Okonomiyaki

Japanese food is spread out all around the world. In every big city you can easily spot a Japanese restaurant. In these "samples of heaven" you may enjoy dishes like sushi, sashimi, yakitori, tempura, udon and a few other delicious little things coming from Japan.

But when you arrive in Japan you realize these dishes are just a small part of a rich cuisine, with a huge history and complex background. In Japan you may find a different side of the Japanese cuisine which can rarely be found outside the country.

And my #1 pick out of this "unknown side of the Japanese cuisine" is certainly the Okonomiyaki.

To avoid being too partial, I will quote wikipedia:

"Okonomiyaki (お好み焼き, Okonomiyaki) is a Japanese dish consisting of a pan-fried batter cake and various ingredients. Okonomi means "what you like" or "what you want", and yaki means "grilled" or "cooked" (cf. yakitori and yakisoba); thus, the name of this dish means "cook what you like". In Japan, okonomiyaki is mainly associated with Osaka, Kansai or Hiroshima areas, but is widely available throughout the country. Toppings and batters tend to vary according to region."

Also known as the "Japanese Pizza", Okonomiyaki the most non-Japanese looking dish of the Japanese cuisine. But certainly, one of the best gastronomical experiences you can have in life.

Thumbs up to Japanese culture! Again and again...