Iron pan gyoza (Tetsunabe Gyoza) is a must-try dish when visiting Kitakyushu, Hakata, or Kokura. These crispy, bite-sized dumplings are served sizzling hot in an iron pan, creating a perfectly golden and crunchy texture.
Popular among both locals and foreign tourists, here are the top 5 places to enjoy Tetsunabe Gyoza!
- 1. Kokura Tetsunabe Sohonten – A Local Favorite in Kokura
- 2. Hakata Gion Tetsunabe – A Famous Spot Near Hakata Station
- 3. Tetsunabe Arae Honten – The Original Iron Pan Gyoza
- 4. Honten Tetsunabe Kurosaki – The Original Iron Pan Gyoza in Kurosaki
- 5. Gyoza no Tacchan – Juicy Dumplings with Special Miso Sauce
- Conclusion
- FAQ
1. Kokura Tetsunabe Sohonten – A Local Favorite in Kokura
- Famous for its crispy, bite-sized gyoza served in a sizzling iron pan
- Perfectly paired with a cold beer
- A popular spot among both locals and tourists
Recommended Menu: Tetsunabe Gyoza (Iron Pan Gyoza)
The dumplings are crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and served piping hot in an iron pan.
📍 Location: Kokura, Kitakyushu
📅 Reservation: Not required
🌐 Official Website: Kokura Tetsunabe Sohonten
2. Hakata Gion Tetsunabe – A Famous Spot Near Hakata Station
- One of the most well-known Tetsunabe Gyoza restaurants in Hakata
- Started as a street food stall and became a local icon
- Crunchy dumplings with a soft and chewy filling
Recommended Menu: Hakata Tetsunabe Gyoza
These gyoza have a crispy, golden-brown surface with a juicy, tender filling.
📍 Location: Hakata, Fukuoka City
📅 Reservation: Not required
🌐 Official Website: Hakata Gion Tetsunabe
3. Tetsunabe Arae Honten – The Original Iron Pan Gyoza
- Founded in 1962, known as the birthplace of iron pan gyoza
- Crunchy on the outside, juicy on the inside
- Loved by locals for decades
Recommended Menu: Classic Tetsunabe Gyoza
These dumplings are light, crispy, and packed with flavorful meat filling.
📍 Location: Sawara Ward, Fukuoka City
📅 Reservation: Not required
🌐 Official Website: Tetsunabe Arae Honten
4. Honten Tetsunabe Kurosaki – The Original Iron Pan Gyoza in Kurosaki
- One of the oldest and most famous Tetsunabe Gyoza restaurants
- Perfect balance of crispiness and juicy filling
- Loved by both locals and travelers
Recommended Menu: Iron Pan Gyoza
These dumplings are served in a sizzling iron pan, keeping them crispy until the last bite.
📍 Location: Kurosaki, Kitakyushu
📅 Reservation: Not required
🌐 Official Website: Honten Tetsunabe Kurosaki
5. Gyoza no Tacchan – Juicy Dumplings with Special Miso Sauce
- Famous for its large and juicy dumplings
- Served with a special miso dipping sauce
- A great spot for enjoying gyoza with drinks
Recommended Menu: Jumbo Tetsunabe Gyoza
Bigger than typical iron pan gyoza, these dumplings are crispy, chewy, and filled with flavorful meat.
📍 Location: Kokura, Kitakyushu
📅 Reservation: Not required
🌐 Official Website: Gyoza no Tacchan
Conclusion
If you’re visiting Fukuoka or Kitakyushu, trying Tetsunabe Gyoza is a must! These dumplings are crispy, juicy, and full of flavor, served sizzling hot in an iron pan. Whether you’re in Hakata, Kokura, or Kurosaki, these five restaurants offer the best iron pan gyoza experience!
FAQ
Tetsunabe means “iron pan” in Japanese. Tetsunabe Gyoza are dumplings that are cooked and served in a sizzling iron pan, giving them a crispy texture and keeping them hot until the last bite.
Tetsunabe Gyoza are filled with a savory mixture of minced pork, cabbage, garlic, chives, and ginger. The filling is well-seasoned with soy sauce, sesame oil, and other umami-rich ingredients.
The secret to gyoza’s delicious taste is in the seasoned filling and dipping sauce. The meat is flavored with soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, and oyster sauce, making it rich in umami. When dipped in a simple gyoza sauce, the flavors become even more intense and delicious.