Nanjya Monjya- Okonomiyaki in Singapore
My husband's second home is in Osaka, which is also affectionately known as the "kitchen of Japan". Here, there is a saying "kuidaore", literally translating to mean "eat till you drop".
One of the more popular local dishes is Okonomiyaki お好み焼き or Japanese Pancake (savoury version). I reminisce about going to Okonomiyaki restaurants in the evening, cooking your own okonomiyaki over the hotplate (teppan) and catching up with friends. The ambience in such places is laid-back, sometimes dingy and very "showa-era' (read, retro).
In Singapore, we have tried to find good Okonomiyaki restaurants but there are probably only 1 or 2 around. Other pseudo-Japanese restaurants have this as a side dish but do not really specialise in it. When we found Nanja Monja, we were overjoyed! It not only specialises in Okonomiyaki (the different varieties- more about that later) but the whole place helps stave off the home-sickness.
Also, if you have kids, there's plenty of room for them to play in the outdoor seating area.
Some tips to recommend:
1. On weekends, call ahead for a reservation for a "table, inside" or "teppan table" so you can cook your own. It's fun and a good experience if you haven't tried.
2. There's always a promotion going on. They had kendama giveaways for kids sometime back. Most often than not, there's always a "service" menu for kids (which in Japanese English means FREE or Complimentary). R had juice, french fries the last time, much to her delight!
3. There is always a beer promotion so ask for it as the quantity is often more with such specials than ordering a jug.
4. There are high chairs for babies so you can request for one when you are making a reservation.
5. If there's three or more in your party, I reckon you can try the standard Okonomiyaki from Western Japan and Monja-yaki ( a wetter type ) that is more popular in Eastern Japan aka Tokyo.
6. It's a Japanese restaurants so Omotenashi (the art of hospitality) is pretty standard there. Expect your chilled glasses to be constantly filled, people coming over to clear unwanted plates from your table. They will also help with flipping or starting your okonomiyaki.
7. If there's something you want but don't see from it's extensive menu, just request.
8. Leave room for their ice cream parfaits.
9. Their menu available on their website so take a look before you go!
NANJYA MONJYA WATERFRONT, 390A HAVELOCK ROAD, #01-03/04/05,WATERFRONT PLAZA, SINGAPORE 169664,
Call 6738 7177 / 9837 2674
All Photos except that of my husband and baby are from Nanjya Monjya.