fbpx
Japan Nakama
No Result
View All Result
  • Anime
  • Creativity
  • Lifestyle
  • Food
  • TV & Film
  • Fashion & Beauty
  • Gaming
  • Language
  • Travel
  • Music
NAKAMA SHOP
Japan Nakama
NAKAMA SHOP
Japan Nakama
No Result
View All Result

Home » Food » Guide to Gyoza: The Japanese Dumpling

Guide to Gyoza: The Japanese Dumpling

Ollie Poole by Ollie Poole
April 11, 2021
in Culture, Food, Lifestyle, Travel
0
0

Japan rightly holds the reputation as being one of the tastiest and most popular cuisines on the planet. But while many across the globe stuff themselves silly with irresistible Japanese food on a daily basis – there’s one food that outshines the rest in its simplicity and tasty brilliance. We’re talking about the Japanese dumpling: otherwise known as gyoza.

Gyoza has you rushing out of work early desperate for a bite – and leaves your taste buds tingling for hours. Simply the smell will drop your jaw to the floor faster than you can say ‘Japanese dumpling’.

Here’s all you need to know about this delicious delicacy in our Japan Nakama guide to gyoza.

What exactly is Gyoza?

Gyoza are dumplings. A thin wheat flour pastry encloses a main filling (usually pork) and vegetables, making up the dumpling. There are an endless number of flavoursome fillings to gorge on; a classic combination being pork minced meat with chopped cabbage, green onions, chives, garlic and ginger. But to mix it up: try shrimp, beef, chicken, or cheese – and for vegetarians and vegans – kimchi, soy beans, tofu, or shiitake mushrooms can act as your main filling.

Whatever’s inside, enjoy sinking your teeth into these soft, succulent semi-circles sent from heaven. A true comfort food.

Importantly, gyoza itself is light on seasoning and so presented with a dish of delicious dipping sauce. Our guide to gyoza recommends the classic combination of a 1:1 ratio of soy sauce and vinegar, but sesame sauce and rayu (chilli infused oil) can also feature.

Gyoza: Inspired by the Chinese dumpling

Credit must go to the traditional Chinese dumpling, a.k.a. ‘jiaozi’ – dating back as far as the Tang dynasty (618–907) – for providing the inspiration behind Japanese gyoza. During the Manchurian war (Sep 1931–Feb 1932), it’s believed the Japanese military occupying China simply couldn’t get enough of these delicious dumplings and so decided to create a new version for themselves.

Gyoza was born: the Japanese dumpling with a thinner pastry wrapper, finer chopped stuffing, different texture, and more garlicy taste than the Chinese dumpling.

What types of Gyoza are there?

Yaki Gyoza (pan-fried)

A guide to gyoza must mention yaki gyoza. Easily the most popular and frequently served type of gyoza, yaki gyoza effectively means pan-fried. But it’s a little more complicated than that. One side of the gyoza is beautifully browned in the pan, before water mixed with corn starch is added, and a lid placed on top. The consequent steam makes the gyoza outrageously soft, juicy and easy to bite into. The lid is then removed and the gyoza continues to fry for a moment or two. The end result? A crispy browned bottom with the rest of the dumpling mouth-wateringly succulent. Normally served crispy side up, with dipping sauce and rice – and best enjoyed with a cold beer.

Nakama suggests
Gyoza: The Ultimate Dumpling Cookbook
Gyoza: The Ultimate Dumpling Cookbook
$14.69

This book contains 50 surprising dumpling recipes, including Shiitake Mushroom Dumplings, Bacon & Cheese, Carbonara Dumplings, Lamb & Coriander Dumplings, and many more.

Shop Now Discover Now
04/21/2021 10:48 pm GMT

Sui Gyoza (boiled)

sui gyoza

A niche but nonetheless delicious type of gyoza. Sui gyoza are boiled in water or soup broth and then served in a light, seasoned broth. These are slightly more tender and chewy than traditional yaki gyoza and can be found in more upscale or specialised gyoza restaurants, or made at home.

Age Gyoza (deep-fried)

Age Gyoza

Deep-fried in hot oil, age gyoza are just as scrumptious as they sound. A decadent treat, these are the real comfort food – with enough oily grease to eradicate any hangover. These come fried until crunchy and served piping hot; so wait a moment before you dive in … if you can.

Mushi Gyoza (steamed)

Mushi gyoza is traditionally steamed in a bamboo steamer and presented to the customer the second it’s done. This gyoza is softer, chewier and more tender than other types, can vary in size and shape, and present a healthier alternative to the deep-fried (age gyoza) or traditional pan-fried (yaki gyoza) versions.

