Gyozanomise Okei — Restaurant in Tokyo

This was my second time coming as my first experience was a dud. Though Google showed the resto as being opened, after taking the train for an hour, I found a sign in Japanese that said it was closed for a break. I did see the chef tinkering in the store and another sign he was seeking an employee. I think Youtube fame may have overwhelmed his business.

I finally got to try it the second trip. Waited in line for about 15 minutes. I was by myself and only ordered the gyozas. I was prepared to order something else for takeaway but was not thrilled with having to carry around takeaway food on a hot day and asked if it was ok. FYI: You can only order 1 set of gyozas. One order is 6 pieces of handmade gyozas.

The gyoza skirting is made to perfection. Wow. The skirting is perfect. Crispy, crunchy, delightful to bite into each gyoza. What could have made the gyoza better? A better dipping sauce, instead of the thin, runny, ultra high sodium soy sauce available. I tried to cut it with the hot oil but it still wasn’t enough. If I could have made my own dipping sauce, I would have been in heaven with those gyozas. Nevertheless, I enjoyed them, because how can one not appreciate handmade gyozas?! It’s an art form.

I ate them quickly and was out in a jiffy- mindful of the other customers. I really wanted to order 20 more but rules are rules. Next time, I will not come alone so I can order more food to share. Chef looks just as he does on YT and I saw him smile to his staff. He seems genuinely kind. He has hired many staff by the way- the place was teeming with employees, who I hope will pick up on the cleaning as it does need some attention. Update: September 2024. Head chef has handed reigns to younger male chef and there was no limit on the gyozas. I asked the waiter if I could order 30 gyozas and he said yes. I also ordered tanmien noodles. Noodles were fabulously delicious! Gyozas were nice but the skin was a little thick some places and thereby slightly undercooked dough in between. But the skirting crispy layer was perfection and we were still very happy. Gyozas are made by hand including the skins so it is no easy feat. When the chef saw my order, he was annoyed and looked at me^^. So now I know next time to order less gyoza and order...

I have not eaten here but this restaurant is an inspiration to me. I make dumplings, and do my best to model them after Gyozanomise Okei's product. The 3 day process, the ratios of my mixture, and a personal touch to every one of my gyoza- are all inspired by this restaurant's humble dedication to one of the most joyful foods. I have started making oyster sauce because I think it will make my dumplings better, but all of my inspiration for my dumplings comes from watching your chef prepare your gyoza. I hope to visit japan one day and this restaurant is first on my list. Thank you for your dedication to this simple, but by no means...

I went before they opened at 11:00, and there were already two people waiting. By the time they opened on 11:30, the line was long and the store was filled quickly.

I ordered 12 piece gyoza with egg fried rice. Also ordered a yakisoba. The gyoza tasted amazing but its not really worth travelling far for. Maybe its a good experience to say that you ate a Michelin-quality meal, but its not too mind blowing.

Overall it was a decent Chinese-styled meal. Appropriately priced, and it is quite accessible. Iidabashi...