Okonomiyaki, often referred to as “Japanese savory pancakes,” is a beloved street food that originated in the Kansai region but has gained widespread popularity throughout Japan, including Tokyo. The name “okonomiyaki” translates to “grilled as you like it,” reflecting the dish’s customizable nature. A batter of flour, eggs, shredded cabbage, and dashi is cooked on a hot griddle, with various toppings such as thinly sliced pork belly, shrimp, squid, or octopus added to the mix. Once cooked, the okonomiyaki is drizzled with a savory-sweet sauce, mayonnaise, bonito flakes, and dried seaweed powder. In Tokyo, visitors can enjoy okonomiyaki in both traditional restaurants and modern izakayas, where the dish is often cooked on a hot grill built into the table, allowing diners to customize their creations to their liking. Okonomiyaki is not just a delicious meal; it’s a communal dining experience that brings friends and family together to bond over shared culinary delights.

Yakiniku, which translates to “grilled meat,” is a popular Japanese barbecue style where diners grill bite-sized pieces of meat, such as beef, pork, and chicken, at their table and enjoy them with dipping sauces and side dishes. In Tokyo, yakiniku restaurants range from casual eateries with tabletop grills to upscale establishments offering premium cuts of wagyu beef and an extensive selection of side dishes and accompaniments. The preparation of yakiniku is a communal dining experience that brings friends and family together to bond over shared culinary delights, with diners taking turns grilling the meat to their desired level of doneness. The sizzling sounds and tantalizing aromas of grilling meat create a lively and convivial atmosphere that enhances the dining experience. In addition to meat, yakiniku restaurants also offer a variety of vegetables, seafood, and other ingredients for grilling, allowing diners to customize their meals to their liking. Whether enjoyed as a casual meal with friends or a special occasion with loved ones, yakiniku is a beloved culinary tradition that captures the essence of Tokyo’s vibrant dining scene.