Do you know about "Fuchu-yaki," a type of okonomiyaki, and "karamen," which is added to okonomiyaki?
Fuchu-yaki is a local okonomiyaki loved in Fuchu City, located in the eastern part of Hiroshima Prefecture.
Karamen is a spicy-flavored Chinese noodle often added to okonomiyaki in eastern Hiroshima Prefecture and other areas.
There are many okonomiyaki and teppanyaki restaurants in Kurashiki City, but there are few places where you can eat Fuchu-yaki and karamen.
However, near the Bikan Historical Area, there is a restaurant where you can enjoy Fuchu-yaki and karamen!
That is "Marindoll."
It is a restaurant specializing in Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki and teppanyaki.
Furthermore, Marindoll is particular about using "Bisei pork" and "Bisei beef," which are brand meats from Bisei-cho (Ibara City).
Let's delve into the charm and commitment of Marindoll's okonomiyaki and teppanyaki.
Marindoll is a Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki and teppanyaki restaurant where conversations with the owner flow
Marindoll is an okonomiyaki and teppanyaki restaurant located along Shirakabe Street in Kurashiki City.
It is situated in the western part of the Bikan Historical Area, to the west of the Kurashiki City Art Museum.
It is located just two doors east of the Kurashiki Peppermint Display Room.
Marindoll has about 8 to 9 seats, and the owner, Hiroshi Fujiwara, manages the restaurant by himself.
It is a cozy place, but the friendly conversations with owner Fujiwara are also part of Marindoll's charm.
The counter seats allow you to enjoy okonomiyaki directly from the teppan.
At the table seats, okonomiyaki is served on a hot plate.
The owner is a true sea lover, so there are many decorations in the restaurant that evoke the sea.
One of the highlights of an okonomiyaki restaurant is the live cooking experience right in front of you, which is also a point of Marindoll.
A menu that offers Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki, teppanyaki, and a la carte dishes
Prices include tax. Information as of May 2021 (Reiwa 3).
Marindoll's menu is broadly divided into three categories: "Okonomiyaki and Yakisoba," "Teppanyaki and A La Carte," and "Drinks."
The okonomiyaki is the so-called Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki.
Based on the classic version with pork, egg, and Chinese noodles (known as Buta-tama-soba), there are several variations depending on the toppings.
There is also the local specialty okonomiyaki from Fuchu City, "Bingo Fuchu-yaki," which is popular.
It is rare to find a place in Kurashiki that serves Fuchu-yaki.
You can choose between sauce-flavored and salt-flavored yakisoba.
There are many toppings available.
Squid tempura and perilla leaves are said to be popular.
Among them, the highlight topping is karamen.
Karamen is a spicy-flavored noodle made with chili pepper, used for okonomiyaki.
It is commonly eaten in Fuchu City and the northern part of Mihara City in Hiroshima Prefecture.
It is rare to find okonomiyaki with karamen in Kurashiki, making it one of Marindoll's selling points.
You can also change the yakisoba to karamen.
Additionally, the teppanyaki and a la carte dishes include regular menu items and those that change irregularly, written on a blackboard inside the restaurant.
There are many delicious menu items that are perfect as snacks with drinks.
The "Negi-yaki" and "Tonpei-yaki" also look interesting.
The teppanyaki dishes like "Bisei beef misuji," "Bisei beef trimmings," and "beef tongue" also look delicious.
The beef used in the a la carte dishes (excluding beef tendon) is "Bisei beef," a brand beef from Bisei!
The items written on the blackboard change daily, so be sure to check them out.
Many of the food menu items are also available for takeout.
However, please note that there is an additional charge of 30 yen for the container for takeout.
On the table, there were condiments such as Otafuku sauce, pepper, and garlic powder.
And the highlight is the Otafuku brand "Red Fire Sauce."
The name and appearance of the sauce look spicy, but it is not just spicy; it has a deep flavor with refreshing umami from vegetables and fruits.
There are fans who become addicted and pour it over their okonomiyaki every time.
In addition, there are other condiments such as mayonnaise and shichimi (seven spice chili pepper).
The okonomiyaki sauce is based on Otafuku sauce, with a little twist added.
Recommended menu items at Marindoll
Among the many items on Marindoll's menu, let's introduce some recommended ones.
"Bingo Fuchu-yaki" features minced meat and crispy noodles
At the time of the interview (May 2021), the shop's recommended menu item was "Bingo Fuchu-yaki" (770 yen).
This is a new menu item that just appeared in April 2021.
Owner Fujiwara spent over three months pursuing the ideal flavor.
Fuchu-yaki is a specialty of Fuchu City, Hiroshima Prefecture, and has been featured in mass media as a noteworthy menu item.
Fuchu-yaki is cooked in the same "layered" style as Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki, but the basic ingredients are slightly different.
In Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki, the main vegetables used are cabbage and bean sprouts, while the main vegetable in Fuchu-yaki is cabbage.
Additionally, minced meat is used.
The fat that seeps out from the minced meat creates a unique richness.
The characteristics of Fuchu-yaki vary by shop, but the biggest point of our Fuchu-yaki is that the noodles become crispy.
To enhance the crispiness, we use thinner "ultra-thin noodles" than those used in other okonomiyaki!
