Mizuno Okonomiyaki: 65 Years of Scrumptious Delights (Osaka Series Part 4/6)

I'll be honest. I haven't had much exposure to genuine Okonomiyaki in my life until my recent trip to Osaka. The first time I had Okonomiyaki was in the form of a Pasar Malam (night market) in Singapore, which to say the least, was well off the mark. The closest I have come to an authentic experience was the one I had at Iroha 168. But that said, most restaurants here in Singapore make use of whatever limited ingredients and condiments that can be imported. The best is always used domestically back in Japan.

What is so attractive about something that looks unattractive in the first place? Well my friends, beauty is always in the eye, or in this case, the tongue of the beholder. If there is a food that can define Osaka, Okonomiyaki has to be it, and Mizuno has been flying the flag high for 65 years in the Dotonbori district.

Scallop and Pork Loin (Ingredients for the Yamaimo Yaki)

Imagine fresh seafood and meat, pan seared lightly to give off a smoky and tantalizing aroma, then blanketed by a proprietary mixture of flour, batter, cabbage and other seasonings.

Pouring batter over the pork and scallops

Give it a few minutes later and voila. It is ready to be cut and served. Perfect for sharing amongst friends or your significant other. In fact, it is a better idea to eat Okonomiyaki in groups so you can sample all the different varieties and toppings.

Yamaimo Yaki with Pork and Scallops (Okonomiyaki made with Japanese Yam)
1620 yen, approximately SGD $20 at the point of purchase

The Yamaimo Yaki is undoubtedly the signature of Mizuno. This item was in the menu since its opening and it still remains the most popular dish of the restaurant. The yam provides a significant difference, making the texture of the pancake smoother, almost slippery. Flavour wise, it is slightly sweeter and stickier. Together with the pork loin and scallops, and topped with Japanese Worcestershire and Mayonnaise, the Yamaimo Yaki is like a pancake gathering of the most delectable ingredients you can find and combining them into one single dish. It is savoury, sweet, creamy, crunchy and scrumptious, all at the same time. This in essence, is the beauty of Okonomiyaki: everything you want, grilled to perfection, and giving you a multidimensional sensory overload.

Mazeyaki (Okonomiyaki with chopped squid, pork, octopus and prawns)
1400 yen, approximately SGD $17 at point of purchase

 Another item worth going for is the Maze Yaki. Contrary to the Yamaimo Yaki, this is not as molten and it packs more punch and bite. It is wonderful to be able to get the refreshing cabbage with the sinful pork pieces and fresh seafood. The worcestershire and mayonnaise does a wonderful job of holding everything together and provides a richer mouthfeel together with a pleasant tang to cut through the heaviness of the dish.

The wonderful thing about going to Okonomiyaki joints in Japan is that everything is done ala minute, right before your very eyes. Most places have either table or counter seating with the grill in close proximity to the customers, but has indoor vents to suck in the heat and smoke so it does not hit you directly and affect your dining experience. There is nothing to hide at all, just simple ingredients grilled with finesse by an experienced chef. This ensures that you get your food from kitchen to table in a matter of seconds so you can enjoy your pancakes piping hot.


As it is quite filling and a little heavy, Okonomiyaki makes the ideal snack/tapas/meal to be shared over good company and washed down with an ice cold beer. Be it for lunch, a mid afternoon snack or supper, anytime is a good time to eat Okonomiyaki, and Mizuno, having been around for 65 years in such a competitive area and still managing to bring in crowds daily, is the place to go to for a wonderful experience. Take your seat, and watch in awe as the chef mixes, grills and serve it up right in front of you.

Mizuno Okonomiyaki
1-4-15 Dotonbori, Chuo-ku, Osaka

Operating Hours:
Open from Mondays to Sundays
1100-2200

How to get there:

Mizuno is located in Dotonbori, about 10 min walk from Namba Station on the Osaka Subway.
Take Exit 14 and walk out to Dotonbori, look out for the Kani Doraku (The restaurant with a huge plastic crab model) and turn right into the smaller street.

Link to their website.