Okonomiyaki is a Japanese savoury pancake. The name is derived from the word okonomi meaning “what you like” or “what you want”, and yaki meaning “grilled” or “cooked”. It is extremely popular in Osaka. I had the pleasure of trying Kuro-Chan’s okonomiyaki during my first trip. His shop is a hole in the wall in a residential […]
Most tourists in Japan will likely try the popular Okonomiyaki (Japanese pancake) and Takoyaki (octopus balls), but will not have even heard of Monjayaki. Thanks to our Tokyo expert Kenta and his mother Mami, we got to experience this unique Tokyo dish. So what is it? Monja (short for Monjayaki) first gained popularity during World […]
Categories
Japan: Cup Noodle Museum
If you love instant noodles, there’s the original Instant Ramen Museum in Osaka. Good news, they’ve opened a new one closer to Tokyo in Yokohama. It’s the Cup Noodle Museum! Address: 2-3-4 Shinko, Naka-ku, Yokohama 231-0001 Japan Admission: Adults: 500 yen Website: http://www.cupnoodles-museum.jp/ A very spacious Apple-esque entrance: Here’s a chart of most consumed cup noodles in […]
Categories
Japan: Owl Cafe
On my first trip to Japan (2012), I visited a Cat cafe in Osaka. It was a really great experience, so this time around (2015), I decided to visit an owl cafe in Shinjuku, Tokyo. For ~1500 yen ($13 USD) you get a drink and an hour to hang out with ~8 owls. You’re allowed to […]
Categories
Japan: Takoyaki
Takoyaki (たこ焼き) is one of my favorite street snacks in Japan. My first experience was back in 2012 with Virginia and Kathleen. What a mind blowing experience! They look innocently spherical, but are filled with molten hot goodness! Here are two Osaka takoyaki masters at it: The slightly crispy outside shell is made of wheat flour […]