Hiroshima’s savory pancake wins new fan in British prime minister
Japan Times
23-05-21 11:54
During his recent visit to Japan for the G7 summit, the British Prime Minister, Rishi Sunek, extolled the virtues of Okonomiyaki, a savoury, Japanese pancake from Hiroshima. The dish is a hearty mix of cabbage, meat, batter and noodles that can be prepared in many different ways, sometimes by customers themselves. Okonomiyaki is an example of Japan's soul food and an important part of culinary tradition across the country. Despite the dish’s ubiquity, it is also a source of regional pride and often triggers heated debates among foodies across the country. Restaurants in Hiroshima and Osaka, for examples, have their own distinct methods of mixing and layering ingredients. While in Hiroshima, Sunek tried the layered variety, which was reportedly different from the styles that the Prime Minster had already tried in Tokyo and Osaka. Sunek reportedly toasted the culinary traditions of Hiroshima and said he particularly enjoyed Okonomiyaki while on his visit. Around 800 Okonomiyaki restaurants exist in Hiroshima, ensuring that visitors to the city have access to a great range of interpretations of this culinary classic.