Must-Try Foods In Okonomimura (Hiroshima) For Tourists 2026 - 2027
Okonomimura, Hiroshima, Japan - A Culinary Guide
The Food History of Okonomimura, Hiroshima
Okonomimura is a mecca for food lovers, particularly known for its take on the Japanese savory pancake, okonomiyaki. This unique version was developed after World War II, when food shortages necessitated creativity in cooking. Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki, unlike the Osaka-style, is characterized by layers of ingredients, including a generous amount of cabbage, other vegetables, and a variety of proteins, piled on top of a thin crepe-like pancake. The word "okonomi" literally means "as you like," reflecting the customizable nature of this dish. Over the years, Okonomimura has become an iconic spot housing a multitude of eateries, each offering their unique spin on this classic dish, and has been integral in promoting Hiroshima's food culture.
Must Try Food Dishes in Okonomimura, Hiroshima
1. Hiroshima-style Okonomiyaki (Non-Veg)A signature dish of the region, the Hiroshima-style Okonomiyaki is a layered pancake including a variety of ingredients like noodles, cabbage, bean sprouts, pork, and seafood, topped with a sweet-savory sauce.
2. Hiroshima-style Okonomiyaki (Vegetarian Option)Vegetarians can enjoy this dish too, with a filling of cabbage, bean sprouts, noodles, and other vegetables, omitting the meat and seafood components.
3. Hiroshima Tsukemen (Non-Veg)Another Hiroshima specialty, Tsukemen, involves dipping noodles into a separate bowl of rich, flavorful broth, often accompanied by slices of pork.
4. Oyster Dishes (Non-Veg)Hiroshima is famous for its oysters, and Okonomimura offers various preparations from fried to raw or baked oysters.
5. Momiji Manju (Vegetarian)A famous sweet treat from Hiroshima, Momiji Manju are maple leaf-shaped cakes with sweet red bean paste filling, appropriate for vegetarians.
6. Hiroshimayaki (Non-Veg)Similar to Okonomiyaki, Hiroshimayaki is a savory pancake packed with flavor, incorporating seafood or pork.
7. Tako Yaki (Non-Veg)These are delicious ball-shaped bites made from wheat-flour-based batter and cooked with diced octopus, tempura scraps, pickled ginger, and green onion.
8. Soba (Vegetarian Option Available)Soba, or buckwheat noodles, can be enjoyed in both hot broth or chilled with a dipping sauce. Vegetarians can request for soba dishes without meat.9. Onomichi Ramen (Non-Veg)
A regional variation of ramen, Onomichi Ramen is known for its soy sauce-based broth, thin noodles, and slices of tender pork.
10. Anago Meshi (Non-Veg)This is a seafood dish featuring rice topped with fillets of anago, a type of conger eel, which is a local delicacy.
Top Famous Restaurants in Okonomimura, Hiroshima
Micchan Sohonten 5-13 Shintenchi, Naka Ward, Hiroshima, 730-0034, JapanFamous Dish: Hiroshima-style Okonomiyaki (Non-Veg)
Hassho 4-17 Fujimi-cho, Naka-ku, Hiroshima 730-0043, JapanFamous Dish: Hiroshima-style Okonomiyaki (Non-Veg)
Okonomi-mura 5-13 Shintenchi, Naka Ward, Hiroshima, 730-0034, JapanFamous Dish: Hiroshima-style Okonomiyaki (Vegetarian Option Available)
Lopez Okonomi-mura 2F, 5-13 Shintenchi, Naka Ward, Hiroshima, 730-0034, JapanFamous Dish: Cheese Okonomiyaki (Non-Veg)
Okonomiyaki Teppanyaki Tsuruhashi Okonomi-mura 3F, 5-13 Shintenchi, Naka Ward, Hiroshima, 730-0034, JapanFamous Dish: Hiroshima-style Okonomiyaki with Squid (Non-Veg)
These restaurants and dishes provide a diverse palette for both vegetarians and non-vegetarians, making Okonomimura an essential destination for anyone eager to indulge in Hiroshima's rich culinary history and flavors.
