Savouring Osaka's Okonomiyaki

After checking in at the hotel, we strolled along the streets towards Dotonbori. After doing some research, we decided to head to Dotonbori Ichiaki, a restaurant specializing in serving okonomiyaki, for dinner, as Osaka's okonomiyaki is really famous. Dotonbori is a busy area, yet the restaurant was a bit tricky to find, as its entrance is actually downstairs. Inside, one side of the walls was covered with autographs by famous people.

We ordered fried noodles, a heart-shaped okonomiyaki with seafood, and the Ichiakiyaki, an original okonomiyaki recommended by the shopkeeper. As okonomiyaki takes time to prepare, the fried noodles came first.

The sizzling iron pan made the ordinary fried noodles tastier.

The Ichiakiyaki included a very special ingredient — something soft and chewy — mochi, providing a truly interesting texture.

Lastly came the heart-shaped okonomiyaki, on which the waitress drew a cute cat pattern. The white lines were drawn using mayonnaise, and the pink lines were from mentaiko sauce. This meal was incredibly comforting and a great way to unwind after the long journey.