Dokodemo: A Taste of Authentic Japanese Street Food in New York
Experience authentic Japanese street food at Dokodemo in New York’s East Village. Known for its fresh, made-from-scratch Okonomiyaki and Hiroshima Yaki, Dokodemo brings the bold flavors of Japan to the city. Visit for a true taste of Japanese comfort food!
In the heart of New York’s East Village, Dokodemo serves up the bold, comforting flavors of Japanese street food. Known for its Okonomiyaki and Hiroshima Yaki, this small but vibrant restaurant offers a slice of Japan that’s hard to find elsewhere in the city.
We sat down with Shin, the founder of Dokodemo, to learn about his journey from investment banker to chef and the passion behind his authentic, made-from-scratch dishes.
From Finance to Flavor
Shin's career began worlds away from the restaurant business. Born and raised in Japan, he moved to the U.S. to work in investment banking. But after years in corporate life, Shin decided to follow his heart and try something completely new.
“I spent months in my apartment perfecting recipes,” he recalled. With no prior experience in the restaurant industry, Shin poured his energy into creating a space where New Yorkers could enjoy the authentic flavors of Japan.
Signature Dishes to Savor
Dokodemo has gained a loyal following for its authentic Japanese street food, especially its two standout dishes:
Okonomiyaki: Often called a savory Japanese pancake, this dish is made with a batter mixed with vegetables and protein like pork or seafood. It’s topped with barbecue sauce, Japanese mayo, bonito flakes, and seaweed, creating layers of flavor in every bite.
Hiroshima Yaki: A regional variation of Okonomiyaki, this version layers the ingredients rather than mixing them, resulting in a unique texture and taste.
Shin takes pride in making everything from scratch, a rarity for this type of cuisine. “A lot of people who’ve been to Japan love Okonomiyaki but can’t find it made fresh here,” he said. “That’s why they come to us.”
Rising to Challenges
The journey hasn’t been without its obstacles. Shin recalls the tough days of the pandemic when he ran the restaurant entirely on his own. “It was exhausting, but we survived by staying focused and working hard,” he shared.
Now, with business back in full swing, Dokodemo’s delivery service has expanded significantly, growing from just 10% of sales pre-pandemic to over 30% today. This shift has helped the restaurant reach even more fans across the city.
What’s Next for Dokodemo?
As Dokodemo marks seven years of serving the East Village, Shin is focused on continuing to bring authentic Japanese flavors to his loyal customers. He’s constantly experimenting with new dishes to keep the menu exciting and fresh.
“Our goal has always been to share the authentic flavors of Japan,” Shin said. “We’re excited to keep growing and reaching more people.”