Utsunomiya Gyoza (宇都宮餃子) is a popular dish in Japan, originating from the city of Utsunomiya in Tochigi Prefecture. Gyoza is a type of dumpling that is typically filled with a mixture of ground meat (usually pork), vegetables, and seasonings, and then pan-fried, boiled, or deep-fried.
Utsunomiya Gyoza is known for its unique and delicious flavor, which is achieved through the use of local ingredients and a special cooking technique called “hanetsuki gyoza” (羽根つき餃子). The gyoza wrappers are made using a combination of wheat flour and local spring water, which gives them a soft and chewy texture. The filling is typically made using locally sourced pork, which is ground and seasoned with soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and other spices.
The “hanetsuki gyoza” technique involves pan-frying the gyoza on one side until crispy, then adding a small amount of water to the pan and covering it with a lid to steam the gyoza until fully cooked. This results in a gyoza with a crispy bottom and a soft, juicy filling.
Utsunomiya is known as the “Gyoza Capital” of Japan and often ranks first in annual gyoza purchases per household. There are many restaurants in the city that specialize in this delicious dish, particularly along the famous “Gyoza Street” (餃子通り). Visitors can sample a wide variety of gyoza fillings, including traditional pork, shrimp, and vegetable, as well as more unique flavors like cheese and mentaiko (spicy cod roe). Utsunomiya Gyoza is a must-try dish for anyone visiting Tochigi Prefecture.
For those who can’t get enough of gyoza, be sure to check out the “Gyoza Statue” (餃子像) in front of JR Utsunomiya Station’s west exit, a popular meeting spot and symbol of the city’s love for this iconic dish.