The one dish you have to try in Hiroshima, Japan, is okonomiyaki, a savory pancake bursting with cabbage, pork, egg, bean sprouts, green onions, sesame seeds, and noodles (udon or soba—you decide!). The protein is up to you—we recommend pork, squid rings, or plump oysters. (Vegetarian options are also available.) Nagata-Ya (長田屋) is a popular spot to try the staple dish, both for its location (a few minutes’ walk from Hiroshima Memorial Peace Park) and spacious layout that includes iron grills for keeping your okonomiyaki crispy. You’ll know you’ve found the right place when you spot the ten-deep queue. Don’t worry, it moves quickly.

Shigeishi Building, 1F, 1-7-19 Otemachi, Naka-ku, Hiroshima, Japan; +81-82-247-0787.

Additional photos courtesy of Nagata-Ya