Utsunomiya Gyoza Guide - MinMin: Delicious or Disappointing

Gyoza Street in Utsunomiya: Visiting Min Min for Authentic Japanese Dumplings

What to eat in Utsunomiya?

Utsunomiya, often called Japan’s gyoza capital, is a must-visit for food lovers. The city’s Gyoza Street is lined with dozens of restaurants serving different styles of these beloved Japanese dumplings. On our trip, we tried Min Min, one of the street’s most popular eateries. Here’s our full guide.

Discovering Gyoza Street

Gyoza Street is small but full of charm, with shops decorated in gyoza-themed artwork and miniature displays. Even a short walk along the street gives visitors a feel for the local food culture.

Tip: Take your time exploring—you might find a few hidden gyoza shops or souvenirs celebrating the city’s dumpling tradition.

With the decorations on the pole, you can't miss that this is a gyoza street

How the Ticketing System Works

Min Min uses a ticket-based system to manage the crowd efficiently:

• Ticket Machine – Choose “takeaway” or “dine-in,” and enter the number of people. A number is issued for your turn; ordering happens later before you just get in. 

Outside of the Minmin restaurant - it is small and cute. The place where he is standing is the ticket machine.

By the time we finished eating, the ticket machine was closed, so we couldn't take a photo.😵  

According to the ticket rules, if more than 30 minutes pass after your number is called, the waiting ticket will become invalid.

• Waiting Area – Diners wait across the street in a small car park, allowing you to explore nearby shops or grab a snack instead of standing in line.

Check out this sign indicating the waiting area

We arrived around 6:40 PM on a Friday, with about 10 groups ahead. Our wait was 40 minutes, which is relatively short compared to peak times.

Pro Tip: Visiting during off-peak hours like weekday mornings or early afternoons can help you avoid long waits.

Inside Min Min: Atmosphere & Ordering

Most of the interior is old-fashioned but warm, featuring red accents and wood tones, with a simple, functional layout that accommodates plenty of dine-in customers in a fast-paced environment. Despite the busy atmosphere, turnover is quick, even with a high volume of takeout orders. 

You can order gift gyoza sets ranging from 12 to 90 pieces, so if you’re thinking of getting one for a late-night snack, it’s best to place the order while you’re eating, so it can be prepared in time.

Price list for takeaway gyoza to bring home.

Min min Menu

There are only three menu options at MinMin, and each order comes with six gyoza, regardless of the type. The price is 380 yen per serving (as of May 2025):

• Boiled Gyoza (水餃子)

• Yaki Gyoza (焼餃子 – pan-fried)

• Age Gyoza (揚げ餃子 – deep-fried)

Set Menu

• Yaki Gyoza (2 servings) with rice and small pickles – 980 yen

• Boiled Gyoza (1 serving) + Yaki Gyoza (1 serving) with rice and small pickles – 980 yen

• Yaki Gyoza (2 servings) + Boiled Gyoza (1 serving) with rice and small pickles – 1,360 yen

Extras & Drinks

They also serve local beer (Gyoza Romance) and Sapporo Black Label.
Rice, half rice, large rice, and pickles can be ordered separately as extras.

The main menu of Minmin

Ordering Our Gyoza

We ordered two sets, each consisting of one Yaki Gyoza and one Boiled Gyoza, and also added an extra order of Age Gyoza (6 pieces). One interesting thing is that the set comes with rice. Since gyoza already contains carbs, the addition of rice suggests they treat gyoza more like a side dish.

A good point is that the restaurant lists potential allergens for some ingredients (sesame, wheat, soy, beef, chicken and pork) on their website, so it’s best to check in advance.

Tables come with soy sauce, vinegar, and chilli oil, so you can customise your dipping sauce to your liking—a fun experience for visitors.

Chilli oil, soy sauce, and vinegar are ready on the table, so you can customise your dipping sauce the way you like

Tasting Min Min’s Gyoza

• Boiled Gyoza: Soft, delicate, and easy to bite. The flavour is mild and clean, though not particularly memorable. Eat in one bite after cooling slightly.

• Yaki Gyoza (Pan-Fried): Our favourite. Golden brown, crispy on the outside, and not greasy. Filling is light, so those who enjoy juicier dumplings may want to explore other options.

• Age Gyoza (Deep-Fried): Heavier and thicker, tasting more like fried dough. Best for those who enjoy deep-fried snacks, but not recommended if you want classic gyoza flavours.

Ordering Tip: Stick to yaki gyoza for the best authentic Utsunomiya experience.

Boiled gyoza and deep-fried gyoza

A set of boiled and pan-fried gyoza, plus extra deep-fried gyoza to share.

Payment & Service

Paying is straightforward: ask for the bill at your table and pay in cash. The staff is efficient and friendly, making the experience smooth for travellers.

Final Thoughts & Recommendations

Min Min is worth visiting for gyoza enthusiasts and anyone curious about Utsunomiya’s culinary scene. While only the yaki gyoza stood out for flavour, the experience of Gyoza Street culture and ticket system makes it memorable.

Tips for Visitors:

• Visit off-peak hours to reduce waiting time.

• Focus on yaki gyoza for the best taste.

• Combine your visit with a stroll along Gyoza Street for a full experience.

[Here] is the official website of Gyoza Min Min.

*This review is based on my personal experience, and results may vary for others. Please take it as a friendly reference.