OSAKA: Okonomiyaki Kiji... the friendliest master (owner) in Town... thank you's all around!

Mari wanted to try one of the most famous Okonomiyaki spots in all of Osaka... so we were off to KIJI. After the 1.5hr wait standing in line we were a bit tired... arrived at 8pm and got inside around 9:30pm.

Waiting area even on the inside... seats for about 8 waiting people.

There are two nice tables for 4 in the back... you can take off your shoes.

Little scooper for the Okonomiyaki

Mari waiting patiently... we ordered 3!!

Beeru after a long wait... smiles all around :)

Had to join my girl with a cold beer too.

The walls were covered with pictures and so many business cards... I stuck my CLSA card on the wall.

First went with the basic Soba... a bit too basic but tasty.

3 Portions in front of Mari... had to go for as many as possible.. our last night in Osaka.

This was the Seafood.

This was the steak... (Gyu Suji)

They also have a shop in Marunouchi near Tokyo Station in the TOKIA B1 area (Where JPMorgan is located)! Also a brand new one located near Shinagawa Station.

We got a pic with the cool owner... all smiles.  

Shop: Okonomiyaki Kiji

Location: Osaka Station... about a 10min walk.

Foodie Website: http://r.tabelog.com/osaka/A2701/A270101/27000322/

Address J: 大阪府大阪市北区大淀中1-1-90 梅田スカイビル Ｂ１Ｆ滝見小路

Address E: Just look or the Umeda Sky Building (Its on the B1F level!  Its like an old Japanese town there... near the Westin Hotel Osaka).

Map:  

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OSAKA Umeda City: Sakura Okonomiyaki... our favorite spot in "Shin Umeda Shokudo Gai"

Thanks to my company Mari and I escaped the radio activity in Tokyo for a few days... Tokyo is great but there was no milk, water, eggs, bread or instant foods anywhere to be found but the rolling blackouts convinced us to get away for a few days.

Osaka is truly a giant inexpensive kitchen compared to Tokyo.  The food was easily 30% less but beer prices were the same.  Mari had a craving for Okonomiyaki and Tako Yaki... of course you can't leave Osaka without enjoying these two famous treats.

We walked into a big maze of small restaurants in Umeda and randomly searched for a place that was nicely filled... SAKURA was it with its nice counter seating and view of the chef at work.

We ordered the Buta (Pork) -Tama and...

The Yaki Udon... later regretted this because it was basically fried Udon in Okonomiyaki Sauce... doubt this cost more than 100yen to make at home.  

Of course... Beeru.

The Okonimyaki Arrived... now the best thing about this is they cut up and mince the cabbage so you don't get big uneven chunks in the serving.  This was soooo tasty.  Seems they use batter, egg, cabbage and pork... thats it!  But why don't you watch this episode of Cooking with Dog! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PeUHy0A1GF0

(If you love Japanese food you must watch this Dog Series)

Little video of how to cut up the Okonimiyaki in easy bite size bits.

Don't for get to add these toppings... first dried seaweed?  It was so tasty.

Dried fish powder... 

And something I've only seen in Osaka... Red Pepper! This gave it a nice kick.

Yeah, I managed to put all the toppings on my little plate... yum.

View of the chef preparing everyones Okonomiyaki on his own hot plate.

Oh, they give you a most paper washcloth, chop sticks and a metal scooper.

The Yaki Udon arrived... yeah, don't order this.  Go for a few orders of the Okonomiyaki.

There are actually two Sakuras in this little alley... if one is full just check out the other one.  Counter seating so easy to wander in alone.  If you need to just pick ONE spot to eat Okonimiyaki in Osaka I'd highly recommend this place... no long lines and the food was great plus service most excellent and friendly. Also! They have an English Menu with Pictures!!!

Shop: Okonomiyaki Sakura

Location: Umeda Station in Osaka

Gnavi Website: http://r.gnavi.co.jp/k301813/ with 10% off Coupon

Foodie Website: http://r.tabelog.com/osaka/A2701/A270101/27006469/

Address J: 大阪府大阪市北区角田町9-10

Address E: Osaka-fu, Osaka-shi,  Kita-ku, Kakuda-cho 9-10

MAP:

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