Monja Yaki is a thin Japanese fritter.
The thin batter is made from flour moistened with dashi.
The batter is poured on the griddle first, then ingredients are added after a short while. Ingredients can include vegetables, and meats such as shrimp or squid, as well as red pickled ginger.
History Notes
Monja Yaki developed sometime in the Edo period (1600-1868) originally as a dessert.
It was originally done in the shape of Japanese writing characters, and as it cooked the holes were filled in with more batter and ingredients.
It was a street food made in poorer, working-class neighbourhoods.