Hanetsuki Gyoza (winged)

Otherwise known as ‘winged gyoza’, Hanetsuki deserves a special mention in our guide to gyoza. These are pan-fried (yaki) gyoza that are stuck together by their crispy bottoms. Often served with beansprouts resting delicately on top. What we’re looking at is a delicious stretch (or ‘wing’) or gyoza glowing in crispy brilliance that’s just dying to be torn apart and devoured. You know what to do…

How do you eat Gyoza?

In one magnificent mouthful. Simple. Don’t hold back. Pick up with chopsticks, dip in sauce, and dig in. The crispy brown crunch and soft gyoza fillings contrast wonderfully, combining beautifully with the delicious dipping sauce and flooding your mouth with a burst of flavours from the second you bite in. And here the addiction starts. With traditional yaki gyoza, remember to dip the soft (non-fried) side in the sauce in order to soak up as much as possible.

People particularly love gobbling up gyoza with a drink after work (beer, highballs or wine in particular), occasionally as a starter, but mostly as a main – either just with sauce or a cheeky side of rice. Portions normally by the dozens and half-dozen: with 6 dumplings costing anywhere between ¥200 and ¥800 (roughly £1.50–£6).

Nakama suggests
This Is A Book About Dumplings
This Is A Book About Dumplings
$14.08
Shop Now Discover Now
04/21/2021 10:48 pm GMT

Japan’s ‘Gyoza Towns’: Utsunomiya and Hamamatsu

Gyoza Towns

Gyoza is a religion – no: an obsession – in the cities of Utsunomiya (in Tochigi Prefecture) and Hamamatsu (in Shizuoka Prefecture). Earning them the nickname ‘Gyoza towns’. Every year, the two compete for the title of Japan’s ‘gyoza capital’ – with Utsunomiya reclaiming the crown this year after a two year absence. Incredibly, the average Utsunomiya resident spent ¥4,359 (£32) worth of gyoza last year, compared to ¥3,506 (£26) per person in Hamamatsu.

Situated 100km north of Toyko, Utsunomiya hosts a gyoza festival every November and proudly displays a gyoza statue, ‘Venus of Gyoza’, outside its railway station. And despite being a city of just half a million people, Utsunomiya tourism drives a staggering 9 million visitors into Tochigi Prefecture every year.

Hamamatsu is similarly obsessed: home to over 300 gyoza outlets around the city. The ‘Hamamatsu Gyoza Society’ circulates a gyoza map pointing out particular hotspots, but anyone craving simply a taste can find gorgeous gyoza on every street corner. Here in Hamamatsu: pork, cabbage, and onion make up the most popular filling.

For an authentic tasting guide to gyoza, visit one of these two gyoza towns!

Where can you eat gyoza?

Izakaya

Many head to food markets, ramen restaurants, Chinese restaurants, specialist gyoza bars, pop-up stalls, supermarkets and even off-licences for a gorgeous taste of gyoza. In Japan, ‘izakayas’ (casual after-work drinking and dining bars) provide the perfect setting to put away plates of gyoza until the early hours.

Gyoza Festivals in Japan

Utsunomiya Gyoza Festival

Here thousands of finger-licking foodies flood in for a priceless culinary experience. First hosted in 1999, look forward to sampling stalls from over 20 of Utsunomiya’s finest gyoza places. Pan-fried, deep-fried and boiled gyoza are handed out at breath-taking speed as locals urge festival-goers to try as many different gyoza types as possible. Better, it’s just 3 gyoza for just ¥100 yen with plenty of jazz music and entertainment on the side. Although exact dates are not yet confirmed, the festival historically falls on the first Saturday and Sunday) of November. More details are expected to be released soon.

Address: Hommarucho, Utsunomiya Castle Ruins Park, Utsunomiya Tochigi Prefecture.

All Japan Gyoza Festival

Gyoza-lovers will descend on Moricoro Park (also known as Ai-Chikyuhaku Kinen Koen) in late March 2021 (exact days yet to be confirmed) for the All Japan Gyoza Festival. A festival aptly named because here we see locally sourced ingredients from countless different prefectures beautifully fashioned into different gyozas. Feel your stomach rumble at the prospect of sampling gyoza from the best of the Tōkai region, and of course, Utsunomiya and Hamamatsu.

Address: Moricoro Park 1533-1 Ibaragabasama, Nagakute, Aichi, 480-1342

Gyoza Festival Tokyo Nakano (28 October – 1 November 2020)

Since its birth in 2016, ‘Gyoza Fes’ in Nakano’s Shiki no Mori Park has been a massive hit. Just a 10 minute stroll from Toyko Metro Nakana station, during this 5 day festival endless types of gyoza are enjoyed from 11am to 9am every day. Entrance is free but gyoza tickets are a little more expensive at ¥600 each (which you need to purchase before entering if you don’t have a form of e-payment). We promise it’s worth it: you get to tuck into countless types of gyoza not native to Toyko – even including some wrapped in cheese fondue.

