It's The Okonomi, Stupid!

Food adventures with a culinary insider in Hiroshima

[eeto22]

When you have fresh local ingredients, like #anago (sea eel) available pretty much at your fingertips, there's magic in simplicity. This plate of anago shirayaki is a good example. A sprinkling of salt (probably local as well) and a few careful minutes over a charcoal grill is all you need to get it smoky and tender. Perfectly grilled means it's just slightly undercooked so it doesn't disintegrate, and keeps a little bite, which is perfectly accompanied with a touch of wasabi. #eathiroshima #gastronogram #foodbeast #whatjapanesepeopleeat #forkyeah #chowhoundjapan #instayum #instafood #foodstagram #explorejapan #japaneats #japanfoodie #japanesefood #japanesefoodculture #yahoofood #yougottaeatthis #eater #eatthis #culinaryjapan #lefooding #jpfood #jpfoodies #foodporn #foodpics #eattheworld #food #foodforthought (at 酒菜処きっすい) https://www.instagram.com/p/B9j9qY_h_Wa/?igshid=iln232spt01k

[eeto22]

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I'm probably becoming a broken record about my most Hiroshima-based guilty pleasure, but since I've had visitors to town recently, I have to give them something slightly out of the ordinary. It's that smoky rich mayo combined with the pile of tangy scallions that does me in. I don't think I've met a Japanese person who doesn't enjoy mayo, but I know a fair share of folks overseas who harbor a visceral dislike for it, so I always ask my foreign visitors, "how do you feel about mayonnaise?" #eathiroshima #gastronogram #foodbeast #whatjapanesepeopleeat #forkyeah #chowhoundjapan #instayum #instafood #foodstagram #explorejapan #japaneats #japanfoodie #japanesefood #japanesefoodculture #yahoofood #yougottaeatthis #eater #eatthis #culinaryjapan #lefooding #jpfood #jpfoodies #foodporn #foodpics #eattheworld #food #foodforthought (at としのや) https://www.instagram.com/p/B9edqK9B7z1/?igshid=1knny96xryzdi

[eeto22]

There's nothing more comforting than a well made dashi-maki #tamagoyaki. The addition of mentaiko (spiced cod roe) just puts it over the top as far as I'm concerned. #eathiroshima #gastronogram #foodbeast #whatjapanesepeopleeat #forkyeah #chowhoundjapan #instayum #instafood #foodstagram #explorejapan #japaneats #japanfoodie #japanesefood #japanesefoodculture #yahoofood #yougottaeatthis #eater #eatthis #culinaryjapan #lefooding #jpfood #jpfoodies #foodporn #foodpics #eattheworld #food #foodforthought (at 民宿) https://www.instagram.com/p/B9ZpLPJhvdi/?igshid=kgzfw8e40jie

[eeto22]

A couple of seafood that best express the region off the shores of Hiroshima include #anago (sea eel) and #octopus. Anago #sashimi is a rare find in Japan, but in the hands of a good local chef who understands the ingredient, you can find it in many good izakayas in Hiroshima. #eathiroshima #gastronogram #foodbeast #whatjapanesepeopleeat #forkyeah #chowhoundjapan #instayum #instafood #foodstagram #explorejapan #japaneats #japanfoodie #japanesefood #japanesefoodculture #yahoofood #yougottaeatthis #eater #eatthis #culinaryjapan #lefooding #jpfood #jpfoodies #foodporn #foodpics #eattheworld #food #foodforthought (at 民宿) https://www.instagram.com/p/B9XAWS7BGuu/?igshid=t10zf67fbpz7

[eeto22]

I'm not one to panic buy surgical masks or toilet paper as many have in Japan, but I'm starting to feel some pressure to eat #oysters as much as I can since the end of its season is nearing. As I've mentioned before, my choice of fried oysters is in the form of tempura. The cook frying these plump specimen knows how to control the coating and moisture, enough to plate it so neatly and Instagrammably. #eathiroshima #gastronogram #foodbeast #whatjapanesepeopleeat #forkyeah #chowhoundjapan #instayum #instafood #foodstagram #explorejapan #japaneats #japanfoodie #japanesefood #japanesefoodculture #yahoofood #yougottaeatthis #eater #eatthis #culinaryjapan #lefooding #jpfood #jpfoodies #foodporn #foodpics #eattheworld #food #foodforthought (at 民宿) https://www.instagram.com/p/B9UQx2uB5N4/?igshid=11qpowhhwigky

