My first Okonomiyaki

Okonomiyaki is often referred to as a "Japanese pancake" and for the most part that's an accurate description. It's comprised mainly of a thick batter and cooked like a pancake but there are many variations which include anything from cheese to ramen noodles as well. There are two main types though: Osaka-style and Hiroshima-style. The main difference being that Osaka-style involves mixing all the ingredients together before cooking, where as Hiroshima-style employs a layered cooking technique. For most people though, Osaka is considered the birthplace of the dish, making that variety the more popular/prevalent style.

It's one of my all-time favorite dishes, however I've never been compelled to make it myself for fear of creating an abomination accompanied by a huge mess. I also view myself as a spectator of Japanese cuisine and since I didn't grow up around these foods it makes me less confident to make them myself. On two occasions I found myself trying to make sushi at home, was severely disappointed with the results and vowed never to do it again.

However, after committing years of interest into Japanese culture/cuisine I figured it was time to stop being a pussy and get knuckles-deep in some okonomiyaki batter. It also helped that I found myself in Mitsuwa where they carry okonomiyaki flour/mix which would make the process a lot easier.

Clockwise from the left: katusobushi (bonito flakes), panko, spring onion, cabbage, eggs, bacon and okonomiyaki flour (not pictured: mayonnaise and okonomi sauce)

Something doesn't smell fishy here...

Fish tacos are awesome. Unfortunately for me, I didn't realize this until like two years ago and am mad at myself for not eating them sooner. Also, I probably have no real bearing on what makes a fish taco great, considering the first and main place I ate/eat them at is Baja Fresh. Oh yeah, and I don't know anything about what type of fish you're supposed to use in them; up until about 10 seconds ago I thought Mahi-Mahi was just a type of tuna.

Anyway, I just went to said Baja Fresh and apparently they've changed over from Mahi to Wahoo for their fish tacos/burritos.

Good thing I typed that sentence out above the picture: redundancy win!

I have no clue what Wahoo is either, but I assumed it must be "better"... or maybe just cheaper? Of course the way they prepare it probably negates any specific flavor differences, not that I would notice any in the first place.

Ye old "two fish combo"

I tried the grilled one first. It really tastes like... nothing, actually. It's kinda like having a hot piece of dense vegetable matter or something stuck in a tortilla with more somewhat flavorful vegetable matter surrounding it (in this case cabbage, avocado and tomato). The only real taste from the fish was the char marks on the outer flesh.

Now the crispy version, well that's a whole other can of worms. I can't tell if it's just the batter or if the actual frying process does make the fish flavor come out, but it's way more tasty. Also, they put this mayonnaise-y sauce in there that's slightly spicy and delicious. Whenever I eat Mexican food, I'm all about putting hot sauce on it, but it's completely unnecessary with this taco.

Hopefully I remember that the crispy ones are better next time I go, but I'll probably either forget or just feel bad about eating TWO fried fish tacos and still get a grilled one.