Best Gyoza In Kyoto

Every culture has its own version of the dumpling. In Japan, this is the gyoza or pot sticker. While gyoza originated from China — where it’s known as ‘jiaozi’ — they’ve become a popular and ubiquitous dish in Japan. They’re often served as appetizers or accompaniments to ramen, but there are just as many restaurants that specialise in gyoza dishes alone. Imagine that!

[Gyoza on a plate in Kyoto: Pablo Sanchez Noguera / Shutterstock.com]

In their most common incarnation as ‘yaki gyoza’, they’re filled with a well-seasoned mixture of ground pork and alliums before being pan-fried until juicy but crispy-bottomed. But, you’ll see many variations on dumplings. THey might be boiled and served in a light broth, or deep-fried until hot and crispy. Plus, they can be filled with pretty much anything you can think of. Shrimp, vegetables, chicken, cheese — the sky’s the limit.

We love that they’re tasty and inexpensive, and you can eat as many or as few as you like. Gyoza also makes a great bedfellow with alcohol. It almost goes without saying that we have our favourite gyoza places in Kyoto. Here’s a list of places for you to check out.

• Tiger Gyoza Kawaramachi (Downtown Kyoto; budget to mid-range)
  We don’t believe in being snobby about chain restaurants — some in Japan serve excellent food. One of our favourites is Tiger Gyoza Kawaramachi, where you can eat a wide variety of great dumplings. Whether they’re pan-fried, boiled, fried, or vegetarian, this place has it all.
• Gyoza Hohei (Southern Higashiyama; budget to mid-range)
  Located smack in the middle of the geisha district of Gion, Gyoza Hohei serves fabulously garlicky dumplings to fuel you up after a long day of sightseeing. As a bonus, you might even see a local maiko or geiko enjoying a plate of gyoza, too.
• Kyoto Gyoza Bar Anzukko (Downtown Kyoto; budget to mid-range)
  Anzukko, a gyoza bar located down a small alley near Sanjo Station, merits multiple visits. We love this pocket-sized slip of a restaurant for their excellent, inventive gyoza.
• Senmonten (Southern Higashiyama; budget)
  This hole-in-the-wall shop in Gion sells only two things: gyoza and beer. Their gyoza are some of the best in town.

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