[eeto22]

I've been avoiding carbs trying to get into shape for an upcoming ultimate tournament, except the tournament has been cancelled because of the coronavirus scare. I'm bummed, but it's probably for the best. I'll console myself with some of my favorite carbs with this bowl of #shirunashitantanmen. #eathiroshima #gastronogram #foodbeast #whatjapanesepeopleeat #forkyeah #chowhoundjapan #instayum #instafood #foodstagram #explorejapan #japaneats #japanfoodie #japanesefood #japanesefoodculture #yahoofood #yougottaeatthis #eater #eatthis #culinaryjapan #lefooding #jpfood #jpfoodies #foodporn #foodpics #eattheworld #food #foodforthought (at 汁なし担々麺キング軒本通店) https://www.instagram.com/p/B9PMdNuhRqs/?igshid=x2v04uo6q55a

[eeto22]

For some inexplicable reason, I'm not so drawn to #ramen as my go-to meal. But when I do get that rare hankering, I appreciate that I live within quick walking distance to several well known shops. And Yoichi might be my favorite place that serves a Hiroshima style chūkasoba. Hiroshima style chūkasoba, you say? It's basically a shoyu-tonkotsu broth (pork bone soup finished with a soy sauce), thin straight noodles, the standard chashu pork slices, and bean sprouts. I've come to appreciate this ramen as a representative of my region. What I especially appreciate at Yoichi is that their broth is thicker and richer than other places. And at lunch, the mini chashu donburi makes a nice carbo loaded chaser. This is certainly not the place to come if you are counting calories. #eathiroshima #gastronogram #foodbeast #whatjapanesepeopleeat #forkyeah #chowhoundjapan #instayum #instafood #foodstagram #explorejapan #japaneats #japanfoodie #japanesefood #japanesefoodculture #yahoofood #yougottaeatthis #eater #eatthis #culinaryjapan #lefooding #jpfood #jpfoodies #foodporn #foodpics #eattheworld #food #foodforthought (at らーめん 与壱 三篠本店) https://www.instagram.com/p/B9EwVQIhLxA/?igshid=6ard0ib15azc

[eeto22]

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Appetizers, Hiroshima style, before digging into some okonomiyaki. #oysters #eathiroshima #gastronogram #foodbeast #whatjapanesepeopleeat #forkyeah #chowhoundjapan #instayum #instafood #foodstagram #explorejapan #japaneats #japanfoodie #japanesefood #japanesefoodculture #yahoofood #yougottaeatthis #eater #eatthis #culinaryjapan #lefooding #jpfood #jpfoodies #foodporn #foodpics #eattheworld #food #foodforthought (at 府中焼きとしのや) https://www.instagram.com/p/B9CJRNQhwaX/?igshid=1oitbaumrd2b8

[eeto22]

When I hanker for some #fish, this restaurant always comes to mind. It's a bit off the beaten path, but totally worth going the extra mile (or kilometer). This restaurant is run by a seafood supplier, and have relations with local fishermen. Which means they can offer a bounty of seafood for a pittance. This is the daily fish #teishoku (set lunch), which includes sashimi, miso soup, pickles, a cold vegetable dish, chawanmushi, and the daily main, which is a whole aji nanban (fried horse mackerel with vegetables doused in a vinegary sauce). All for 1000¥ (< $10US). I was pretty hungry on that day, but I decided to refrain from ordering one of their big teishoku sets. #eathiroshima #gastronogram #foodbeast #whatjapanesepeopleeat #forkyeah #chowhoundjapan #instayum #instafood #foodstagram #explorejapan #japaneats #japanfoodie #japanesefood #japanesefoodculture #yahoofood #yougottaeatthis #eater #eatthis #culinaryjapan #lefooding #jpfood #jpfoodies #foodporn #foodpics #eattheworld #food #foodforthought (at 暖流) https://www.instagram.com/p/B88_Obxhc9U/?igshid=1o5watihh8ner

