Gyoza

Pan-fried dumplings, crisp-bottomed and juicy.

What it is

Gyoza are pan-fried dumplings filled with pork, cabbage, garlic and chives, crisped on one side and steamed on the other (yaki-gyoza). Dipped in a mix of soy, vinegar and chili oil. The classic partner to a bowl of ramen.

What it means

Adapted from Chinese jiaozi after WWII, gyoza became a Japanese everyday favorite — thinner-skinned, garlicky, and almost always pan-fried rather than boiled.

Why it's wonderful

That crackly seared base against the juicy filling is irresistible, and the vinegar-forward dip cuts the richness. A perfect side, or a plate-and-a-beer meal of its own.

What to order

Yaki-gyoza (pan-fried)
Soy + vinegar + chili oil dip
Try gluten-free rice-flour gyoza
With ramen or beer

For special diets

Usually pork and wheat. Vegan and gluten-free (rice-flour) gyoza exist in Tokyo — see our gluten-free spots.

Where to try it — and book a table

Hand-picked spots for this dish, each with a working reservation link. Tap to book.

Roppongi · Gluten-free comfort food · ¥¥

Gluten Free T's Kitchen

Rice-flour gyoza and miso-butter corn ramen

Asia's first GIG-certified gluten-free kitchen, where every dish — from rice-flour gyoza to miso-butter ramen — is safe for coeliac diners.

Gluten-free
Vegan
Vegetarian
Dairy-free
Nut-free

Casual
Solo

Reserve Details

Yoyogi-Hachiman · Dedicated gluten-free Japanese cafe (gyoza, karaage, ramen) · ¥¥

Gluten Free Cafe Little Bird

Gluten-free gyoza, karaage and yakisoba

A dedicated gluten-free cafe whose entire kitchen is wheat-free, serving GF Japanese comfort food such as gyoza, karaage, ramen and yakisoba with English-marked menus. Its Tabelog listing is currently status-undetermined, so confirm hours via its Instagram before visiting.