[Tochigi] Best Gyoza Restaurants in Utsunomiya | Tochigi | Greater Tokyo

2020.11.10

The city of Utsunomiya in Tochigi Prefecture, Japan, is renowned for its association with gyoza (pan-fried dumplings), introduced by returning soldiers in 1990. Using gyoza as a branding tool, Utsunomiya has become Japan’s largest consumer of the dish. The success is attributed to the city’s inland climate, promoting stamina. “Utsunomiya Gyoza” differs from mainstream gyoza with more vegetables and less meat. The annual Utsunomiya Gyoza Festival in November showcases the local specialty and celebrates the city’s culture.

Kouran (餃子の店香蘭)

Kouran (餃子の店香蘭) is located near the center of Utsunomiya City. You can easily recognize the restaurant by the bright red signboard and the queue of people waiting outside. Kouran, established in 1959, specializes in gyoza. The restaurant temporarily closed in 2008 due to the aging of the previous owner, but, thanks to many fans, the restaurant made a miraculous comeback in 2011. Kouran serves three types of gyoza: Yaki-gyoza (pan-fried), Sui-gyoza (boiled and served in a light broth), and Age-gyoza (deep fried). The characteristic of the gyoza is crispy skin and juicy stuffing.

Name: Kouran (餃子の店香蘭)
Address: 1-24 Honcho, Utsunomiya, Tochigi
Phone: +81-(0)28-622-4024
Hours: 11:30 – 20:00
Closed On: Tuesdays
Number of Seats: 24
Budget: Lunch: – JPY1,000 / Dinner: – JPY1,000
Payment Options: Cash Only
Official Website (Japanese Only): https://gyouzakouran.com/

Utsunomiya Min Min Honten (宇都宮みんみん本店)

Founded in 1958, Utsunomiya Min Min (宇都宮みんみん本店) is an essential part of the story of Utsunomiya Gyoza. Just like Kouran, the restaurant serves only three types of gyoza: Yaki-gyoza (pan-fried), Sui-gyoza (boiled and served in light broth), and Age-gyoza (deep fried). Min Min is generally credited with being the first of this specialty-style, gyoza-only restaurant in Japan. Because of the popularity of its gyoza, there is often a long line in front of the restaurant. Thanks to the fast turnover rate, however, it shouldn’t take too long to get a seat.