Get going with gyoza

The changeable last dregs of summer can make anyone feel less than their best as autumn begins. This is exactly when when one needs to give oneself energy; we have lined up a few restaurants serving gyoza dumplings, one food synonymous with ‘energy’. At these places gyoza can be eaten in or out, which means that you can drop by on the way home from work or while on a walk. Check them out.

Suito Pozu (Jinbocho)

Located on the corner of the shopping street right at exit of Jinbocho Station, this long-running establishment first opened in 1936. On the menu are three kinds of gyoza: fried, steamed or tenshin dumplings. The tubular shaped fried gyoza are left open on the ends so that the juices can come out while the thick skin also soaks them up, thereby increasing the flavour. One feature of Suito Pozu’s gyoza is that they don’t use garlic. There is no red chilli oil on the table, instead there’s chilli pepper for sprinkling on top. Take note: due to Suito Pooji’s popularity, the gyoza can sell out at certain times. (Full details & map)

Tokyo Goyza-rou Sangenjaya Honten (Sangenjaya)

To get here, exit from Sangenjaya station and head west along Setagaya Dori for about five minutes. As the name suggests, this place is all about gyoza. On offer are two types of gyoza: fried or steamed. Don’t like garlic or Chinese chives? No problem, you can order them without. The fried gyoza are on the small side and have thin wrappers. Inside is an extremely simple filling: minced pork, Chinese cabbage and regular cabbage. For all their simplicity, they’re very juicy and have a depth of flavour making them absolutely divine. Order a side of bean sprouts, cabbage or cucumber and your meal will be complete. The gyoza are served at an attractive price of ¥290 a plate. There is another branch of Tokyo Goyza Rou along Chazawa-dori. (Full details & map)

Fight Gyoza (Sugamo)

Located along the shopping street within reasonable proximity to Koushinto Station on the Toden Arakawa Line, this shop belongs to the Fight Gyoza chain. The gyoza here are fairly large and have a round shape. It takes 15 minutes for them to come out, cooked to the perfect crispiness using oil and water. We highly recommend these gyoza for their crispy texture. They have a light flavour, and tend to go down easily. In addition to gyoza, this restaurant serves ramen, fried rice and other dishes. (Full details & map)

Gyoza-sou Muro (Takadanobaba)

This shop with a vibrant Showa atmosphere is located close to the Toyama exit of Takadanobaba Station. The gyoza are on the small side and come in a choice of six varieties: regular, curry, garlic, red (chili), cheese and raachan (a Chinese sausage). The regular gyoza are filled with pork and cabbage and have a unique flavour from the star anise added into the mix. Other items on the menu include gomoku yakisoba, fried rice and fried morning glory. Overall, the prices here are a little on the expensive side. (Full details & map)