Shohei Ohtani's Go-To 'Cheat Meal' Is a Tokyo Tuna Pancake
Baseball superstar Shohei Ohtani has revealed his favorite comfort food in Tokyo: a unique "tuna pancake." Ohtani describes the dish, which blends traditional and modern Japanese flavors, as his favorite cheat meal because it's high in protein but "tastes like a treat."
While the exact name of the eatery remains a closely guarded secret, Shohei Ohtani's favorite "tuna pancake" is a savory dish known in Japan as "negiyaki." This isn't a sweet breakfast pancake, but rather a flavorful, grilled dish made with a batter of flour, eggs, and shredded cabbage, with a generous helping of green onions ("negi") and, in Ohtani's case, tuna. This particular style of savory pancake is a specialty of the Kansai region of Japan, particularly Osaka. Unlike its more famous cousin, okonomiyaki, negiyaki has a lighter and less dense texture, with the fresh, sharp flavor of green onions taking center stage. The addition of tuna provides a significant protein boost, aligning with Ohtani's description of it being a high-protein treat. Nutritionally, a serving of negiyaki offers a good balance of macronutrients. A typical serving contains around 350 calories, with approximately 14 grams of protein, 28 grams of carbohydrates, and 19 grams of fat. The high protein content from the eggs and tuna aids in muscle repair and growth, making it a more strategic "cheat meal" for an elite athlete compared to sugary or high-fat options. Many athletes have their go-to "cheat meals" to mentally reset and refuel. For instance, Olympic swimmer Michael Phelps was known for his massive pasta and pizza indulgences, while basketball legend LeBron James favors French toast. Ohtani's choice of a protein-rich savory pancake reflects a growing trend among athletes to select comfort foods that still offer some nutritional benefits.
