Japanese Pancake Review

ANDREA HENSON

Are you fed up with focaccias, sushi and the other lunch time edibles on offer along and adjacent to the wind tunnel that we all know and love as Pelham Street? Why not venture out and try something new?

Do yourself a favour and walk across to Swanston Street to grab a warm and delicious crispy Japanese pancake also known as ‘Okonomiyaki’.

Oko Oko opened at the start of semester and is located next to the Subway and encompass discount book store near the intersection of Swanston and Grattan. From 11:30am to 9:30pm the friendly staff serve up traditional okonomiyaki with a creative twist.

You can choose to have the pancake by itself, or topped with your favourite protein including everything from fried fish and smoked salmon to chicken teriyaki and pepper steak! There is also a burger (the buns are pancakes!), other rice based dishes and a unique version of eggs benedict for the breakfast inclined.

Packed with a wider variety of vegetables than your normal okonomiyaki the pancakes range from $6-$14, making them a substantial meal. They could always be crispier, but as they are they certainly pack a crunch!

Visit Oko Oko this week, mention this review and get a free can of drink with any meal.