If you’ve spent any time wandering Japan’s cities, you’ve probably spotted the bright red and yellow sign of Gyoza no Ohsho (餃子の王将) – it’s just everywhere, but if you’re not paying attention you’ll miss it and just simply go on with your travel activities. But when you spot one though, take this as a signal to stop and check out what they have in store, because you’re probably gonna wanna try it out – especially their gyoza.
This casual dining chain has become a household name across the country – it’s basically Japan’s go-to diner known for their pan-fried gyozas, consistently affordable prices, no-frills service, and extensive menu of Chinese-inspired Japanese comfort food that just screams “comfort food”.
The star of the menu is of course the pan-fried gyoza dumplings – if you really have to order just one single item, this is it. Each piece has a thin, crispy wrapper filled with a juicy filling of pork, cabbage, garlic, and chives. A standard plate comes with six dumplings, usually priced at a budget-friendly price of just around ¥310 (¥341 after tax). The seasoning is left simple, so diners can dip them into the classic soy sauce, vinegar, and chili oil mix according to taste.
While the dumplings are the main draw, Gyoza no Ohsho offers a wide variety of dishes, many of which are surprisingly hearty (check out their online menu for the complete list):
- Dim Sum: Aside from the popular pan-fried gyoza, they also serve steamed shu mai and fried spring rolls which are equally tasty.
- Main Dishes: Includes Subuta (Sweet and Sour Pork), Ebi Chili (stir-fried shrimp in chili), Crab Omelette, Mapo Tofu ( spicy-savory tofu dish with minced pork), and a lot more.
- Fried Rice (Chahan): Fluffy rice with eggs, pork, and green onions.
- Noodles: includes Yakisoba and Ramen.
- Set Meals (定食 / Teishoku): Combos that usually pair gyoza with rice, soup, and a main dish, offering great value especially if you come hungry.
If I had to recommend something from their menu, it’s definitely one of their set meal combos (choose the one that includes gyoza in the mix) because you get to try a little bit of everything, all beautifully presented in a single tray. Their set meals range from ¥1,000 to ¥2,000 which is just a little more than an average dinner but at least you get to sample everything. I got to try their Tianjin Rice Set for ¥1,141 (¥1,255 after tax, comes with Tenshin-Chahan or Crab Omelette on Fried Rice, 6 pcs. Gyoza, 2 pcs. Karaage, and Soup) plus a nice cold glass of beer and I was in absolute pure bliss, the cramped counter seating I was sat at couldn’t even bother me (Gyoza no Ohsho branches are busy especially during dinner time where locals come in for a hearty supper). If you’re trying this out, I suggest you come with an empty stomach because it’s gonna be a heavy yet hearty and fulfilling dinner. 🙂
Where to find a Gyoza no Ohsho
Branches can be found in nearly every major Japanese city, especially around train stations and busy shopping streets. Kyoto, being the birthplace of the chain, has an especially high concentration, but Tokyo, Osaka, and Fukuoka are just as well covered. If you’re in any of these cities just open your Google Maps to search for the nearest Gyoza no Ohsho because there’s probably one in your location.
The verdict: If you want a quick, cheap, and no-frills dining experience that’s a constant favorite among locals, then Gyoza no Ohsho is worth popping into. It’s not fine dining and it’s not pretending to be. But for cheap gyoza and comfort food that hits the spot, this is a chain that just delivers. It’s definitely so worth trying out for me.