Address: Nakano Shiki no Mori Park Event Area, 4-13 Nakano, Nakano City, Tokyo 164-0001

London’s Dumpling Festival! (28–30 August 2020)

Dumpling Festival London

That’s right. It’s London’s turn to celebrate dumplings!

To complete our guide to gyoza: a dumpling festival is coming to London, brought to you by FeverUp.

Tucked away in the heart of vibrant East London, caressing the water’s edge, lies Hoxton Docks. It’s here that, from 28–30 August, foodies will flock to from around the capital and beyond to tuck into a tantalising variety of Asian dumplings, served from sweet-smelling pop-up bars.

But that’s not all. Ready yourself for the FeverUp All Star Jazz band and a lively DJ set to get you dancing through the weekend. This is a party – and gyoza are at the heart of it.

What are you waiting for? Get your tickets here.

More information to follow.

Tags: age gyozaAll Japan Gyoza Festivalchopsticksdipping saucedumplingdumpling festivalEast Londongyozagyoza festivalGyoza Festival Tokyo Nakanogyoza townsHamamatsuhanetsuki gyozaHoxton DocksizakayasJapanese dumplingjazzjiaoziLondon's Dumpling Festivalmushi gyozaporksui gyozatokyoUtsunomiyaUtsunomiya Gyoza Festivalvegetablesyaki gyoza
Previous Post

The Japanese Fashion Influencers You Should Be Following

Next Post

BFI Japan 2020: jaw-dropping Japanese films

Ollie Poole

Ollie Poole

Freelance copywriter passionate about all things travel and lifestyle, culture and creativity. Sushi addict and Murakami lover.

Related Posts

Explore the 2021 Tokyo Olympics
Travel

Explore the 2021 Tokyo Olympics

This summer's Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics are set to take place between July 23 - August 8. Spectators finally get to witness the 32nd modern...

by Richard Young
spirited away eating sfood
Food

Ultimate Guide to Japanese Food

Looking to brush up on your Japanese food knowledge before that trip? Or perhaps you had something he other night but don't remember what its...

by Simon Martin
TeamLabTokyo Borderless3
Creativity

teamLab Tokyo: Beyond Borderless

Since 2001, teamLab has enchanted us. Their method of wooing has been far from conventional. Instead of flowers and chocolates, we have been drawn in...

by Ruby Arenson
46950747 342187609909743 2649636681489055744 n
Fashion & Beauty

HYPER JAPAN 2018 Fashion: Kimonos, Calligraphy and Dreamy Bows

The stalls of this Winter’s Hyper Japan settled in with the intentions of impressing...

