Okonomiyaki and traditional cuisine
Japan is a place for foodies from all over the world who are looking for sophisticated and refined haute cuisine. This has led to a distorted perception of Japanese cuisine because traditional Japanese dishes (cheap and delicious food eaten daily by ordinary people) are not so well known abroad.
Okonomiyaki is a great example. There are many variations of okonomiyaki; in fact, the name itself means “cooked as you like.” The basic recipe, however, involves various vegetables (cabbage, carrots and/or onions) and meat (squid, pork, shrimp and/or beef); everything is finely chopped, mixed, grilled as pancakes and served with whatever side dish you like (often with barbecue sauce, mayonnaise, edible seaweed or pieces of dried tuna).
Bars and restaurants that serve okonomiyaki usually have a terrific atmosphere for socializing, as okonomiyaki can be cut into pieces with a metal spatula and shared with friends or family. In fact, many places allow you to make your own okonomiyaki by ordering the ingredients and using a grill built right into the table. This do-it-yourself style is also popular with other Japanese dishes, especially the ever-popular takoyaki (octopus balls).