Enjoy the crispy texture and the roasted flavor!
I will try ordering the specialty, Bingo Fuchu-yaki.
I changed the noodles to the popular spicy noodles (additional 50 yen).
The batter is spread thinly in a round shape on the hot plate, topped with cabbage and tempura scraps, and finally, the minced meat, which is the key point of Fuchu-yaki, is added.
The minced meat used is a blend.
Like pork and beef, the minced meat is also from Misaki!
I cut the Fuchu-yaki with a spatula and scoop it up to eat.
First, the crispy and light texture of the noodles burst with a roasted flavor.
Although it is spicy noodles, it is not overwhelmingly spicy; after the roasted flavor, a slight spiciness peeks through.
The combination of crispiness, roasted flavor, and a hint of spiciness.
This is a flavor that becomes addictive.
And with the tender texture and sweetness of the wilted cabbage, you can also feel the umami of the minced meat.
The sweet flavor of the sauce intertwines, stimulating my appetite.
I ordered it with spicy noodles, but next time I would like to try the regular Fuchu-yaki with ultra-thin noodles.
"Marin-yaki" features perilla leaves and squid tempura, with roasted cheese that is addictive!
The "Marin-yaki" (1,100 yen) is said to be a signature menu item alongside Bingo Fuchu-yaki.
I ordered it with spicy noodles.
First, I added squid tempura and perilla leaves to the basic "standard (pork and soba)."
Then, cheese is sprinkled on top of the okonomiyaki, and a gas burner is used to quickly char it!
The cheese melts into a gooey texture, creating a unique roasted flavor.
If you love cheese, you must try it!
Finally, green onions are sprinkled on top to complete the dish.
Even before eating, the roasted aroma of the cheese wafts through.
When cut with a spatula and eaten, the tender texture and sweetness of the cabbage, the tender texture of the bean sprouts, and the flavor of the meat all come together in a delightful experience.
The presence of the meat is also firmly felt.
Then, the aroma of the perilla leaves and the tender texture and flavor of the squid tempura occasionally emerge.
Additionally, the spicy noodles are crispy in places and roasted, with a moderate spiciness that tightens the flavor.
The crunchy texture and flavor of the green onions on top, along with the roasted aroma of the cheese, spread throughout the mouth, and the creamy taste of the cheese adds an indescribable deliciousness.
"Nestled Green Onion Overflow" features plenty of green onions topped with a raw egg
Along with Marin-yaki, the visually impactful dish is "Nestled Green Onion Overflow" (930 yen).
A large amount of green onions is placed on top of the "standard (pork and soba)," with an egg yolk dropped in the center.
Green onion topping is a popular addition in Hiroshima.
It is recommended for green onion lovers!
The combination with the egg yolk is also excellent.
Nestled Green Onion Overflow can be said to be an original okonomiyaki from Marinedoll.
The crunchy texture and flavor of the green onions, combined with the creamy texture and rich flavor of the egg yolk, create a unique taste.
Furthermore, the balance of the sweetness from the green onions, egg yolk, and sauce adds a delightful flavor to the okonomiyaki.
"Braised Beef Tendon" is a popular side dish that appears irregularly
"Braised Beef Tendon" (550 yen) is a popular menu item among grilled dishes and side dishes.
Since it takes time to braise, it is not available every day and appears irregularly.
Nevertheless, when it is on the menu, many customers order it due to its popularity.
Braised beef tendon contains not only beef tendon but also daikon radish, carrots, and konjac.
Each piece is cut generously, making it very satisfying to eat.
Moreover, it is simmered to the point where it can be easily cut with chopsticks, and the sweet and savory flavor is thoroughly absorbed.
The fatty parts of the beef tendon are incredibly tender.
And the sweet flavor of the fat spreads in your mouth.
Additionally, the lean parts of the beef tendon are flaky and full of umami.
The sweet and savory flavor was also thoroughly enjoyable.
Marinedoll offers Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki, Fuchu-yaki, and a variety of teppanyaki and a la carte dishes.
We interviewed the owner, Fujiwara Hiroshi.
Marinedoll Data
| Name | Marinedoll |
|---|---|
| Address | 2-10-9 Chuo, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture |
| Contact | 086-424-2244 |
| Parking | None |
| Business Hours | 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM, 5:00 PM - Last Order 9:00 PM *Only open for lunch on Sundays |
| Regular Holidays | Monday Sunday evenings |
| Payment Methods |
|
| Reservations | Accepted Phone reservations are recommended for both dine-in and takeout |
| Seating | 9 seats total (8 seats during COVID-19 measures) ・Counter: 5 seats (4 seats during COVID-19 measures) ・Table for 4: 1 |
| Smoking | Completely non-smoking |
| Toilet | Western-style toilet |
| Childcare | Strollers are allowed, but there is a step at the entrance Children's utensils are available |
| Barrier-Free | Wheelchair accessible, but there is a step at the entrance (assistance required) Toilet is not wheelchair accessible |
| Website | Official Instagram of Marinedoll |
The pork used in the okonomiyaki and yakisoba is "Bisei pork," a brand pork from Bisei (currently Ibara City)!
Also, the minced meat used in Fuchu-yaki is also from Bisei!