Okonomi House

Okonomi House is located at 23 Charles St W, Toronto . It is near an intersection of Younge and Charles street. While walking on Charles street you will see an iconic traditional restaurant. On the outside, it may not look like much, but the food and atmosphere will not disappoint!

Historical Context

Okonomi Yaki was invented in Japan prior and during the world war II era. It has gained popularity during the world war II. The dish also has evolved from various dishes in the past but in the most popular form, it has been attributed to originated in Kansai Region or Osaka. The Okonomi Yaki has two distinct versions but the one in this restaurant appears to be from the Kansai region. Kansai region include prefectures of Nara, Wakayama, Shiga and the more popular cities like Kyoto and Osaka that have gained popularity as major tourist destinations. (I have personally been there as well and I can say that Kyoto was one of the best cities I have been!)

Food

Selection:

The menu was quite simple mainly divided into the main entrees and Okonomi Yaki. I originally came in with the intention of trying the Okonomi Yaki but after seeing the food, will definitely come back to try the Beef Teriyaki dish. It honestly looks so amazing!

For the Okonomi Yaki, the selection was quite simple just pick the proteins that goes onto Okonomi Yaki. In my case I chose squid!

Price:/Atmosphere:

Taste:

Before I tasted it, after it was served, I thought that Okonomi Yaki will be very mushy similar to what I would imagine a pancake. However, to my pleasant surprise it has more texture than I have anticipated. With the first bite, I got a generous amount of squid that is inside. But the real highlight for me is the combination between the flour and the cabbage. The flour provides the soft and soothing texture while the cabbage give us another texture of slight crunchiness. Combining this with the squid I have it was a perfect bite. On top of that the outside was cooked to be slightly harder which is great. The restaurant also offers the bonito flakes which add another soft aromatic texture and taste to the dish. I personally enjoyed this dish and it is a perfect comfort food. The dish is a perfect amount for me, I thought I would be too full but in the end it was not too heavy that it would paralyze you. On top of the pancake, it is also served with mayonnaise and “sweet sauce” glazed on top. For any one that have never had this, I would think of this as a Japanese “savory pancake” and I recommend to try this out!

The price was very reasonable in this area! The atmosphere is definitely casual. I sat by the counter as I came by myself. But honestly it was a great seat as I was overlooking the grill as shown in the picture. I really enjoyed watching the chef cooking the food. The concentration and the attentiveness that he has for every dishes was honestly astounding. He made everything looks easy but yet so perfect. His mastery clearly has been honed in years of cooking the food. In the back, you will also see another chef who preps everything into the right portion in which everything is already portioned and only needed to be cook. It was honestly so impressive and as someone who used to work in operation management, Japanese efficiency and attention to details has always amazed me even when I traveled to Japan. The server was also attentive. All around great casual vibe perfect for catching up with friends or family meal with great price and large portion!

My only small personal preference is that I wish they also give the sweet sauce on the side. I didnt bother with it. I think this is a habit for Thai people to sometimes overdo on the sauce but it would be nice to have that on the side as well!

Score

Atmosphere: 9/10 (Friendly and homey)
Price: 9/10 (Great price especially Okonomi Yaki)
Taste: 8/10 (Excellent taste!)

Scale:
Would not recommend: Below 2
Need some improvement: 3-5
Average: 5
Decent: 6
Great: 7
Excellent: 8
Outstanding 9+

Website: Okonomi House