[eeto22]

It's impossible to tell by looking at this photo, but here's a plate of #oyster tempura. During the peak of oyster season, I've been advised by a few chefs that if you want some form of fried oysters, you should order tempura rather than the traditional panko breaded kaki-furai (served with a tonkatsu style sauce or a tartar sauce). The reason to choose tempura lies in its simplicity and subtlety. That is, if you want to taste fresh #oysters, get the one that will not interfere with that experience. A simple batter fry with a touch of sea salt is all that's needed. Well, actually, I do like the standard dashi-soy based doing sauce as well. Unfortunately, most restaurants don't offer this choice, but if you're in a high quality seafood izakaya in Hiroshima, chances are you might find this option, so be on the lookout. And I'll wait to say, "I told you so." #eathiroshima #gastronogram #foodbeast #whatjapanesepeopleeat #forkyeah #chowhoundjapan #instayum #instafood #foodstagram #explorejapan #japaneats #japanfoodie #japanesefood #japanesefoodculture #yahoofood #yougottaeatthis #eater #eatthis #culinaryjapan #lefooding #jpfood #jpfoodies #foodporn #foodpics #eattheworld #food #foodforthought (at 酒菜処きっすい) https://www.instagram.com/p/B81UWtXBtmg/?igshid=10xdnjho870nm

[eeto22]

It's hard to beat the presentation of the local #octopus sashimi at Kissui. This is the thin sliced plate (thick cut sashimi is presented differently). One thing I appreciate is that the suction cups (kyūban) are sliced separately, and you can enjoy their textures on their own. #eathiroshima #gastronogram #foodbeast #whatjapanesepeopleeat #forkyeah #chowhoundjapan #instayum #instafood #foodstagram #explorejapan #japaneats #japanfoodie #japanesefood #japanesefoodculture #yahoofood #yougottaeatthis #eater #eatthis #culinaryjapan #lefooding #jpfood #jpfoodies #foodporn #foodpics #eattheworld #food #foodforthought (at 酒菜処きっすい) https://www.instagram.com/p/B8yyXD7lwOH/?igshid=2jpxspa7yy03

[eeto22]

I've heard about this out-of-the-way #steak joint for a while and decided to check it out as I had some business to take care of at the city clerks office nearby. It really is out of the way, located on the cusp of the residential blocks and industrial buildings/warehouses. For NYers, it's similar to a trip to Peter Luger. The building itself has a shabby-chic quality, and the interior seems straight out of the 50s. But the crowd lined up to get in is there for the Japanese style steaks. What does that mean exactly? If it wasn't so steak-centric, I would call this a yōshoku restaurant. And the steak is also what I would describe as old school yōshoku style. I couldn't see what was happening in the kitchen, but I'd assume that the steak is pan fried, and doused with a sweet and savory soy based sauce, pretty similar to what Americans might call teriyaki. The rest of the eponymous lunch plate (the Kiku special) comes with ebi-fry and shiromi-fry (fried shrimp and fried whitefish) with a generous heap of tartar sauce, along with a scoop of a silky potato salad and the usual salad greens. The ham slice is a remnant of a nostalgic bygone era. While this is no Peter Luger, the steak was alright. They use Hiroshima raised wagyu, and while the sweet sauce permeates the protein, it's entirely pleasant in the way high quality meat in sukiyaki can also be. The surf and turf element also helps to give you a variety of flavors when you want a break from the sweet sauce. Kiku isn't a place I'll return often, but it's special enough that I'll take others who want a unique Hiroshima experience. #eathiroshima #gastronogram #foodbeast #whatjapanesepeopleeat #forkyeah #chowhoundjapan #instayum #instafood #foodstagram #explorejapan #japaneats #japanfoodie #japanesefood #japanesefoodculture #yahoofood #yougottaeatthis #eater #eatthis #culinaryjapan #lefooding #jpfood #jpfoodies #foodporn #foodpics #eattheworld #food #foodforthought (at ステーキ&コーヒー菊) https://www.instagram.com/p/B8wQZSGBQPN/?igshid=1lw44o6mn4b3y

