Hongdae teppanyaki restaurant for tomato okonomiyaki: UWA

I got a great opportunity to visit UWA Hongdae Main Branch, a popular okonomiyaki specialist near Hongik University Station and known for Japanese teppanyaki. The weather was mostly clear and warm, so the walk over put me in a great mood—and the atmosphere was just perfect for a daytime drink, so I felt we had picked such a good gathering spot.

A striking exterior with a hip feel

It is on the second floor, and the sleek white-brick building and exterior metal staircase caught my eye straight away, even from afar. Before heading upstairs, there was a neat Catchtable sign at the entrance, making it easy to register for the waitlist. It was popular when we visited too, but we could check our place in line on Catchtable and get in quickly.

A bar table that feels like Japan

Inside, the exposed concrete ceiling and stylish tiled bar tables came together in an interior that felt casual yet polished. At the bar seats, I could watch the chefs preparing teppanyaki right beyond the counter, which was a visual treat in itself. The dark seating and lighting added to the mood, making it feel like I had really traveled to Japan.

Easy ordering with NFC and QR codes

Each table has an NFC tag and QR code, so you can browse the menu and order comfortably on your own phone. It was convenient to take my time looking through the teppanyaki dishes and assorted drinks on screen instead of peering up at a menu board. From their signature okonomiyaki to draft beer, the prices were also an approachable ₩10,000 range, making it easy to try a little of everything.

Neatly prepared table setting

The table was thoughtfully stocked with a chilled water bottle and cups, Tabasco, shichimi (Japanese seven-spice blend), and chili oil. I also liked that small plates, mini spatulas, and chopsticks were neatly set out according to the number of diners. Having the basic seasonings ready so we could add more to suit our tastes made the place feel all the more dependable.

Flourless tomato okonomiyaki

First came the signature tomato okonomiyaki (Japanese savory pancake) I had been looking forward to most. It arrived on a hot iron plate, beautifully topped with deep-red tomato sauce, smooth mayonnaise, and aonori seaweed flakes. The moment a staff member poured the sauce over the plate, it sizzled and a nutty aroma filled the air. I gently cut it in half with the mini spatula and tried it: the batter, made with yam rather than flour, was fluffy and practically melted away, and it was perfect with the sweet-tart sauce.

Classic pork yakisoba mixed with egg yolk

Next up was the classic pork yakisoba (Japanese stir-fried noodles), served on a black plate with noodles stir-fried in a house sauce, a sunny-side-up egg, scallions, and pickled ginger piled on top. I popped the yolk with my chopsticks and mixed it through the noodles; the richness of the yolk blended so well with the spicy, deep flavor of the special soy sauce. The bouncy noodles and crisp cabbage made it so delicious that I kept reaching for more.

Teppanyaki with a lime highball and Asahi draft beer

With a table full of delicious teppanyaki, we simply had to add something cold to drink. The lime highball, packed with ice, was tart and wonderfully refreshing, neatly resetting the palate. The Asahi draft beer, topped with soft foam and still lively with carbonation, was also an excellent match for the teppanyaki. Raising our glasses for a toast, the feeling of being on a real trip to Japan was unmistakable. That pleasant chill made the drinks even more fun.

Light shio yakisoba with smoky flavor

After clearing the tomato okonomiyaki and classic yakisoba so neatly, I was left wanting just a little more. So we ordered the shio yakisoba, known for its clean, light flavor. On a tidy white plate were yellow fresh noodles, grilled cabbage, mushrooms, and plenty of plump shrimp. It was not overpowering at all, yet full of the ingredients’ natural savory flavor and a rich smoky char, so there was never a chance of getting tired of it.

A thoroughly satisfying meal, cleared to the last bite

Everything was so delicious that we cleared every last bit without leaving a single scrap. Just looking at the completely clean plates, with their bottoms fully visible, showed how satisfying the meal had been. Thanks to that distinctly hip, atmospheric setting that felt like visiting an izakaya in Japan, we chatted away happily without noticing the time pass. If I am in the area again, I think the thought of this Hongdae okonomiyaki spot will naturally draw me back without a second thought.

• People who want to try exotic teppanyaki on a Hongdae date
• People looking for snacks that pair well with cold draft beer
• People who want an atmospheric Japanese-style izakaya