05/30/2026
Utsunomiya Gyoza-kan 🥟
Had to try gyoza in Utsunomiya, the gyoza capital of Japan!
I ordered the 8-flavor pan-fried gyoza tasting set with rice, and it was a great way to sample some of the city’s famous dumplings. The food arrived quickly, and every gyoza was cooked to a beautiful golden brown.
The wrappers were thin and delicate, becoming wonderfully crisp when pan-fried while staying light and not greasy. Each bite gave way to a juicy, piping-hot filling packed with flavor. The variety included shiso, chive, garlic, and several other unique combinations, making every dumpling a little different from the last.
The biggest surprise was the cheese gyoza. It was actually quite tasty, though its rich flavor stood out from the more traditional varieties.
Crispy, juicy, and packed with flavor - a fun introduction to Utsunomiya’s famous gyoza culture.