A few months ago I had the chance to travel to Japan. Among all of the authentic Japanese dishes, one that caught my eyes was Okonomiyaki in Osaka. It was interesting to see how they mixed everything together in front of you to create one unique delicacy that foreigners dare call “Japanese Pizza“.
Upon my return, I immediately looked for the same taste in Jakarta. I remembered trying a local Okonomiyaki restaurant, only to be disappointed since what they offered resembles more like a Chinese omelette. They are quite successful, though, thanks to focusing more on the business side. I, however, wanted something more. A few weeks ago, during a food event in Grand Indonesia, it all changed when I discovered OTAKUDOU Okonomiyaki, one of the tenants there who introduced Hiroshima-style Okonomiyaki.
What is Hiroshima-style Okonomiyaki? How does it differ from its Osakan counterpart? Hiroshima-style Okonomiyaki is made of multiple layers of a variety of things – flour, noodles, smoked beef, cabbage, and egg, drizzled with Okonomi Sauce and Mayonnaise, then topped with grated dried fish and seaweed. A lot of cabbage is added but it is steamed to such degree that it becomes very soft and doesn’t taste like vegetable anymore, which is a big plus. Due to the thickness of the Okonomiyaki, eating one slice is usually enough to fight any regular hunger, although from what I heard the practice in Japan is that the whole pan is eaten at once, not just one slice. The Japanese sure have a big appetite, don’t they? I’d think twice before challenging them to an eating contest! This man is a living proof.
What sets OTAKUDOU apart from the others is that Mr. Kato, the chef himself actually hails from Japan. Feel free to have a chat with him as he is very nice and eager to tell you about the story behind Okonomiyaki, which dates back to the war era (Something new for me, too!). Watching him cook is enjoyable, you just need to keep your stomach from growling too much. And yes, you can make his Hiroshima-style Okonomiyaki at home, but the secret lies in the homemade Okonomi sauce which brings multiple layers of flavor into the Okonomiyaki itself. At only IDR 35,000 per slice, it is definitely worth a try.
Anyways, this Thursday marks the start of another food event in Grand Indonesia called “Culinary Escape“. OTAKUDOU will open up a booth again, selling their mouth-watering layers of Okonomiyaki. Rumor has it that the Okonomiyaki won’t go solo anymore this time… I am excited to find out what goodness they will bring out this time! [UPDATE: It’s Hanamitarashi Dango!!]
Event Name: Culinary Escape #HappyTummy2016
Location: Grand Indonesia West Mall Level 5
Dates: Thursday, March 31 – Sunday, April 3, 2016, 10 AM – 10 PM
Instagram: @culinaryescape
If you would like to try a slice but somehow can’t go, you can order by Gojek or GRAB. You need to enter the information manually.
How to order OTAKUDOU Okonomiyaki by Gojek or GRAB:
1. Open the Go-jek or GRAB App, select GO-SEND service.
2. In FROM/DARI, enter “Grand Indonesia” on the map and add “West Mall Lantai 5, Culinary Escape”, putting contact “Otakudou” at 081293370055 (optional).
3. In TO/UNTUK, type in your detailed address.
4. In ITEM/BARANG, put “… slice Okonomiyaki” and/or “… pcs Dango”.
5. Confirm your order.
6. Read posts on electreats.com while waiting for your order.
OTAKUDOU Okonomiyaki “The first authentic Hiroshima-style Okonomiyaki in Indonesia”
Grand Indonesia West Mall Level 5
At Culinary Escape Event
Twitter: @otakudou
Instagram: @otakudou
Whats-App (WA): 0812 9337 0055
Yes, I will be back.
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