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.
Usually pork and wheat. Vegan and gluten-free (rice-flour) gyoza exist in Tokyo — see our gluten-free spots.
FAQ
What is Gyoza?
Pan-fried dumplings, crisp-bottomed and juicy.
Is Gyoza vegetarian, vegan, halal or gluten-free?
Usually pork and wheat. Vegan and gluten-free (rice-flour) gyoza exist in Tokyo — see our gluten-free spots.
💬Recipes and preparation vary by restaurant, so this is a general guide. If you're ever unsure, please confirm directly with the venue before you order — they'll appreciate the heads-up.
Where to try it — and book a table
Hand-picked spots for this dish, each with a working reservation link. Tap to book.
★ Vegetarian mapo tofu and meat-free dumplings alongside a Taiwanese menu
A small, friendly Taiwanese restaurant on the edge of Yokohama Chinatown serving an everyday menu with a genuine set of plant-based choices — vegetarian mapo tofu, meat-free dumplings and vegetable dishes — and English is spoken, which is rare for the area. A full vegetarian course needs a reservation, though à-la-carte vegetarian dishes do not. As with all Chinese kitchens, confirm whether items use chicken stock, oyster sauce or egg if you are strictly vegan.
★ Vegan kara-age (plant-based 'fried chicken') and vegan gyoza
A fully plant-based izakaya in the basement of Shibuya PARCO serving vegan 'fried chicken', gyoza and lemon sours, with no meat, fish, eggs, dairy or honey, so the fish-dashi trap does not apply. It is not gluten-free, as the mock-meat batters and soy sauce contain wheat.
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.
