I don't usually go out to eat okonomiyaki, but being born in Kyoto like people from Osaka, I also have a special attachment to okonomiyaki. In the past, okonomiyaki was something you cooked yourself, at small family-run shops where you would chat and cook together. However, nowadays, big chain restaurants have become more common, where the cooked okonomiyaki is brought to you. But to me, okonomiyaki is best when you cook it yourself, in a cozy family-run shop atmosphere, chatting and enjoying the experience. And recently, I found a restaurant that met all my criteria. Located near Kinkaku-ji in Kyoto, "Daino-ji" is a small family-run shop with a lively atmosphere, popular among foreign visitors. The main feature of this shop is that they let you cook your own okonomiyaki. The owner, a lively and warm-hearted lady, is like an Osaka auntie at first glance. But having dealt with foreign customers for a long time, she can speak English fluently and is a lovely hostess. She has a great ability to communicate and provides top-notch hospitality. A lover of Paris who has visited the city countless times and traveled to many other countries, she always wants to show the utmost hospitality to guests who come from far away. She expresses her gratitude to guests from around the world who visit her small shop, and aims to make them happy. She greets guests in their native language, gives them a plate with the shop's name for a commemorative photo, and turns any mistakes in flipping the okonomiyaki into a fun experience. The shop also stands out for its unique menu, with a variety of creative options alongside the traditional ones. The use of plenty of Kujo green onions, typical of Kyoto, adds to the deliciousness. On this occasion, I chose a normal okonomiyaki with Kujo green onions and pork for 850 yen, and the shop's specialty "Daino-ji yaki" for 1000 yen. The "Daino-ji yaki" is particularly recommended, with crispy pork, tofu for a fluffy texture, and ingredients like rice cakes and pickles. The original special Japanese sauce goes perfectly with it, making it a dish that surpasses the level of okonomiyaki and tastes like a masterpiece of Japanese cuisine. I couldn't stop eating it and finished it in no time. When I went for lunch, there was a Thai family of seven next to us and a group of Korean people at another table. With the owner's perfect cooking instructions and entertaining conversation, everyone was having a great time together. Even when the Thai wife failed to flip the okonomiyaki, the owner comforted her in Thai, saying "Mai pen rai" (don't worry), and made everyone laugh. It was clear that everyone was enjoying the delicious okonomiyaki and feeling happy. Even when we left first, the Thai family waved goodbye with smiles. It was a memorable and enjoyable moment for me as well. This kind of experience is something you can never have at a restaurant where you just eat the okonomiyaki served to you. If I lived nearby, I'm sure I would want to visit this place every week.

Modern grilled restaurant

Okonomiyaki is a common dish in Kansai, with various options available including the classic Butatama. However, there is a restaurant where the young owner is seeking to go beyond the usual and explore the infinite possibilities of okonomiyaki. The menu offers interesting and delicious variations, showcasing the owner's creativity and dedication to flavor. One particularly enjoyable dish is the rice okonomiyaki, which is a carb-lover's dream with its crispy texture and unique flavor. The small restaurant is often crowded with tourists, so getting a seat can be challenging, but it is worth it to experience the delicious okonomiyaki creations. If you have the chance to visit, make sure to try the rice okonomiyaki and savor the unique flavors.