Some Japanese foods have become famous in Australia: things like Sushi, Teriyaki (although in a highly modified form), Tempura (which is originally a Portuguese dish), Ramen (which originates from China) and Teppanyaki. However, I've never been able to find Okonomi-yaki on the menus in Japanese restaurants in Australia. Yes, back then we did sometimes make it ourselves, but it was never quite the same as what we can get here.
Okonomi-yaki isn't exactly something you'd find at high class establishment though, and thus probably why restaurants in Australia didn't offer it. Okonomi-yaki is a kind of Japanese savoury pancake and an Osakan soul food. It's one of the dishes you might find at cheap roadside eateries or places you'd go with workmates to have a few beers.
Well Ritsuko and I went into Osaka one Monday morning, because we don't start work until 4:00pm on Mondays and it's a quiet day to look at the shops. For lunch we found a great Okonomi-yaki place in the Yodobashi Camera building. I also bought Ritsuko a new CD player while we were there and didn't buy anything photography related, that time.
So if you ever go to Osaka make sure you try Okonomi-yaki (cooked at your table is the best way to enjoy it). Also try the Hiroshima version if you go to Hiroshima because it's quite different, but equally delicious.