How to Order & Eat Hiroshima-Style Okonomiyaki

A practical guide for first-timers: ordering phrases, local manners, cash payment tips, and how to enjoy it like a local.

1) How to Order

Typical Flow

1. Take a seat and check the menu.
2. In most shops, staff cook on the teppan (iron griddle) for you.
3. It usually takes about 10–15 minutes.

Common Menu Terms

Local tip: In Hiroshima, most people order soba-iri. For first-timers, nikutama soba is a safe and delicious start.

Useful Phrases

• “Soba-iri de onegai shimasu.” (with noodles, please)
• “Mayonnaise nashi de.” (no mayo, please)
• “Sauce sukuname de.” (less sauce, please)
• “Osusume wa nan desu ka?” (what do you recommend?)

Manners When Ordering

• Order one okonomiyaki per person (no sharing). One pie is considered one meal and grills are arranged per person.
• If you can’t finish, you can take leftovers to go. A take-out box may cost ¥50–¥100.

2) How to Eat

The Hiroshima Way

Locals eat directly from the teppan using a small metal spatula (hera). Cut a bite-sized piece and scoop it up. No plate needed.

If the Heat Is Too Much

Ask staff to serve it on a plate. In that case, eat with chopsticks (not the spatula).

• English: “Can I have it on a plate?”
• Japanese (if needed): “お皿にのせてください”

Eating Tips

1. Wait until the staff say it’s ready.
2. Cut small pieces with the spatula and lift from underneath.
3. The teppan keeps it warm to the last bite.
4. It’s hot! Let the first bite cool slightly.
5. Secret pleasure: with soba-iri, some noodles crisp on the teppan—those crunchy bits are delicious.

Flavor Twist

Enjoy the original taste first, then add mayonnaise if you like. Note: some shops charge an extra ¥20–¥100 for mayo.

Polite Reminders

• It’s fine to eat directly with the spatula at the teppan.
• At tables away from the teppan, people often use plates and chopsticks.
• Say “Gochisōsama” (thank you for the meal) when you finish.
• No tipping culture in Japan.
• Photo tip: aonori (seaweed flakes) can stick to lips/teeth—check before photos!

3) Fun Tips

• “Okonomiyaki” literally means “grilled as you like.”
• Some places let you cook by yourself—locals are usually happy to help.
• Busy shops full of regulars are often a great sign.

Shop Styles Vary

Small mom-and-pop shops sometimes serve only okonomiyaki. Others offer a rich set of sides like tebasaki (chicken wings) or horumon-itame (stir-fried offal). It differs by shop—discover your favorite.

Want to Cook It Yourself?

There are two great options in Hiroshima if you’d like to try cooking okonomiyaki yourself.

Do’s & Don’ts

Map: Okonomiyaki Spots around Hiroshima Station

Explore popular okonomiyaki restaurants near Hiroshima Station. Zoom and tap to see local favorites.