Joshua Goldman
Joshua Goldman
min read · September 9, 2025 · Entertainment

Gwyneth Paltrow's 'Okonomiyaki' Sparks Cultural Debate: Not What You Think!

Gwyneth Paltrow loves an unconventional cooking demonstration - but some home chefs have slammed her for 'butchering' a traditional Japanese dish

GOOP-GATE: Gwyneth Paltrow's Cultural Culinary Catastrophe Sparks Outrage

In a cringeworthy display of culinary cluelessness, Goop founder and Oscar-winning actress Gwyneth Paltrow has sparked outrage among foodies and cultural critics alike with her botched attempt at making traditional Japanese Okonomiyaki. The 52-year-old star shared a clip on Instagram as part of her "boyfriend breakfast" series, proudly claiming to be whipping up the popular savory pancake dish for her husband Brad Falchuk.

However, fans and experts quickly pounced on Paltrow's Instagram post, decrying her attempt at Okonomiyaki as an abomination. The dish, a staple in Japanese cuisine, requires a delicate balance of ingredients and techniques to achieve its signature crispy exterior and fluffy interior. But Paltrow's version? More like a Korean pancake mishmash with a healthy twist.

The 52-year-old shared a clip to Instagram as she cooked in her expansive kitchen as a part of her 'boyfriend breakfast' series, making Okonomiyaki - a Japanese-style veggie pancake

"I am Japanese, and it's our soul food," declared one commenter. "Clearly, this is NOT Okonomiyaki." Another user chimed in, "I want to teach her how to make it in the original very tasty crispy way."

Paltrow's version of Okonomiyaki was met with ridicule and disgust, with critics pointing out that she used a combination of almond and tapioca flour, which is more characteristic of Korean pancake batter. And don't even get them started on the lack of shredded cabbage and grated yam – essential ingredients in authentic Okonomiyaki.

But what's even more shocking is that Paltrow appears to have taken creative liberties with the recipe, adding her own spin to make it "healthier." Because, you know, who needs cultural authenticity when you can Instagram a healthy breakfast?

Paltrow showed herself preparing the intricate dish but critics were quick to point out that she did not technically make the cultural meal correctly since it was not crispy enough and used multiple flours

The backlash against Paltrow's culinary catastrophe has been swift and merciless. Commenters took to the comments section to express their outrage, with some even suggesting that she should stick to selling $100 candles on her Goop website.

But it's not the first time Paltrow has faced criticism for her culinary antics. Last summer, she sparked a heated response after sharing a video of herself whipping up a lobster benedict for her husband Brad Falchuk. The controversy surrounded her apparent carelessness in disposing of egg whites – yes, you read that right.

In the now-infamous Instagram post, Paltrow was seen cracking eggs into a strainer before tossing the whites onto the floor like they were trash. Fans were appalled by the star's lack of culinary finesse and her seemingly cavalier attitude towards food waste.

Paltrow and Falchuk have been married since 2018 and share no children together, but they do play step-parent to each other's kids from previous relationships. The couple has been open about their commitment to reducing their environmental footprint, but it seems that commitment doesn't extend to the kitchen.

As for Paltrow's culinary skills? Let's just say she should stick to her day job – selling luxury lifestyle products and pretending to be a wellness expert. After all, as one commenter wryly observed, "Maybe she doesn't like it crispy. Maybe she didn't have time to get water out of veggies to make crispy." Ouch.

TheScholarlyNote.com has reached out to Paltrow's team for comment but has yet to receive a response. But based on the evidence, it seems that Goop-gate is only getting started.