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The Wait Was Worth It I arrived at the restaurant around 7 p.m., slap-bang in the middle of dinner rush hour — and there was already a long queue of about 30 groups ahead of me! There’s no sign-in sheet or ticket system here; you simply wait in line until it’s your turn.
In total, it took about 50 minutes to get inside. It was a humid summer evening, the kind where you start to sweat even after sunset, but thankfully the restaurant had a small water dispenser outside with paper cups — that was such a thoughtful touch. If you’re visiting with friends, take turns getting water while you wait; if you’re solo like me, you’ll just have to hold your spot in the line on your own!
Quick primer — what is Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki? If you’ve only ever had Osaka-style okonomiyaki, Hiroshima’s version is a refreshingly different experience. The big difference is that, instead of the cabbage and batter being mixed together, Hiroshima style is layered : a thin pancake, a pile of shredded cabbage, slices of pork, and — crucially — yakisoba (fried noodles) or udon laid in the middle , all cooked on a griddle and finished with sauce, mayo and bonito flakes. Think of it as a substantial, savory pancake full of texture. (See more on ordering below.)
What to order (and what to avoid) Classic recommendation Soba-niku-tamago — that’s yakisoba + pork + egg, the classic Hiroshima combination. If it’s your first time, pick soba rather than udon ; the house recommends it and it’s the usual starting point for newcomers.
For sharing / big appetites The DX (Deluxe) Special — a lavish plate with spring onions, tempura bits, squid, prawns, mochi and more. Great for sharing but huge — a single person may find it heavy.
• Allergies / preferences: Menus list ingredients clearly, so you can check for allergens before you order.
The restaurant offers a “mini” size (e.g., soba-niku-tamago mini, approx. ¥890 at time of visit) — ideal for smaller appetites or for trying several dishes.
First Bite of Hiroshima’s Famous “Soba Nikutamago” About 10 minutes after ordering, my okonomiyaki — called soba nikutamago (literally “noodles, pork and egg”) — arrived piping hot.
At first glance, it looks like an ordinary okonomiyaki, Japan’s beloved savory pancake. But take a closer look and you’ll see the biggest difference: no floury batter at the base. Instead, the bottom layer is made of fried noodles, which gives Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki its signature looks and texture.
Even though I ordered a mini size, it was surprisingly large! The thinly sliced pork was flavorful but not greasy, and the generous portion of cabbage was just right — enough to feel satisfied without being too heavy.
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Klook.com The Texture That Surprised Me The noodles were the real star . When I heard “soba,” I expected something like buckwheat noodles, but these were actually more like yakisoba (fried wheat noodles) instead. The outer layer was crispy, while the inside stayed delightfully chewy.
The sweet-savory sauce tied everything together perfectly — rich, slightly smoky, and full of umami. Every bite was satisfying, right to the very end.
Spot the Hiroshima Touch! ⚾ One small detail that made me smile: the mayonnaise bottle on the table had a red cap shaped like a Hiroshima Carp baseball cap — the local team’s signature look. What a playful, local touch that instantly reminded me where I was.
Final summary Micchan Sohonten is a reliable, classic spot to try true Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki : order the soba-niku-tamago if it’s your first time, consider the DX for sharing, and allow time for a queue, especially on evenings and weekends. The noodles’ texture and the layered style make this a distinct experience from Osaka okonomiyaki — it’s definitely worth the wait if you want an authentic local meal.
For another must-try Hiroshima dish, head over to my Miyajima oyster review.
あわせて読みたい Savouring Miyajima’s Famous Grilled Oysters at Miyajima Hanayashiki Hi, there — it’s Maritabi here. If you’re wandering through Miyajima’s busy Omotesandō shopping street (the lane that leads to the world-famous Itsukushima S… Stay connected while exploring Japan- grab your Japan eSIM here.
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