I remember once being served Okonomiyaki by a waitress named ‘Sushi Susan’ – the Japanese pancake came accompanied by a small ‘pirate ship’ full of food. Around the table, we sliced up and shared the portions as a giant papier-mache squid hung above, like a marine chandelier.
Even if this hadn’t taken place in an eccentric Japanese restaurant in Canada, I think I’d still remember it, because I can single out every instance I’ve had okonomiyaki. It seems to be a menu-shy dish, it’s never listed as much as I’d like.
Luckily, it turns out you can get okonomiyaki for lunch at Cafe Ish (another long-time Sydney favourite that I blogged about last year; its highly original Japanese-meets-Australian cafe food is worth the return visits).
Cafe Ish’s version is a crusty, thick stack of cabbage-and-shallot-embedded goodness, topped with shredded nori, wasabi dijonnaise and plum sauce – a winter-perfect mix that makes me instantly declare, “more please”. You can get it like this for $11, or pile on extras (bacon & tasty cheese; salmon & organic feta).
There’s no pirate ship in sight but I think even Sushi Susan could consider crossing the sea (with her papier mache squid) for this one. Another nice okonomiyaki memory to bank away – and not the last one, hopefully.
Cafe Ish, Shop 2, 102 Albion St, Surry Hills NSW (02) 9281 1688
okonomiyaki!!! you should definitely visit Osaka if you like okonomiyaki! it’s Osaka’s most famous food 🙂
YUUUUMMMMYYYYY i havent had it in a while, now i crave for it!!
sydneyguyrojoe
i totally agree!! okonomiyaki needs to pop up far more!!! i think almost my favourite food (oh geez that is a hrad call though…)
Hi guys
new shop
82 campbell st surry hills
nights wed to sat
7 days
fully licensed
organic and bio dynamic wines
organic, native and handcrafted beers
izakaya style night menu
thanks
josh
cafe ish