Gyoza no Ohsho
餃子の王将
The king of Japanese gyoza since 1967
Overview
Gyoza no Ohsho (餃子の王将 "The King of Gyoza") is THE absolute reference for gyoza in Japan. Founded in 1967 in Kyoto, this iconic chain has over 730 restaurants and has sold over 6 billion gyoza since its creation. More than just a restaurant chain, Gyoza no Ohsho is a cultural institution that has helped popularize gyoza throughout Japan.
👑 The Kingdom of Gyoza
- • 6 billion gyoza sold - Absolute record in Japan
- • Secret recipe - Filling and dough perfected since 1967
- • Artisanal cooking - Each gyoza grilled to order
- • Consistent quality - Strict standards in all restaurants
🏮 Legendary Origins
The story begins in 1967 when Kato Jizo, the founder, opened the first restaurant in the popular Shijo Kawaramachi district of Kyoto. His goal: to create the perfect gyoza accessible to everyone. The recipe, kept secret for over 50 years, combines traditional Chinese influences and adaptations to Japanese tastes.
� Technical Innovation
Gyoza no Ohsho revolutionized gyoza cooking with its patented "yaki-age" (grilling-steaming) technique which guarantees a perfect result: crispy golden base and tender, juicy top. This method is taught in the chain's internal training school.
🌟 Cultural Phenomenon
Ohsho's gyoza have become an element of Japanese popular culture. The chain regularly appears in anime and dramas, and its restaurants are intergenerational gathering places. The slogan "Oishii gyoza wa Ohsho da!" (Delicious gyoza are Ohsho's!) is known to all Japanese people.
🔬 Training School
The chain has its own training school where each employee learns the secret preparation and cooking techniques. This multi-week training guarantees uniform quality and respect for the brand's culinary traditions.
Legendary Menu
🥟 Gyoza - The Absolute Specialty
👑 The Legendary Gyoza
Secret recipe since 1967, each gyoza is handmade and cooked using the patented "yaki-age" technique for a perfect result.
| English Name | 日本語 | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Signature Gyoza (6 pieces) | 餃子（6個） | The absolute specialty, pork-vegetable filling | ¥260 |
| Boiled Gyoza (6 pieces) | 水餃子（6個） | Boiled version, softer texture | ¥280 |
| Fried Gyoza (6 pieces) | 揚げ餃子（6個） | Completely fried, very crispy | ¥300 |
| Large Gyoza Platter (12 pieces) | 餃子大皿（12個） | For big appetites or sharing | ¥480 |
| Shrimp Gyoza (6 pieces) | 海老餃子（6個） | Shrimp filling, premium version | ¥380 |
🍜 Authentic Chinese Dishes
| English Name | 日本語 | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shrimp Fried Rice | 海老チャーハン | Signature fried rice with shrimp | ¥650 |
| Ohsho Ramen | 王将ラーメン | Homemade ramen, rich flavorful broth | ¥480 |
| Sweet and Sour Pork | 酢豚 | Chinese classic, perfectly balanced sauce | ¥780 |
| Mapo Tofu | 麻婆豆腐 | Spicy tofu with minced pork, authentic | ¥580 |
| Chicken with Cashew Nuts | 鶏肉のカシューナッツ炒め | Stir-fried chicken with nuts, perfect texture | ¥720 |
| Spicy Shrimp | 海老のチリソース | Shrimp with spicy sauce, house specialty | ¥850 |
🍝 Noodles & Soups
| English Name | 日本語 | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ohsho Yakisoba | 王将焼きそば | Signature stir-fried noodles, special sauce | ¥520 |
| Ramen Gyoza Set | ラーメン餃子セット | Perfect combo: ramen + 3 gyoza | ¥650 |
| Wonton Soup | ワンタンスープ | Chinese dumplings in clear broth | ¥450 |
| Dan Dan Noodles | 担々麺 | Spicy sesame noodles, specialty | ¥680 |
