Okan

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Restaurants and cafés

Unit 39

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Time Out says

Wed Oct 17 2012

It might not be as busy as some of its Brixton Village counterparts, but Okan features some of the most unusual cuisine in the covered markets. Its focus on Japanese street food divides the menu into yaki soba noodle dishes and okonomiyaki – savoury pancakes with a flour, egg and shredded cabbage base.

The latter are the highlight, topped with sesame-laced Japanese mayo (a thick, tangy, balsamic glaze-like sauce), dried seaweed and bonito fish flakes, which curl up into nothingness as you eat due to the heat from the pancake. It’s a flavour combination that won’t be to everyone’s taste, but there’s no denying the sweetness of the plump prawns that an Okan special was packed with – although the strips of processed-tasting squid were less impressive.

Despite a smattering of framed Japanese prints, little wooden toys, and red and white paper lanterns, there’s a very basic feel to the decor of wooden stools, scored tables and concrete floor in this tiny ex-industrial unit. The kitchen consists of a hotplate and sink behind a counter; you can’t book; and they’ve only just obtained a licence to sell a small range of lager and saké. Nonetheless, there’s a charm to the pared-back aesthetic.

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Venue location

Address:
Okan Unit 39
London
SW9 8PS

Cross Street:
Brixton Village Market
Website:
www.okanbrixtonvillage.com
Opening hours:
Lunch served noon-3pm Wed-Fri; noon-4pm Sun. Dinner served 6-10pm Thur, Fri. Meals served noon-10pm Sat
Transport:
Tube: Brixton tube/rail
Price:
Main courses £6.50-£8.25
Map
1. Okan
  - Unit 39
    London
    SW9 8PS
  - www.okanbrixtonvillage.com
  - 51.462565,-0.111791

Facilities:
Eating and drinking facilities. Café
Occasions:
Hip factor. People-watching. Unique. Unique London

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Comments & ratings

(16 ratings)

I lived in Hiroshima for about three and a half years. The okonomiyaki dish was a clear staple in my diet, and I often travelled to Osaka for football tournaments. Spoke in Japanese with the cooks and they are all very nice, the food too was good. I had the waitress add noodles to my dish, a key ingredient in the Hiroshima fu (style). The only other okonomiyaki place I visited was Abeno in Leicster Square. They are both good kitchens but Okan wins simply because the price is about half of that at Abeno.

John Randle Sun Feb 24
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Unbelievable food, fantastic prices, ultra friendly staff, professional attitude, a joy to visit!! Strongly recommended, I will definitely visit again. 10/10

Clint Sat Feb 23
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Brixton Village Markets is exploding with little gems! This is one of it's most precious! Highly recommended!

Rusty Thu Jan 31
Rated as: 5/5
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Been to Osaka many times, been to the okonomiyaki building in Hiroshima - all I can say is that I love Okan and it feels like a little piece of Osaka right in the middle of London. Highly recommended, wonderfully tasty and totally original Kansai feeling.

manne Sat Oct 27 2012
Rated as: 5/5
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If your looking to try something new in the market this place is worth a punt. I have not eaten this style of Japanese street food before so have no comparative yardstick but. it's dishes have an artistic presentation, an unusual combination of flavours and I thought it to be delicious, my 3 year old too. Value was very good. Well worth a visit if you're regular to the market and looking for a quick, tasty and good value offering. Staff very friendly, they aren't child unfriendly but they don't have high chairs, no bother for us though.

Big Andy Fri Oct 19 2012
Rated as: 4/5
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"Better okonomiyaki can't be found" is a bold statement if you haven't tried Hello Kitchen UK's Japanese/American fusion okonomiyaki at Harringay Market!

Rachel Fri Jul 20 2012
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Probably one of the best things ive ever eaten! had the pork with kimchi and noodle topping - amazing! Make sure you bring wine - only £1 corkage!

Ashleigh Tue Dec 13 2011
Rated as: 5/5
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I'm Japanese, and I have to say this is the worst Okonomiyaki I've ever had! I went there with my Japanese friend, and we were very surprised that none of Japanese, even oriental looking people, were there. I do understand after we had Okonomiyaki and yakisoba...

193 Sun Dec 11 2011
Rated as: 1/5
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Okonomiyaki is the most populor food in Osaka where I come from. this little restaurant presents the tast of Osaka(very famous for nice meals) perfectly. I must go at least twice a week!

Mi Mon Nov 7 2011
Rated as: 5/5
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Totally amazing!! Best okonomiyaki in London, love it.

Robert Jenkins Sat Oct 29 2011
Rated as: 5/5
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