Modanyaki "Modern Yaki" (Origin, Recipe, Restaurants) - Food in Japan

Modanyaki is a variation of Okonomiyaki, popular in Osaka, known as "Modern Okonomiyaki." It features the same ingredients and cooking method as traditional Okonomiyaki but distinguishes itself by including Yakisoba noodles, often referred to as Chinese noodles. Unlike Hiroshima-yaki, which layers the ingredients, Modanyaki incorporates them into the batter before cooking. The dish is believed to have originated in Kobe in the 1950s and became a staple in Osaka's culinary scene. Different varieties of Modanyaki are available, such as those with tartar sauce, cheese fondue, or apples, each adding unique flavors to the savory pancake. Making Modanyaki at home involves mixing cabbage and pork belly into an Okonomiyaki flour batter, frying it with Yakisoba noodles, and topping it with sauce and mayo. Restaurants across Osaka, Hyogo, and even Tokyo offer this dish, with each location adding its twist, making Modanyaki a must-try delicacy in Japan.