by Zara Woodcock
Next Post
Japanese films

BFI Japan 2020: jaw-dropping Japanese films

Latest Articles

Top 25 Anime Masks

Top 25 Anime Masks

Anime Subscription Box

Top 10 Subscription Boxes for Anime Lovers

Japanese Streetwear made easy with Tokyo Time

Japanese Streetwear made easy with Tokyo Time

The Art of Shodō: Traditional Japanese Calligraphy

The Art of Shodō: Traditional Japanese Calligraphy

Follow Japan Nakama on Instagram

Who wouldn’t want a pug tour guide of Yokohama. Who wouldn’t want a pug tour guide of Yokohama.  #frugsofinstagram #puglyfe #puglifethuglife #yokohamabay #yokohama_love #yokohamachinatown #privatetourjapan #tourismjapan #japanprivatetour #japantourguide #yokohama
Studio Ghibli producer Toshio Suzuki mentioned rec Studio Ghibli producer Toshio Suzuki mentioned recently on a Twitter AMA that Miyazaki has actually made all the dishes, that were eaten in his films, himself. 
.
Another reason to love Studio Ghibli films is knowing that it was made by a foodie!
.
“Achieving dramatic effect and creating delicious-looking meals and characters enjoying them – their expressions and gestures – comes from the power of finely detailed drawing. Food that is still warm, that looks soft and tender, with the wonderful flavor showing on the faces of those eating them – these scenes of meals are appealing and charming. No dialogue is needed to convey deliciousness and happiness.” 
.
#animefoodlove #animefoodporn #animefoods #foodwarsanime #animefoodaesthetic #foodanime #animegif #oldanime #animefood #ghiblistation #studioghiblidrawing #studioghibliedit #studioghiblifood
🤣🤣🤣 #streetfighter2 #streetfighter #ryu 🤣🤣🤣  #streetfighter2 #streetfighter #ryu #gameover #gameoverman #streetfighters #streetfighter2turbo #streetfighterz #americanpsychomeme #americanpsychomovie #dorsia
Not wanting the Easter break to end. @pugrules__ Not wanting the Easter break to end. @pugrules__  #puglife #pugsofinstagram #puglove #pugsnotdrugs #puglife🐾 #pugnation #pugloversclub
Adding a new spin on the classic #samuraichamploo Adding a new spin on the classic #samuraichamploo series intro. Mad bears by @angryapplelofi 🙏🙌.
.  #samuraichamploo #samuraichamplooedit #animefight #samuraiwarriors #animecool #lofibeatsandchill #lofihiphopbeats #lofitypebeats #chillvibes😎 #lofibeats
Can't believe we only just discovered #chickenatta Can't believe we only just discovered #chickenattack by @gregorybrothers feat. #takeoischi. This is freaking hilarious! Check it out on the @gregorybrothers youtube channel.  #takeoischi #chickenattack #songify #thegregorybrothers #videosyoutube #creators #youtubechannel #youtuberlife #comedymusic
With springtime upon us and park life slowly becom With springtime upon us and park life slowly becoming a reality why not treat yourself to some delicious Japanese artisan mochi by @ainomochi. The ultimate picnic snack 🤤
.
Mochi is a traditional Japanese sweet made from sweet rice flour with a soft and squishy outer layer of delicious fillings. @ainomochi make all their mochi by hand and deliver them right to your doorstep! Check out the multitude of flavour options they have. We also wrote about them on the #japannakama site so hit that up for some dessert inspiration 🥳
.  #mochi #mochidessert #chocolatemochi #deliciousdessert #mochiicecream #japanesedessert #dessertaddict #foodadventure #japanesesweet #oishi #musteat #japanesesnack
#stopasianracism #stopasianviolence #stopasianhat #stopasianracism #stopasianviolence 
#stopasianhate #stopasianhatecrimes
Nutritious gaming 😋 🎮🍱. . @retro_dodo . Nutritious gaming 😋 🎮🍱.
.
@retro_dodo 
.
#gamingsetup #extremegaming #videogamesaddict #videogamesmemes #videogamesforlife #videogames4life #playstation #playstationexclusive #playstation4life #sushiclub #sushiboat #japanesefusion
Everyone meet @basil.the.shiba . This cute little Everyone meet @basil.the.shiba . This cute little #shibainu companion is our lockdown go to when needing that cute little pick me up. We interview his owner on our site and talk about what it’s like owning a Shiba Inu in general and over lockdown. Visit our site to read more!  #shibainucrazypeople #japanesedogs #cute #shibainulovers #shibadog #shibainusofinstagram #shibalover #lockdownlife🔐 #lifeonlockdown #lockdownlifestyle
Just another reason to follow @cookinsoul. He’s Just another reason to follow @cookinsoul. He’s made an album with @jinsangbeats 🌊 this is the first single “sushi masta”.  Full video 👺👇
www.youtube.com/cookinsoul
.
Artwork by @teriyakidonut_
.
.
#cookinsoul
#cookinsoulbeats
#jinsang 
#lofihiphop
#chillhop
#hiphopbeats
#lofibeats
#lofiedit
#animewatcher #animeamvspring #animeamvs #animevideos #lofiproducer  #hiphophead #sendmebeats #realhiphophead #animehiphop #soundcloudartists
We talk about “Why Japanese Denim is the Best in We talk about “Why Japanese Denim is the Best in the World" in our latest article, along with denim subcultures in Japan brought over to London by @tokkou_bld.
.
Although Japanese denim usually comes at a premium, it's worth it when all of these things have been considered. It has a level of craftsmanship and attention to detail that doesn't exist in jeans from other countries, embodying the concept of Takumi – craftsmanship as a way of life.
.
#Tokkou #JapaneseDenim #craftsmanship #takumi #匠 #japannakama

Stay up to date

SUBSCRIBE NOW
Facebook Twitter Instagram

About us

Japan Nakama are a London based online publication that investigates and explores all aspects of Japanese Culture. To those new to Japanese culture welcome, to the Japan obsessed, welcome home.

JAPAN NAKAMA

  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Promotional Videos
  • Contact us

Interested in writing for us?

© 2020 Japan Nakama - Connecting people through the spirit of Japan

No Result
View All Result
  • Anime
  • Creativity
  • Lifestyle
  • Food
  • TV & Film
  • Fashion & Beauty
  • Gaming
  • Language
  • Travel
  • Music

© 2020 Japan Nakama - Connecting people through the spirit of Japan

Welcome Back!

Login to your account below

Forgotten Password?

Retrieve your password

Please enter your username or email address to reset your password.

Log In
This website uses cookies. By continuing to use this website you are giving consent to cookies being used. Visit our Privacy and Cookie Policy.