As a history lesson, Iijima said: “The creation of monjayaki supposedly occurred in the past when someone tried to make and sell okonomiyaki – a popular snack that originated in the Kansai area – at a store for children in the Kanto area, but failed because he added in too much soup stock. Children would then eat the monjayaki and, at the same time, using a tiny spatula, practise writing Japanese alphabets with the runny batter on the hot iron plate.”
Iijima recommends the restaurants Kanoya in Asakusa, Okoge in Tsukishima and Kameari in Tokyo. “Tokyo is my hometown, and as a plus, the recommended restaurants are in areas that are great for sightseeing,” he said. An order of monjayaki usually costs less than 1,000 yen.
More than a delicious meal or snack, monjayaki is a cultural and social event. “I have been eating monjayaki since I was young. Enjoying it with loved ones around the teppan is very much part of our Japanese culture,” he said.
“Monjayaki is eaten directly from a teppan while it is still sizzling hot, and the longer you grill the batter to your preference, the more caramelised it will get. I think its taste will be familiar to Singaporeans who like charred flavours.”
Source: CNA
