Japanese Food Bites: Indulging in the Taste of Summer

When many think of Japan, they often imagine the bright lights of Tokyo or the serene temples of Kyoto. But Osaka has its own magic, and on this trip, I got to experience it first hand. My day was packed with unforgettable highlights, including flipping okonomiyaki and taking a trip to the fabled World Expo.

Flipping into Flavor: My Okonomiyaki Cooking Class

Our day kicked off in the bustling heart of Osaka, where a small cooking studio promised to reveal the secrets behind one of Japan’s most beloved dishes. If you’ve never heard of okonomiyaki, imagine a thick, griddled pancake comprised of cabbage, batter, and your choice of fillings, whether it be seafood, pork, or just plain old cheese. Topped with a healthy dose of savory sauce, mayo, seaweed, and bonito flakes that dance in the heat, it is the epitome of comfort food.

The class started with an enthusiastic local instructor explaining the origins of okonomiyaki, whose name roughly means “as you like it, grilled.” I learned that the dish became popular in postwar Japan when ingredients were scarce, and people had to get creative with what they had on hand.

Apron tied, spatula in hand, I got to work. Mixing the batter was surprisingly easy, but flipping the pancake on the hot teppan grill was an art. My first flip got a little messy, but I managed to nail it the following 3 times. Watching the ingredients sizzle and brown, then finishing it off with signature okonomiyaki sauce and a zigzag of mayo, I felt like I had unlocked a piece of Osaka’s culinary soul.

Sitting down to eat what I had just ate, I burned every possible nook and cranny of my mouth. Being surrounded by my new friends and peers, however, eased the pain into an unnoticeable side effect. Afterwards, I was awarded with a slightly oversized certificate for my accomplishments, along with ingredients and a recipe to be brought home and shared with friends and family.

Stepping into Tomorrow: The World Expo

Now on a slightly overfilled stomach, it was time to head over to the World Expo grounds. Osaka has a long history with global expos, and the latest one promised to showcase innovation from across the globe, with a theme focused on sustainability, future technology, and human connection.

The energy at the Expo was electric. Pavilions from dozens of countries lined the walkways, each offering a peek into their vision for the future. I wandered through common rooms featuring dozens of cultural presentations from varying nations. Countries like Burundi, North Macedonia, and Yemen, all in the same room showcasing what they have to offer to the world. As we walked through the pavilions, my classmate Ben mentioned how amazing he felt by seeing all of the countries coming together to share their ideas, saying “I didn’t expect to feel so inspired,” which kickstarted some reflection on my end. I realized how incredible it was seeing all of these nations and representatives in one place. The Expo also featured a 2 mile-long ring that was raised above and around the ground, allowing me to take a completely different perspective on the grounds.

One highlight was the Bulgaria Pavilion, which holds a special place in my heart because it is the country that has underlined my entire culture and heritage my entire life. After a short talk with the Bulgarian representatives in our native language, we managed to get past the hour-long wait time and watch their showcase. They used immersive story telling and projection mapping to share the country’s vision for blending tradition with technology. I left feeling inspired by the creativity and cooperation on display. It was a reminder that even though the world faces big challenges, there’s also so much innovation and optimism.

By the time the sun set over Osaka, my phone was almost dead and we were uncertain as to how we were going to make it back to the hotel. I was happily exhausted. The day had been a perfect blend of hands-on cultural experience and futuristic exploration. Learning to cook okonomiyaki gave me a literal taste of local life, while the World Expo opened my eyes to what’s happening on the global stage. If you’re planning a trip to Osaka, I can’t recommend this combination enough. You’ll leave not only with great memories and photos, but also with a deeper appreciation for the creativity, resilience, and flavor that make Osaka such a special place.

Osaka stole my heart, and my appetite. I can’t wait to come back.