| Chinese Udon | 中華うどん | Unique Sino-Japanese fusion | ¥580 |
🥬 Vegetables & Sides
Stir-fried Vegetables
- • Garlic Spinach - Quick stir-fry, intense flavor (¥380)
- • Eggplant in Sauce - Simmered in soy-miso sauce (¥450)
- • Oyster Broccoli - Authentic oyster sauce (¥420)
- • Stir-fried Mushrooms - Mix of various mushrooms (¥480)
Appetizers & Snacks
- • Marinated Vegetables - Kimchi-style assortment (¥320)
- • Cucumber Salad - Sesame dressing (¥280)
- • Fried Tofu - Soy-ginger sauce (¥350)
- • Egg with Tomatoes - Chinese comfort dish (¥380)
🍺 Drinks
Beers
- • Japanese Beer - ¥350 (M), ¥550 (L)
- • Tsingtao Chinese Beer - ¥380
- • Non-alcoholic Beer - ¥300
Chinese Alcohols
- • Shaoxing (rice wine) - ¥420
- • Hot Sake - ¥380
- • Whisky Highball - ¥400
Non-alcoholic
- • Oolong Tea - ¥200
- • Jasmine Tea - ¥220
- • Coca Cola - ¥250
- • Orange Juice - ¥280
Legendary Craftsmanship
🎨 The Art of Perfect Gyoza
Each gyoza follows a strict 7-step artisanal process, from the preparation of the secret filling to the patented "yaki-age" cooking that guarantees the perfect result.
- • Secret filling - Pork-vegetable mixture with guarded proportions
- • Hand-folding - Minimum 18 folds per gyoza
- • Yaki-age cooking - Grilling then steaming in one go
- • Precise timing - 3 minutes 30 for perfect cooking
🏫 Ohsho Training School
- • Intensive training of at least 3 weeks
- • Learning secret techniques
- • Mandatory certification to serve
- • Continuous training and improvement
- • Transmission of brand values
🔬 Quality Control
- • Strict standards for all ingredients
- • Daily inspection of fillings
- • Controlled cooking temperature
- • Regular tasting test
- • National quality certification
🏆 Cultural Heritage
Gyoza no Ohsho is recognized as a living culinary heritage of Japan. The chain has contributed to making gyoza a Japanese national dish and continues to innovate while preserving the ancestral traditions of Chinese cuisine adapted to Japanese tastes.
Perfect Visitor's Guide
🎟️ Mandatory First Visit
- 1. You MUST start with the signature gyoza (6 pieces)
- 2. Add shrimp fried rice for balance
- 3. Beer or oolong tea to accompany
- 4. Observe the cooking technique at the counter
- 5. Taste the differences with other chains
🎯 Discovery Menu
- • Gyoza signature - Must-try (¥260)
- • Shrimp Fried Rice - Classic (¥650)
- • Ohsho Ramen - House specialty (¥480)
- • Japanese Beer - Perfect pairing (¥350)
- Total : ¥1,740 for the essential experience
🌟 Gourmet Menu
- • Large Gyoza Platter - For true enthusiasts (¥480)
- • Sweet and Sour Pork - Authentic (¥780)
- • Spicy Shrimp - Premium (¥850)
- • Tsingtao Chinese Beer - Authentic Chinese (¥380)
- Total : ¥2,490 for connoisseurs
💡 Expert Tips
- • Peak hours - Avoid 12 PM - 1 PM and 7 PM - 8 PM
- • Counter recommended - View of gyoza cooking
- • Perfect sauce - Mix soy sauce, vinegar, and sesame oil
- • Progressive ordering - Gyoza arrive hot every 5 minutes
- • Takeout available - Frozen gyoza available
Essential Information
💡 Tips for Visitors
🏆 Records & Figures
🏮 Cultural Note
Gyoza no Ohsho has transformed a Chinese dish into a symbol of Japanese popular culture. Gyoza, initially introduced by soldiers returning from Manchuria, became a Japanese national dish thanks to Ohsho. The chain represents the excellence of Japanese culinary adaptation: taking the best from elsewhere and perfecting it.