What I miss about Japan

Since I came to US I have realized that there were a lot of Japanese foods I could eat here. For example, what I was surprised first was Sushi. Also I was amazed when I found a Japanese noodle and appetizers. But what I missed nowadays is Japanese local food that are basically hard to find here. Especially, I miss my favorite food in Kansai region "Okonomiyaki" and "Takoyaki".

Kansai food is one of Japanese cuisines people basically recognize it comes from Osaka. It is well known for its unique cooking style and seasoning. They basically use 'Teppan', flat-wide iron table that can be as warm as a pan. It is famous for served during Japanese traditional festivals such as a big fireworks show and a Japanese parade called Gion. These big events are held outside on main avenues or huge outside venues. We usually see a lot of vender stalls selling Kansai snacks for visitors. I have always loved eating them during those festivals.

"Okonomiyaki" is a Japanese pancake made of flour and eggs and many other ingredients. It is simple to cook it. First, we make a basic batter with flour, eggs and water. Then put some minced cabbages, ginger pickles and sliced meat. We sometimes put some sea food instead and add cheese or pieces of rice cake. Then spread it round on a warmed' Teppan'. After flip over it, we put source and mayo and other seasonings.

"Takoyaki" is a ball-shaped Japanese snack served as well as "Okonomiyaki” by stalls. It needs a different kind of “Teppan” which is special for making it and has many holes to make ball shape. Ingredients are almost same as “Okonomiyaki”. One thing different is that we put chopped octopus in center of a ball.

Both are popular food in traditional events. We can buy them at a pretty cheap price and could eat outside enjoying festivals. Also they smell really fragrant and are appetizing us. “Teppan” is usually warmed up high temperature so that their surface feel crunch and inside are very soft. When you eat “Takoyaki” you need to be careful because its inside is really hot even though surface is not so.

              I really wish there was a place or festival where we could eat them. Actually if I have a “Teppan” I can make them myself. But it is also a fun to watch how they are cooked and wait it chatting with friends. I miss my favorite foods “Okonomiyaki” and ”Takoyaki”. I hope that a Kansai food restaurant will open in Chicago one day.