Sakura Tei is one of our best finds in Tokyo: try your hands at being an Okonomiyaki chef at this artsy joint hidden in the back alleys of Harajuku. Okonomi means “how you like”, and yaki means “grill” — indeed, Okonomiyaki is a savoury Japanese pancake comprising batter and other ingredients that are then grilled on a hotplate.

Ask for an English menu when you arrive, which also comes with a step-by-step guide on how to go about cooking your own Okonomiyaki or Monjayaki, which is another Japanese pancake, but in a more liquid form. The main difference in cooking them is that Okonomiyaki’s ingredients are mixed before grilling, whilst it’s recommended to mix Monjayaki’s ingredients on the hotplate itself.

If you’re spoiled for choice, simply ask the English-speaking staff for recommendations. There are also vegetarian, vegan options, and gluten-free options available. Ordering is easy: choose a base, and choose your toppings. You can also choose a few preset options. If you’re hungry, go all out with the buffet from JPY1,600 (~SGD16) for 90 minutes.

Be spoiled for choice with toppings like egg, potato chips, or tempura bits for JPY50 (~SGD0.50) each; mochi, ham, pork, squid tentacles, or mixed vegetables for JPY100 (~SGD1) each; beef, tuna, deep-fried seaweed, and salmon for JPY150 (~SGD1.50) each; sliced dried squid or cheese for JPY200 (~SGD2) each; and mentaiko, shrimp, scallops, or bacon for JPY250 (~SGD2.50) each.

There’s even an option to add on some wild plants, such as dandelion, mugwort, ground ivy, or violet for JPY100 (~SGD1) per serving. You’ll receive a bowl of cabbage, flour, raw egg, and the toppings that you picked. The bases of Okonomiyaki, Monjayaki, Yaki Udon (for two pax), or Yaki Soba (for two pax) are priced at JPY800 (~SGD8).

Mix it all together, and place it on the hotplate. Savour the delicious smell of the ingredients cooking!

Once it’s done, dress your pancake with the sweet sauce, bonito flakes, and mayonnaise — and dig in!

We especially love the decor of the restaurant — part gritty, part hipster, it’s very much reflective of Harajuku’s trendy youth culture. There are both indoor and outdoor seating areas, so take your pick.

Sakura Tei is nestled in an art gallery; after your meal, take a short jaunt around the building to discover various murals and galleries.

Sakura Tei can be reached within a short walk from the Harajuku station. Make your way to the end of the popular Takeshita street, and cross over to the residential area. Finding Sakura Tei is all part of the fun! The place gets packed with locals especially at dinnertime; to avoid disappointment, do make a reservation before you visit.

Address: 3 Chome-20-1 Jingumae, Shibuya City, Tokyo 150-0001, Japan

Opening hours: 11am - 11pm, daily