Otafuku Okonomiyaki Flour for Japanese Okonomiyaki Pancakes, 12 Servings, 15.9 Oz (1 Lb)

Edit: When I originally wrote this review the cost had skyrocketed for this excellent product. As of right now 8/2015, the cost is now MUCH more reasonable (cheap in fact!). My 3 stars is now a SOLID 5.Excellent product. What happened to the cost? Yikes!After purchasing an Okonomiyaki kit, I fell in love with them. But the cost of the kits is high, so I decided to go with this flour. Awesome. A little wakame, a little dashi and you have something delicious and much more economical than the kit (http://www.amazon.com/Okonomiyaki-Japanese-pizza-people-servings/dp/B004FTC6UY/ref=cm_cr-mr-title).I've purchased this exact flour several times, the last time in Feb. In less than 2 months, the cost here has doubled making this not so attractive anymore. If you love Okonomiyaki as much as I do, you will want to find an Asian (or better Japanese) grocery near you. While not exactly the same, you can also substitute takoyaki flour if it is available. In a REAL pinch, you can substitute AP or Cake (Better) flour and add some soda & baking powder to make it sticky (the yam in this flour makes the stickiness, and you need to replicate that) .Like I said, I am CRAZY for this stuff now.... Here are some hints/tips. Hopefully I'm not offending any obasan!In either case (reg flour or this), you need a couple more things. If you are in love with Japanese food, you probably already have most of this:Rather than water, use dashi. Ok, I cheat and use the freeze dried instant dashi, but the flavor is MUCH improved.A pinch or two of some fine katsuobushi really turns up the flavor.If you have the time, heat some oil in a pan and drizzle in whatever chicken or fish batter you have laying around for those 'cruncjy bits'. Secret tip: Rice Krispies are an awesome substitute for this.Rather than use Aonori powder, I like using Wakame. Just a few flakes rehydrated and then chopped up add that 'from the sea' flavor that is missing.Eggs. Plain old eggs.As for what you throw into the batter, cabbage naturally, scallions, and then whatever else you have in the fridge. Into the batter I have added:Shrimp, Scallops, twice cooked Pork, Mushrooms (any kind), Onions, Carrot, Daikon. Ok, really ANYTHING you like. This is basically a japanese casserole. FYI: I like regular old CHEAP cabbage, not that expensive napa stuff.Do NOT forget the bacon!!!!You can go all out and add extra layers: I love adding a layer of fried noodles (yakisoba), a layer of Bean Sprouts, and a fried egg. Those are all taken from the Hiroshima style Okonomiyaki.Most importantly, you need the sauce. Even the kits do not come with the sauce since it is a staple in most Japanese homes. I love the sauce on everything, so I went all out and purchased the BIG BOTTLE -> http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00MFNL6CG/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1