but there is a variation called ‘Modanyaki’ which is Osaka style Okonomiyaki with Yakisoba.
3. Finish
Hiroshima style is traditionally topped with just Okonomi Sauce, while Osaka style is usually topped with a drizzle of Mayonnaise.
While these two regions serve Okonomiyaki very differently, at the end of the day, there is no ‘better’ style of Okonomiyaki. The word ‘Okonomi’ means ‘what you like / how you like’, so you can enjoy Okonomiyaki however you like depending on your mood or preference!.