Combination of Okonomiyaki and Osaka Grilled Pancake – Century-old Shop Issen Yoshoku in Kyoto

Photos & Text /MIKA’s Food Adventure Log

This century-old shop, Issen Yoshoku, is located near Shijo Street in Gion, Kyoto. It’s said to have started doing business here in the early Taisho era of Japan. It originally sold items for just one sen, which is how it got its name. Because it has been around for so long, it has become a famous Kyoto snack, and its interior design style is hard to miss—so it also attracts many tourists. In fact, we walked past it several times, but eventually couldn’t resist the temptation of its exterior and the crowds, so we went in to check it out. All I can say… this is quite a unique shop.

The signboard above this very Japanese-style building is extremely eye-catching—you really can’t ignore it.

Their exterior has a style all its own, and the name “Issen Yoshoku” is absolutely everywhere~ XD

It actually looks quite similar to Taiwan’s half-moon pancakes or Japan’s Osaka grilled pancakes.

Once you step inside the shop, it’s truly surprising—there are even dressed-up mannequins in kimono sitting there XDD
Coming in at night might feel a bit eerie!! What was this owner thinking???

I especially chose a seat that looked a bit nicer—this spot has a better view...

The decorations in the middle of the shop are also a bit puzzling.

They only sell one product here, which is something like an Osaka grilled pancake, priced at 650 yen.

It’s said that in the early days, it was made with chopped leftover vegetables and flour batter, but now it’s much more refined and diverse—though the spirit remains the same.
It looks like a half-moon pancake from the outside, but why does it taste a bit like oyster omelet to me... haha... I guess I’m just Taiwanese at heart.

Honestly, at first glance, it also kind of resembles egg fried rice!!
Alright~~ I guess it’s a pretty common face (shrugs) XDDD

Once you cut it open, the most eye-catching part is the golden half-cooked egg inside—there’s also green onion, chopped meat, onions, sakura shrimp, ginger, and finally, mayo for flavor... it actually tastes pretty good. It’s just that the black sauce poured on top is super strong in flavor. Luckily, Japanese restaurants always come with a big pitcher of ice water.

The batter is cooked thin, and the texture is soft and mushy, paired with rich toppings and a half-cooked egg—it’s pretty tasty. Anyway, it’s a combo of oyster omelet and Osaka grilled pancake, just a bit too heavy on the flavor, quite salty!! But is it worth paying 650 yen to come specifically for this?? Hmm... I’d say... it’s okay~ XDDD, you could probably make something similar at home too XDDD

Issen Yoshoku
Address: ~tegawa, Shijo Street, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto City
Phone: 075-533-0001
Website: http://www.issen-yosyoku.co.jp/index2.html

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MIKA’s Food Adventure Log
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