The humble Gyoza, which are Japanese dumplings filled with ground meat and vegetables, have gained some traction in Singapore during recent years.
Usually eaten as a side dish in local ramen restaurants, we have seen gyoza speciality restaurants opening up such as Gyoza-Ya, Osaka Ohsho and Keisuke Gyoza King.
Gyoza-Ya, which is a part of the Akashi Group, opened another branch at Ion Orchard basement 4 (took over Charlie & Co). This also houses counter seats where you can see how these uniformly shaped gyoza are created in front of your eyes.
Then you realise that the gyoza are made using a special mixer which is why every gyoza would turn out evenly shaped and almost of equal weight. The skin is air-flown regularly in Japan.
The menu is still as streamlined, suitable for a casual meal, but may not be as fast as you would have wanted to be.
Items available include the signature Pan Fried Gyoza, Boiled Dumplings, Jya Jya Men ($6.50), and other sides such as Tori Karaage ($3.80 deep fried chicken), Ninniku Yaki Meshi ($5.80 Japanese garlic fried rice) and Yasai Itame ($4.80 fried vegetables).
The pan-fried versions get more and more varied, from the initial days of pork, vegetable and prawn, we saw Red King Crab on its menu, plus other seasonal specials – Cheese and Mentaiko ($7.80 for 5 dumplings).
The novelty Cheese Gyoza ($7.80) sounded good on paper – melted stretchy cheese over lighted pan-fried dumplings which should be juicy on the inside.
Oh yes, the first bite was… interesting, the feeling like the first time I ate pizza. Then, the intensity got stronger and stronger, and I couldn’t really go beyond two. Too ‘jelak’ to take, especially after the cheese cooked down.
So recommendation, get another friend or two to share this, and eat them quick.
We tried a few of the other flavours, but decided at the end of the day, the predictable and good-old humble pork dumplings, was still the best choice they could offer.
Gyoza-Ya
ION Orchard, 2 Orchard Turn, #B4-56, Singapore 238801 (Orchard MRT)
Tel: +65 6509 4647
Opening Hours: 11am – 10 pm (Mon-Sat)
Robinsons Orchard, 260 Orchard Road, B1-02A,Singapore 238855 (Somerset MRT)
Tel: +65 67375581
Opening Hours: 11:30am – 10pm (Mon-Sun)
Other Related Entries
Gyoza-ya (Orchard Road)
Keisuke Gyoza King (Orchid Hotel)
Osaka Ohsho (Raffles City)
Hanare Japanese Café (Tanjong Pagar)
Yayoiken (Bugis+)
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