The renowned restaurant chain “DENKO-SEKKA” represents the best of Hiroshima’s okonomiyaki cuisine. For those unfamiliar, okonomiyaki is often described as a Japanese “savory pancake” filled with a variety of ingredients like meat, vegetables, and noodles. The dish is cooked on a griddle and served hot, often right in front of you.
DENKO-SEKKA has the rare distinction of being the first okonomiyaki restaurant to earn a “Bib Gourmand” rating in the Michelin Guide, signifying quality food at a reasonable price.
“夢,” Yume 1,620 JPY (tax included)
Cherished by the residents of Hiroshima, DENKO-SEKKA expanded its culinary reach by opening a new branch in Shibuya in 2021.
Intrigued by the buzz, Umami Bites writer Bensky couldn’t resist the opportunity to visit “DENKO-SEKKA SHIBUYA CENTER-GAI” (hereafter referred to as “Denko-Sekka Shibuya”) and savor their famous okonomiyaki.
An okonomiyaki as dreamy as its name: DENKO-SEKKA’s popular “Yume”
Bensky’s first order was “Yume,” which means “dream” in Japanese. This aptly named dish features a medley of ingredients such as pork, egg, noodles, dried squid tempura, squid, shrimp, Japanese leek, and an egg fried sunny-side-up. You can choose between soba or udon noodles.
DENKO-SEKKA uses noodles from Hiroshima’s Isono Seimen in their okonomiyaki, a noodle manufacturer with a 50-year history in crafting noodles that are exclusively designed for this beloved Japanese dish. In keeping with their commitment to quality, DENKO-SEKKA lightly grills these noodles to maintain their texture and firmness, even on a hot griddle.
What sets apart okonomiyaki at DENKO-SEKKA is its fluffy finish. The secret lies in heating the griddle on high heat and not pressing down the vegetables with a spatula—this way, the air stays trapped, resulting in a fluffy texture that is integral to their okonomiyaki.
As the sauce started to sizzle, Bensky’s excitement reached an all-time high! With enthusiasm, he took a big bite of Yume.
When I saw its height, I was genuinely amazed! The chewy soba, sweet cabbage, and the harmonious sweet-and-savory sauce—everything I look for in an okonomiyaki is here. Now the name makes sense; it’s like an okonomiyaki dream come true!
Bensky was clearly thrilled by his okonomiyaki experience and devoured the dish in no time.
You can watch the cooking process from the counter seats
Okonomiyaki featuring Hiroshima’s specialty: oysters
DENKO-SEKKA also offers an okonomiyaki dish featuring Hiroshima’s famous oysters, heartwarmingly named “Hito ni Yasashiku” (“be kind to people” in Japanese). Aside from oysters, this dish includes pork, egg, noodles, shiso leaves, Japanese leek, and nori seaweed.
“人にやさしく,” Hito ni Yasashiku 1,720 JPY (tax included)
The large, succulent oysters pair perfectly with the okonomiyaki, their juicy flavors exploding in your mouth with every bite.
Finely chopped shiso leaves are used in several okonomiyaki dishes at DENKO-SEKKA, allowing the shiso flavor to be evenly distributed throughout the dish. In Hito ni Yasashiku, the herb creates a delightful harmony with the oysters, adding a refreshing twist.
Savor the limited-edition “Voijyaino” at Denko-Sekka Shibuya
Each DENKO-SEKKA location offers a unique, limited-edition menu item. At the Denko-Sekka Shibuya, it’s an okonomiyaki named “Voijyaino,” a name partly inspired by the inclusion of parmigiano (Parmesan cheese).
“ホイジャーノ,” Voijyaino 1,820 JPY (tax included)
The dish’s signature touch is its “magic sauce,” mainly composed of cheese. The rest of the ingredients in this mysterious concoction remain a well-guarded secret. Get ready to snap some photos as this enticing sauce is poured right before your eyes.
In addition to the standard okonomiyaki ingredients like pork, egg, and noodles, Voijyaino adds bacon, egg yolk, and Parmesan cheese, lending the dish an Italian flair unique to the Shibuya location.
DENKO-SEKKA’s dedication extends beyond just the taste of its okonomiyaki. They also focus on providing a comfortable atmosphere inside the restaurant.
Denko-Sekka Shibuya offers a relaxed seating area equipped with Wi-Fi and power outlets, making it a space some even use as a café. Desserts like cakes and parfaits are available, along with an extensive range of alcoholic beverages, including beer, highballs, cocktails, and wine.
Why not make some wonderful memories at Denko-Sekka Shibuya, a venue that offers versatility for all sorts of occasions?
Information
| Store name | 電光石火 渋谷センター街店 DENKO-SEKKA SHIBUYA CENTER-GAI |
|---|---|
| Address | HULIC & New UDAGAWA 9F, 32-7 Udagawachō, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
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| Access |
Shibuya Station（SBY）5-minute walk from Shibuya Station Exit A2
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| Phone number | 050-5890-4725 |
| Reservations | Accepted Phone, Tabelog, hitosara, Hot Pepper Gourmet, Retty, Reserve with Google |
| Payment |
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| Service charge/Table charge | None |
| Hours | 11:00-23:00（last order 22:30） lunchtime 11:00-15:00 |
| Closed | No holidays |
| Seating | 67 seats 7 counter seats, 60 table seats |
| Smoking | All seats are non-smoking |
| Official website | https://okonomiyaki-denko-sekka.com/ |
| Other information |
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※Menu contents, prices, store information, etc. are current as of November 2023.
