Gyoza Wrappers: Types, How to Make and Where to Buy Them, and Recommended Gyoza Restaurants in Tokyo Travel

What Kind of Dish Is Gyoza?

Gyoza refers to a dish where fillings are wrapped in a dough made from flour and water, then cooked. It is widely recognized in its Japanese pan-fried form. The original form of gyoza was introduced from China, where boiled dumplings, or "shuijiao," are the most common. In Japan, gyoza can be prepared in various ways, such as pan-frying, boiling, or steaming, with pan-fried gyoza being the most popular.

What Are Gyoza Wrappers (Gyoza Skin)?

Gyoza skins are made by mixing flour with water, rolling the dough into thin, soft sheets, and cutting them into small sizes. They are used to wrap the filling. They are typically made by mixing flour, water, and salt, and are used in various styles of gyoza dishes, such as pan-fried, steamed, or boiled gyoza. The dough's thickness and softness may be adjusted depending on the cooking method, but the basic preparation is generally the same.

Gyoza Skins (Wrappers) in Japan

In Japan, gyoza is often prepared as a home-cooked dish. Making gyoza wrappers from scratch is time-consuming and labor-intensive, so store-bought gyoza wrappers are widely available and commonly used in Japan.

Types of Gyoza Skins (Gyoza Wrappers)

Wrappers for Pan-Fried Gyoza

They are made thin to emphasize the crispy texture when pan-fried.

Wrappers for Boiled Gyoza

They are slightly thicker than those for pan-fried gyoza, making them less likely to tear when boiled or soaked in soup. They offer a pleasantly chewy texture.

Wrappers for Steamed Gyoza

They are of medium thickness, between pan-fried and boiled gyoza wrappers, staying soft when steamed and providing a cohesive texture with the filling.

Rice Paper (Substitute):

A thin, transparent wrapper made from rice flour. It is often used as a substitute for gyoza wrappers, offering a healthier impression compared to wheat flour.

How to Make Gyoza Wrappers

Homemade gyoza wrappers not only offer a fresh taste but can also be adjusted to your preferred size and thickness. Although making them takes time and effort, store-bought gyoza wrappers are generally thin and designed for pan-fried gyoza, so homemade wrappers are recommended if you prefer a thicker texture.

Ingredients for Gyoza Wrappers (Approximately 40 pieces) 

1. All-purpose flour: 200g  
2. Water: 100ml  
3. Salt: a pinch 

Procedure

Making the Dough

Place the flour and salt in a bowl, then gradually add water while kneading the mixture. 

Knead the dough for about 10 minutes until smooth, then wrap it in plastic wrap and let it rest for about 30 minutes.

Dividing the Dough

Divide the dough into 40 equal portions and roll each piece into a ball.

Rolling out the dough into thin circles.

Dust the surface with unused flour and roll the dough into circles approximately 9 cm in diameter.

Completion

If not using immediately, lightly dust the wrappers with flour, wrap them in plastic wrap, and store them in the refrigerator. 

For long-term storage, keep them in the freezer.

Creative Uses of Gyoza Wrappers Beyond Gyoza

Both homemade and store-bought gyoza wrappers can be used in various creative ways beyond making gyoza.

As a snack

Bake gyoza wrappers in the oven and serve with a dip. Enjoy them as a snack or a pairing with drinks.

Use as a substitute for lasagna sheets.

Substitute gyoza wrappers for pasta and layer them with lasagna fillings.

Dessert

Wrap banana and chocolate in gyoza wrappers, fry them, and serve as a dessert.

How to Purchase Gyoza Wrappers Abroad

Gyoza wrappers are relatively easy to find in the United States and other countries. Asian grocery stores (e.g.,). Available for purchase at H Mart, 99 Ranch Market, or online shops. In the United States, they can be found at Japanese grocery stores like Mitsuwa. They are displayed in the frozen or refrigerated sections of the supermarket.

If store-bought options are unavailable, try the homemade recipe mentioned earlier. You can also use rice paper or wonton wrappers as substitutes.

Chain Restaurants in Japan Where You Can Enjoy Gyoza

Japan has many chain restaurants that serve ramen and gyoza. Of course, specialty gyoza restaurants offer unique flavors, but here are some chain restaurants with many locations where you can enjoy consistently delicious gyoza.

1. Gyoza no Osho (餃子の王将)

A chain restaurant offering Chinese cuisine with a focus on gyoza. As the name suggests, gyoza is their specialty, but they also offer a wide variety of Chinese dishes such as fried rice, liver and chives stir-fry, and chili shrimp.

2. Hidakaya (日高屋)

A chain restaurant offering ramen, gyoza, fried rice, and various Chinese dishes at affordable prices. Among chain restaurants, it is notably inexpensive and popular with students and office workers.

Fine Dining Restaurants in Japan Serving Gyoza

1. Kabukizaura Masashi (歌舞伎座裏 まさし) / Tokyo / Izakaya

Selected Restaurant

Michelin Guide, 2025

An izakaya in Tokyo featured in the Michelin Guide for two consecutive years. Located behind Kabukiza, a historic theater in Ginza. It is a high-end izakaya, but its wide-ranging menu, including tempura, sushi, fried dishes, sashimi, and grilled fish, is of exceptional quality. It also serves pan-fried gyoza.

2. you-en (遊猿) / Tokyo / Chinese

A Chinese restaurant featured in the Michelin Guide for multiple years. It has previously earned a Bib Gourmand, offering high-quality Chinese cuisine with excellent cost performance. The jumbo gyoza, 1.5 times the size of a typical one, is one of the popular dishes.

3. Yakitori Torisen (焼鳥 とり泉) / Yakitori / Osaka

One Star

Michelin Guide, 2024

A yakitori restaurant in Osaka that has earned a Michelin star for two consecutive years, offering an omakase course featuring a complete meal using an entire chicken. While the yakitori is, of course, exquisite, small cuts of meat that cannot be skewered are minced and served as gyoza.