Discover Hiroshima Okonomiyaki: A Vegetarian Delight!

Hiroshima is famous for its stunning scenery, rich history, and incredible food culture. One of its most iconic dishes is Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki. Traditionally made with layers of batter, cabbage, pork, and noodles, this savory pancake is a must-try for visitors. But what if you're a vegetarian? Don't worry! Hiroshima has plenty of vegetarian okonomiyaki options, allowing you to enjoy this delicious local specialty without compromising your dietary choices.

What Makes Hiroshima Okonomiyaki Special?

Unlike Osaka-style okonomiyaki, where ingredients are mixed together, Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki is layered. The batter is cooked first, followed by shredded cabbage, bean sprouts, noodles, and other toppings. This method creates a unique texture and flavor profile that makes it stand out. Additionally, Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki often includes a generous amount of okonomiyaki sauce, giving it a deliciously sweet and savory taste.

Can Hiroshima Okonomiyaki Be Vegetarian?

Absolutely! Many restaurants in Hiroshima offer vegetarian okonomiyaki options. By replacing pork with ingredients like tofu, mushrooms, or extra vegetables, you can enjoy this dish without any meat. Some places even provide vegan okonomiyaki by omitting eggs and using plant-based noodles.

Where to Find the Best Vegetarian Okonomiyaki in Hiroshima

Hiroshima is home to many restaurants that cater to vegetarian and vegan diets. Here are some of the best spots to try:

1. Nagata-ya

Located near the Hiroshima Peace Park, Nagata-ya is a popular spot for okonomiyaki lovers. They offer a customizable menu where you can request a vegetarian version of Hiroshima okonomiyaki with ingredients like cheese, corn, and mushrooms. The long lines are proof of its deliciousness! 📍 Location: Naata-ya

2. Mitchan Sohonten

A legendary okonomiyaki restaurant in Hiroshima, Mitchan Sohonten has been serving delicious pancakes for decades. You can order a vegetarian okonomiyaki by removing meat and adding extra vegetables. 📍 Location: Mitchan Sohonten

3. Hassho

For a more authentic experience, visit Hassho. This restaurant is known for its traditional cooking style and rich flavors. Ask for a vegetarian okonomiyaki, and they’ll happily accommodate your request. 📍 Location: Hassho

4. Okonomimura

A must-visit spot for okonomiyaki enthusiasts, Okonomimura is a multi-story food complex dedicated to this famous dish. Many stalls offer vegetarian options, making it a fantastic place to try different variations. 📍 Location: Okonomimura

How to Order Vegetarian Okonomiyaki in Hiroshima

If you’re worried about language barriers, here’s a simple guide to ordering vegetarian okonomiyaki in Japanese:

• "Niku nashi de onegai shimasu." (No meat, please.)

• "Tamago nashi wa dekimasu ka?" (Can you make it without eggs?)

• "Yasai dake de onegai shimasu." (Vegetables only, please.)

Most restaurants in Hiroshima are friendly and willing to accommodate dietary requests, so don’t hesitate to ask!

Make Hiroshima-Style Vegetarian Okonomiyaki at Home

If you want to recreate Hiroshima okonomiyaki at home, here’s a simple vegetarian recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup okonomiyaki flour (or regular flour)

• 1/2 cup water

• 1/4 shredded cabbage

• 1/4 cup bean sprouts

• 1/4 cup mushrooms

• 1 pack yakisoba noodles (vegetarian-friendly)

• 1 egg (or vegan alternative)

• Okonomiyaki sauce

• Mayonnaise (optional)

• Seaweed flakes (aonori) and bonito flakes (for garnish)

• Green onions for extra flavor

• Grated cheese (optional but adds creaminess)

Instructions:

1. Mix the flour and water to make a batter.

2. Pour the batter onto a hot griddle and spread into a thin circle.

3. Add shredded cabbage, bean sprouts, and mushrooms on top.

4. Place cooked yakisoba noodles over the vegetables.

5. Flip carefully and let it cook until golden brown.

6. Add okonomiyaki sauce and garnish with seaweed flakes, mayonnaise, and green onions.

Enjoy your homemade Hiroshima-style vegetarian okonomiyaki!

Conclusion: Enjoy Hiroshima's Vegetarian-Friendly Food Scene

Hiroshima is a fantastic place to visit, not just for its historical significance but also for its delicious and diverse food scene. With so many restaurants offering vegetarian okonomiyaki, there’s no reason to miss out on this local specialty. Whether you're visiting a famous okonomiyaki spot or making it at home, you’ll love the flavors and textures of this unique dish.

Have you tried vegetarian okonomiyaki in Hiroshima? Share your experiences in the comments below! If you need recommendations, feel free to contact me—I’d love to help!