Okonomi-yaki originated in the Kansai region around Osaka during the early 20th century as a snack food for children served at simple food counters. Sliced scallions and other ingredients were mixed with a basic wheat-flour batter and cooked over a griddle. After World War II, the dish caught on widely in the region. It acquired the name okonomi-yaki ("grilled whatever-you-like") because a wide variety of ingredients were used in addition to scallions, including meat, fish, shellfish and cabbage.