FOOD & DRINK
Gyoza Galore
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| Courtesy of the Hotel Metropolitan Ikebukuro |
Gyoza are little dumplings which came from
China, where they are an important part of dim sum (or yam-cha). In China, gyoza
are usually eaten on special occasions, but in Japan they appear at all types of meals
daily. You can steam, fry, boil, grill or even shish-kebab them. The variety of gyoza is
abundant and extremely colorful, and there are an increasing number of restaurants
specializing in just gyoza. Here is a selection offering top-notch original gyoza as well
as some eccentric varieties to sample. Maki Nibayashi
Gyoza Senka Lee
Chocolate-banana, corn-mayonnaise, shrimp, tomato, anko (sweet red bean paste),
sardine, tuna mayonnaise, clams. These are some of the weird and wonderful gyoza fillings
available at this very eclectic gyoza shop. With over 43 different types to choose from,
even the most finicky eater will be satisfied.
Open 12-11pm daily. Shinjuku branch: Nanae Bldg 2F, 3-21-2 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku
(03-3350-2228). Nearest stn: Shinjuku, east exit, behind Alta. Ekoda branch: Dai-Ichi
Tokyo Bldg 2F, 1-76-6 Asahigaoka, Nerima-ku (03-3950-8687). Nearest stn: Seibu Ikebukuro
line, Ekoda stn.
Keirin
Situated in the Hotel Metropolitan in Ikebukuro, this Chinese restaurant offers Sichuan
cuisine including highly authentic gyoza, and rare varieties such as steamed shrimp with
sea urchin on top, steamed tofu and snow pea gyoza, and steamed shrimp eggs and Chinese
cabbage gyoza-mind-boggling combinations that must be tried.
Open 11:30am-3pm, 5:30-10:30pm every day. Hotel Metropolitan 2F, 1-6-1 Nishi Ikebukuro,
Toshima-ku (03-3980-1111). Nearest stn: Ikebukuro, Metropolitan exit.
Okei
One of the oldest gyoza shops in town, Okei was established in 1954 by the present
ownerfs mother. She learned the art of gyoza making in Manchuria during the Japanese
occupation of China in World War II. They make only 300 servings per day so donft go
too late. \700 for a plate of seven.
Open 11:30am-2pm lunch, 5-9pm dinner. Closed Sundays, holidays and the third Saturday of
every month. Fujimi Flower Heim 1F, 2-12-16 Fujimi, Chiyoda-ku. Nearest stn: Iidabashi,
west exit, behind the Tokyo Keisatsu Hospital.
Umeiya
Kansai-style, bite-size gyoza, this restaurant is extremely popular among working girls
for its petite sizes. The interior is authentically Japanese and extremely relaxing.
Choose from cheese, shiso (beefsteak plant), garlic, kimchi and the Umeiya
special (which is really just your typical gyoza).
Open Mon-Fri 11:30am-2:30pm, 5-10:30pm, Sat/Sun 11am-11pm. Aoyama, Kotto-dori branch:
Zenkaren Bldg B1, 5-12-4 Minami-Aoyama, Minato-ku (03-3409-9400). Nearest stn: Omotesando,
exit B1. |
