Outside Japan, Okonomiyaki is described as a Japanese savory pancake but here in Manila we call it a Japanese Pizza. Okonomiyaki in Japan is usually sliced in two but since Pinoy customers tend to associate this dish with Italian Pizza, Kagura Restaurant now serve it in six equally divided slices much like what else? ….. Pizza

Ebi-tama Okonomiyaki (with shrimp and egg) Php230.00

Unlike Pizza, this favored Japanese dish doesn’t have tomato sauce so it must be more like a Pancake than a Pizza right? haha:) Just try it and enjoy every bite!

Okonomiyaki Master

Kagura is the only restaurant who doesn’t offer Sushi and Sashimi in Little Tokyo. What sets this restaurant apart from other Japanese restaurants in the area is its good customer service. Kagura Okonomiyaki Restaurant opened in 2002 introducing Okonomiyaki – one of Japan’s most popular dishes. I was able to have a short conversation with the Operations Manager named Ethel and learned that the restaurant was conceptualized by Master Yokota – her beloved husband.

I just love Shrimp

There are two main variations of Okonomiyaki; Kansai Style (also called Osaka Style), and Hiroshima Style. Okonomiyaki originated in Osaka – a city which is also famous for Takoyaki. Osaka has more Okonomiyaki restaurants than any other city in Japan. Okonomi simply means “what you like” or “what you want”, while yaki means “grilled” or “cooked”; combining both words means “cook what you like”.

Okonomiyaki in the Making

Okonomiyaki’s most common ingredients are flour, water, eggs, bell pepper and cabbage. The cabbage is thinly chopped and mixed with flour, water and eggs. Toppings and batters tend to vary according to region. Some toppings may consist of thinly sliced chopped pork, thinly sliced chopped beef, chopped onions, squid, mushrooms and shrimps.

Osaka Style Okonomiyaki

I ordered Ebi-tama – it has a combination of shrimp and egg toppings. “Ebi” is “shrimp” while “tama” is egg in Japanese. In Japan, they are applying sweet version of tonkatsu sauce while in our very own Kagura, they brush the batter with Otafuku Sauce which has a sweet and fruity taste. Otafuku Sauce has a refreshing tangy taste and spicy aroma, I want to get one since the lovely manager shared that this sauce are available in a Japanese Grocery nearby.

Complimentary dessert

Kagura’s version of Okonomi-yaki also has a Japanese Mayonnaise on top of the Otafuku sauce. The methods for preparing it differs from one restaurant to another. Kagura also serve complimentary Mugi Cha – a tisane made from roasted barley, which is popular in Japanese and Korean cuisine.

Little Tokyo in Makati

I was not able to finish all six slices since this meal is pretty filling. It’s my first time to eat in Little Tokyo and it was a really good experience, I’ll probably go back soon to try some Ramen and Takoyaki. I don’t know any other good Japanese restaurant who offers Okonomiyaki here in Manila but please let me know if in case you discovered one.

Kagura
Little Tokyo Unit 2,
2277 Chino Roces formerly Pasong Tamo St.,
Makati City
(632) 894-3856
Email : ethelaluz1@hotmail.com
Web : http://www.kagura.ph-co.jp

Hours of Operation
11:30 am – 2:30 pm
6:00 pm – 10:30 pm

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