Osaka is Famous for its Okonomiyaki - Cooking on a Teppan, The Chefs in Action

                                                  
                                                   Takoyaki (grilled octopus ball) mould

Seated behind the teppan (iron hot pan stove) and waiting to savour pipping hot food straight from the pan to the plate.

This okonomiyaki is the "noodle" version. First they fried the soba, add meat and scallions.

This restaurant is apparently quite famous around Osaka. It's a chain with many Chibo (thousand) around town and here in this three level building.

The chef is waiting for the streaky pork (similar to bacon) and prawn to sizzle.

There are two sides to a pancake. Adding cabbage to one of the cooked pancake.

 

 

A slight distraction, looking around, and saw the aquarium along the side wall.

Abalone suction on the glass of the tank makes quite an interesting feast for the eyes.

                                            Now the pancake looks well cooked and crispy.

Adding the finishing touches: generous spread of okonomiyaki fruit sauce, skilful drizzle of Japanese mayonnaise and tuna flakes.

The next dish was an omelette. Same sauces but topped with scallions instead of bonito.

Another okonomiyaki in the making. This one has root vegetables inside. Tastes soft and fluffy.

                                                                         
                                                                                 Bon Appetite!

Oh oh! We're quite full by now. But we had unwittingly over ordered, as usual, when we were hungry and tired initially. Now comes the fried noodles. Glad that it's the final dish for the dinner tonight.

Menu from another restaurant

Window shopping for what to eat tomorrow. Seriously, I kid you not!

This must be the most famous Okonomiyaki in town. Too bad we have just had the second best already. Anyway, the queue is long, snaking around a few shops.  Another time.

Casual Food - Puffer fish, Ramen, Musk Melon and Red Bean & Green Tea Ice

One can never get hungry in Japan. There are a wide variety of "fast food" in shopping areas and street food to choose from. Most eateries in big cities are open all day from late morning till late at night. These are some food we found randomly walking in the city one fine afternoon.

 

Puffer Fish anyone? There are no known cases of poisoning by eating puffer fish. I don't believe there is any cover up either. The reason is plain and simple. Japanese chefs handling the fish are highly skilled in removing the toxicity from the fish before serving it to customers. Rest assured, it is quite safe.

 

Cha-su Ramen with bamboo shoots and mushrooms

 

The world famous and very expensive but absolutely delicious Japanese musk melon - worth trying at least once if you have not had it before. Even the Japanese would reserve such purchases as special gifts to their employers, business associates or benefactors.

Desert Time