Gyoza are Japanese dumplings – traditionally pan-fried until crisp underneath and steamed soft on top. At Han Kitchen in Zurich-Oerlikon you’ll find them among the starters: 5 pieces for CHF 14.50, served in the restaurant on Baumackerstrasse 46 or packed to take away.
What are gyoza?
Gyoza (餃子) descend from Chinese jiaozi and became an everyday staple in Japan from the middle of the 20th century onwards – in ramen shops, at food stalls and in home kitchens. A thin wrapper made from wheat flour and water is filled, folded into a half-moon and pleated along the edge.
The best-known style is yaki-gyoza. The dumplings are first fried in a pan, then a splash of water goes in and the lid goes on so they steam, and finally they are fried dry for a moment. That gives gyoza their signature contrast: a golden, crunchy base and a tender, juicy top. Steamed and boiled gyoza exist too.
Gyoza at Han Kitchen
On our menu a portion of gyoza is 5 pieces for CHF 14.50 – enough to share between two as an opener, or a small course for yourself before your main arrives.
Ask us about the filling in the restaurant or over the phone and we’ll happily tell you. In Japan the classic filling is minced pork with cabbage, garlic, ginger and spring onion, but there are plenty of versions with chicken, prawns or vegetables only.
Gyoza, mandu and jiaozi – what’s the difference?
Han Kitchen brings Korean and Japanese cooking together, and dumplings are where the two traditions sit closest. Chinese jiaozi tend to have a slightly thicker wrapper and are often boiled. Korean mandu are frequently larger and come steamed, fried or in soup. Japanese gyoza are usually smaller with a thin skin, are mostly pan-fried and often carry a clear note of garlic and ginger.
What goes well with gyoza?
In Japan gyoza are dipped in a mix of soy sauce and rice vinegar, often with a few drops of chilli oil (rāyu). The acidity cuts through the richness of the filling and the heat keeps things lively.
As a starter, gyoza work well ahead of a rice bowl such as bibimbap or salmon donburi. If you’d like a few small plates to share, add edamame (CHF 7.00) and a miso soup (CHF 6.00) – warm, salty and fresh all on one table.
Gyoza to take away
Gyoza are also available to take away. Call us on 077 268 20 80 to order ahead, or simply drop by during opening hours at Baumackerstrasse 46 in Zurich-Oerlikon. A tip: pan-fried gyoza are at their best while the base is still crisp, so try to eat them soon after you pick them up.