[eeto22]

We've had kind of a mild winter, and it was almost spring-like last week. Now we're in the middle of a cold spell, probably the coldest it's been this winter (minus a few weeks in southern California for me). One of the comforts of cold weather in Japan is knowing that it's prime season for seafood, and #shirako is the most plentiful. I see big packs of this stuff at the markets nowadays, but I know I wouldn't be able to eat it all, so I'll settle for a nicely prepared version at my local izakaya. #eathiroshima #gastronogram #foodbeast #whatjapanesepeopleeat #forkyeah #chowhoundjapan #instayum #instafood #foodstagram #explorejapan #japaneats #japanfoodie #japanesefood #japanesefoodculture #yahoofood #yougottaeatthis #eater #eatthis #culinaryjapan #lefooding #jpfood #jpfoodies #foodporn #foodpics #eattheworld #food #foodforthought (at 居酒屋わらび) https://www.instagram.com/p/B8t1KvQBXuU/?igshid=skr0snu9qapv

[eeto22]

Oyster gratin from my favorite neighborhood izakaya. And who says cheese and seafood don't go together? #oysters #eathiroshima #gastronogram #foodbeast #whatjapanesepeopleeat #forkyeah #chowhoundjapan #instayum #instafood #foodstagram #explorejapan #japaneats #japanfoodie #japanesefood #japanesefoodculture #yahoofood #yougottaeatthis #eater #eatthis #culinaryjapan #lefooding #jpfood #jpfoodies #foodporn #foodpics #eattheworld #food #foodforthought (at 居酒屋わらび) https://www.instagram.com/p/B8rTeCJhSDs/?igshid=5ls0i4qqg9x8

[eeto22]

Getting back into the swing of eating in Japan with a comforting combination chicken kara-age and yaki-saba (grilled mackerel) lunch bento from a takeout shop down the street that makes these fresh to order for a measly 550¥ (~$5US). #eathiroshima #gastronogram #foodbeast #whatjapanesepeopleeat #forkyeah #chowhoundjapan #instayum #instafood #foodstagram #explorejapan #japaneats #japanfoodie #japanesefood #japanesefoodculture #yahoofood #yougottaeatthis #eater #eatthis #culinaryjapan #lefooding #jpfood #jpfoodies #foodporn #foodpics #eattheworld #food #foodforthought (at Hiroshima) https://www.instagram.com/p/B8ZACRihGLM/?igshid=n1gmiuug86n7

[eeto22]

The first thing I eat upon returning to Hiroshima. A plate of seafood #yakisoba, not just because it's good. Moreso because it's close, fast, and cheap. And a quick remedy for having nothing to eat in the fridge. #eathiroshima #gastronogram #foodbeast #whatjapanesepeopleeat #forkyeah #chowhoundjapan #instayum #instafood #foodstagram #explorejapan #japaneats #japanfoodie #japanesefood #japanesefoodculture #yahoofood #yougottaeatthis #eater #eatthis #culinaryjapan #lefooding #jpfood #jpfoodies #foodporn #foodpics #eattheworld #food #foodforthought (at Soriche広島 - ソリーチェ広島) https://www.instagram.com/p/B8UJudnBeo7/?igshid=1wgxr07wtgzhx

[eeto22]

Reverting to my comfort foods as I part from my childhood home. When I found myself at an old timey coffeeshop, I knew what I wanted to order. I've always been partial to a #tunamelt, especially with melted swiss cheese (though I forgot to specify and got cheddar on this one). As long as there's a competent person on the grill, and barring a faulty tuna salad, it's really hard to mess up. My dessert of choice is usually a piece of pie, but the #breadpudding won out. #losangeles #美味しい #ロサンゼルス #懐かしい #gastronogram #forkyeah #foodbeast #instayum #instafood #foodstagram #yahoofood #yougottaeatthis #eaterla #eatthis #lefooding #foodporn #foodpics #food #foodforthought #chowhound #igfood #foodexplorer (at Lancers Restaurant) https://www.instagram.com/p/B8OtqTqBR9B/?igshid=1c1lga0k6qgqx