Meet Surf'n Slaw

Where are you from & how does that affect your work? I’m from Japan, where umami is simply part of everyday life. We naturally draw deep, rich flavor from dashi, kombu, miso, and other fermented ingredients - no additives needed. When I moved to the United States, I gained about 26 pounds, and I noticed that most “healthy” food here tends to be bland and heavily processed. That contrast became the foundation of everything I do: I want to show San Diego that food can be both genuinely nourishing and deeply satisfying.

Who is your biggest influence? My biggest influence is my mother. She was born in Hiroshima, and I grew up in Osaka - two cities that each have their own distinct style of okonomiyaki. Growing up, both versions were a natural part of my life, and those flavors became a core part of who I am.

My mother is still bedridden today, and opening this restaurant is my way of honoring her dream. One of her wishes had always been to open an okonomiyaki restaurant - and I am making that dream a reality for her. My menu is a reflection of my whole journey: the comforting tastes of my childhood in Japan, combined with the vibrant, creative energy I’ve found here in San Diego.

What is the hardest part of the creation process?

The biggest challenge is that okonomiyakiで is still largely unknown in the United States. Most people haven’t heard of it, let alone tried it. But I truly believe it’s destined to become the next big Japanese food trend - right after sushi and ramen. That belief keeps me going.

What's your favorite item that you've created, and why?

My favorite is the Full Surf ’n Slaw. It’s our signature okonomiyaki topped with both beef and shrimp. When I first arrived in San Diego, the very first thing I ate was a surf and turf taco - and it stayed with me. This dish is my love letter to San Diego’s culture, a Japanese classic reimagined through a local lens.

What do you love most about San Diego? The farmers markets and the beach! They represent exactly the kind of fresh, vibrant lifestyle I want my food to reflect.

What is a fun fact about yourself that other may not expect? I moved to the U.S. dreaming of healthy, delicious food - and ended up gaining 26 pounds instead! That frustration turned into a mission: to prove that you don’t have to choose between flavor and wellness.

Love that <3 Anything special you'd like to share? Okonomiyaki is truly a superfood in disguise. It’s packed with cabbage for vitamins and fiber, flavored with mineral-rich kombu, and served with noodles seasoned with fermented soy sauce and miso for deep umami satisfaction. One okonomiyaki is essentially a salad, a main dish, and a supplement - all in a single, delicious meal.

We can’t wait to see you in person this August 29th & 30th for Jackalope San Diego!

Where to see more of Surf'n Slaw

Instagram | @surfn_slaw