Izakaya term
Gyoza 餃子
Gyoza are pan-fried dumplings — thin wrappers around a juicy pork-and-vegetable filling, crisped golden on the bottom and steamed tender on top. They're the perfect izakaya companion to a cold beer.
Crisp bottom, tender top
The signature technique is yaki-gyoza: fry the base, then add water and cover so the tops steam while the bottoms crisp into a lacy sheet (the "wings" a good cook aims for).
Japan's take on a Chinese classic
Gyoza descend from Chinese jiaozi but evolved their own identity in Japan — thinner skins, more garlic, and that emphasis on the crisped bottom.
Insider tip. Mix your own dipping sauce from soy, rice vinegar and a drop of chili oil — heavier on the vinegar than you'd think.
Where to try Gyoza near you
Top-rated izakaya spots on Yes Ichiban with real, orderable online menus: