Ask anyone in Hiroshima what to eat and the answer is okonomiyaki. Unlike the Osaka version, where the ingredients are mixed into a batter, the Hiroshima style is built in layers on a hot iron griddle: a thin crepe, a heap of cabbage and bean sprouts, pork, then noodles, usually soba or udon, and a fried egg on top. It is finished with a thick, fruity sauce and sometimes green onion or cheese, and eaten straight from the griddle with a small spatula. The dish became a staple after the war, when flour and cabbage were cheap, and the city is now dense with counters and family-run restaurants. A guided food tour is a good way to find the best ones, since many are in side streets with menus only in Japanese. The tour listed here is a small guided Best of Hiroshima food outing, with local dishes such as Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki among the tastes. It makes a fun evening or midday activity and gives you someone to explain the ingredients, the ordering and the etiquette.
The classic place to try the dish is Okonomimura, a multi-story building packed with small okonomiyaki counters, where cooks work in front of you. A guide can point you to the stalls with the best reputation and explain how to order. Look for the teppan seats, which let you watch the cooking and eat the pancake hot, and ask for variations such as oysters, squid, cheese or extra noodles. Hiroshima is also famous for its oysters, and the same food tour districts often include grilled seafood, tsukemen noodles and local sake.
Tours differ in format, so read the description carefully. This one is a guided walking food tour, not a dedicated okonomiyaki cooking class. If you want to cook the pancake yourself, a separate teppan cooking experience exists on Viator, and if you prefer to go alone, you can simply choose a counter and point at the menu photos. Dietary restrictions are the main issue: okonomiyaki contains wheat, egg, pork and seafood, so vegetarians and those with allergies should talk to the tour operator before booking.
A food tour also doubles as an orientation to downtown Hiroshima. You will cover the shopping arcades, the Hondori district and backstreets you may not otherwise visit. Plan an appetite, and avoid a big lunch beforehand. Many tours finish in the evening and leave you in a good place to continue to a bar, which makes them particularly good for couples and groups. Booking ahead is wise, because small group sizes sell out in busy seasons.
What to expect
The experience
A small-group guided walk through downtown Hiroshima, stopping at local eateries to taste regional dishes including Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki.
Best time
Early evening, when counters are lively and you can follow with a drink.
How long
Two to three hours.
Tips
Arrive hungry, tell the operator about allergies in advance and order a local beer or sake to go with the pancake.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Food lovers who want help finding the best local places and understanding what they are eating.
- Families
- Children who like noodles and pancakes usually enjoy it; check the tour's age policy.
- Couples
- A relaxed evening with a guide, then a nightcap in a nearby bar.
- Pair with
- The Peace Memorial Park by day and a stroll through the Hondori arcade.
- Time needed
- An evening, plus a gap of an hour afterward.
Good questions
How is Hiroshima okonomiyaki different from Osaka's?+
In Hiroshima the ingredients are layered rather than mixed, and noodles are a standard layer. The result is a stacked pancake topped with egg and a sweet sauce.
Does the tour only serve okonomiyaki?+
No, the Best of Hiroshima food tour samples several local dishes, with Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki given as an example. Read the booking page for the current stops.
Where can I eat okonomiyaki without a tour?+
Okonomimura, the multi-floor building of counters near the downtown shopping district, is the best known option. Many neighborhood shops also serve it at lunch and dinner.
Is the tour suitable for vegetarians?+
The dish contains pork, egg, wheat and often seafood, so strict vegetarians and those with allergies should contact the operator first. Some venues can adapt, but not all.
Is it better to book ahead?+
Yes, small-group food tours fill up, especially in autumn and spring. Check the tour page for availability and cancellation terms.
