Japan Rankings
If you're traveling through Japan and craving comfort food that’s quick, tasty, and budget-friendly, Gyoza no Ohsho is a name you won’t want to miss. This popular restaurant chain has been a staple of Japanese dining since its founding in 1967 in Kyoto—and it’s still going strong with over 700 locations across the country.
Despite the name, Gyoza no Ohsho (“King of Gyoza”) is not just about dumplings. It’s a full-on Chinese-Japanese fusion experience, offering a wide range of stir-fried dishes, rice bowls, noodles, and hearty set meals. The atmosphere is casual, the service is fast, and the prices are wallet-friendly—making it a favorite among students, salarymen, and even families.
One of the quirks that makes Gyoza no Ohsho unique is that each branch has some freedom to customize their menu, so you might find local specialties depending on where you go. Still, there are some classics you’ll find nearly everywhere—and they’ve become fan favorites across Japan.
So whether you're new to Japanese-style Chinese food or a returning fan, here’s a list to whet your appetite:
The signature dish. Thin-skinned, crispy-bottomed, and packed with juicy pork, cabbage, and garlic. Usually served with a vinegar-soy dipping sauce. Order this at least once—it's in the name for a reason!
A simple but satisfying stir-fried rice dish, often cooked in a wok with egg, green onions, and diced pork. Perfect on its own or paired with gyoza.
A unique Japanese-Chinese dish featuring a fluffy omelet placed over rice, topped with a rich, savory sauce (which can be soy, salt-based, or sweet-sour, depending on the region).
A Japanese take on a Chinese classic. Tender pork with crunchy vegetables in a glossy sweet-and-sour glaze. Great with rice.
Crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside. These golden-brown chicken chunks are often marinated in soy and ginger before frying.
This stir-fry of pork liver, bean sprouts, and garlic chives is a popular stamina-boosting dish. Not for everyone, but highly praised by fans of bold flavors.
A milder Japanese version of the spicy Sichuan classic. Silken tofu and ground pork in a savory miso-based sauce with just a hint of chili.
Known as Hōrōnīku in Japanese, this dish is a thick, savory stir-fry with pork and cabbage in a miso-based sauce. Intense umami!
A street food favorite brought indoors. Stir-fried noodles with vegetables and pork, often with a slightly sweet soy-sauce based seasoning.
Rice topped with a thick, savory stir-fried medley of vegetables, meat, and sauce. Hearty and comforting.
Foreign visitors often confuse Gyoza no Ohsho with Osaka Ohsho, but they are separate chains with different management, menus, and taste profiles.
Both are great—but if you're aiming for the more "authentic," personalized in-store experience, Gyoza no Ohsho usually wins among locals.
Q: Is Gyoza no Ohsho good for vegetarians?
Not ideal. Most dishes include meat or are cooked with meat-based broths. However, some locations may offer vegetable stir-fries.
Q: What’s the price range?
Expect to pay between 800 to 1500 yen ($6-$12 USD) for a satisfying meal. Set menus are especially cost-effective.
Q: Do they accept credit cards?
Many urban locations do, but smaller branches may be cash-only. It's best to carry yen just in case.
Q: Can I get take-out?
Yes! Gyoza and other items are available for take-out. Some locations even sell frozen dumplings to cook at home.
Whether you're looking to try authentic Japanese-style gyoza or just need a quick, filling meal, Gyoza no Ohsho delivers comfort food that’s both nostalgic and delicious. And with this Top 10 list in hand, you’re more than ready to order like a local.
Itadakimasu! 🙏🥟
