[Sunday Culture] Government Announces 'Regional Dumpling Consumption Rankings'... Japanese Gyoza Story

Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications Announces Regional Gyoza Spending... Hamamatsu City Ranks First
Gyoza Originated from China... Pan-fried Gunmandu Below is a Distinctive Feature

Many households make dumplings during Seollal, just like making songpyeon during Chuseok. In Korea, there are various types of dumplings such as mulmandu (boiled dumplings), jjimmandu (steamed dumplings), and gunmandu (fried dumplings), making it really nice to choose according to your preference.

Recently, Japanese media collectively reported on the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications’ regional dumpling consumption rankings. It was a survey about the so-called 'love for dumplings,' identifying which region in Japan buys the most dumplings. In Japan, fried dumplings called 'gyoza' are commonly eaten. Today, we will share the story of Japanese gyoza, including where this type of dumpling originated and which regions love dumplings the most.

According to the 2023 household survey announced by the Ministry on the 6th, the annual expenditure on gyoza by region was also compiled. In short, it was a tally of regions that spend the most money on gyoza. The place that spends the most on gyoza is Hamamatsu City, with an annual expenditure of 4,041 yen (about 36,000 won). Following that were Miyazaki City (31,000 won) and Utsunomiya City (28,600 won). This survey targeted expenditures on fried gyoza sold at supermarket side dish sections and fresh dumplings sold at dumpling shops, and notably, frozen dumplings were not even included.

Just as dumpling fillings and shapes vary by region in Korea, the same is true in Japan. Especially, the regions that ranked are famous for their distinctive dumplings. Hamamatsu City is characterized by plating dumplings arranged in a circle and grilled, with mung bean sprouts placed in the center. The dumpling filling contains a lot of cabbage, giving it a refreshing taste. There is even an academic society called the 'Hamamatsu Gyoza Support Group' in Hamamatsu City. This fall, after five years since 2019, a Hamamatsu Dumpling Festival is also planned.

Originally, Utsunomiya City is said to be the counterpart to Hamamatsu in terms of gyoza. Since dumplings were introduced during World War II, the soldiers stationed in Utsunomiya spread them quickly by eating them. The dumpling filling contains a lot of vegetables and little garlic, resulting in a mild taste. The dipping sauce style here also involves using a lot of vinegar or even dipping only in vinegar. Although it ranked third, the official stance is "We do not get swayed by the survey."

Hamamatsu-style Gyoza. (Photo by NHK)

Miyazaki City ranked first in purchase frequency, emerging as a new rival. To expand dumpling consumption, the 'Miyazaki City Gyoza Council' has actively held various events, such as distributing 100 servings of dumplings at the airport. In any case, this survey became a hot topic within Japan as soon as it was announced.

So when did Japanese-style dumplings, gyoza, originate? The original birthplace of dumplings is China. In East Asia, it is known that the form of dumplings as food was established since the Ming Dynasty in China. Dumplings were introduced to Japan after World War II. Japanese soldiers who went to China ate dumplings in Manchuria and started making them in Japan, which is said to be the beginning.

When thinking of Japanese dumplings, people usually imagine gyoza that are pan-fried until the bottom is crispy and the top is steamed to be moist. This cooking method also originated from China. Originally, nobles ate boiled dumplings, but since boiled dumplings served on the table would not taste good if boiled again, servants started pan-frying them, which became the origin.

The dumplings eaten in Korea are really written in katakana as 'mandu.' Steamed dumplings wrapped with meat, tofu, or kimchi fillings are called mandu, pronounced as in Korean.

Looking into the history of Japanese gyoza, there was also an article introducing how to cook them deliciously. Before turning on the gas stove, first add oil and fry the dumplings. When a thin char forms on the bottom and they become crispy, pour hot water into the pan enough to cover about one-third of the dumplings and close the lid. Steam until the moisture disappears, and it’s done.

Since this is a time to introduce Japanese culture, we talked about Japanese dumplings, but after all, dumplings eaten while talking with close ones near Seollal are the best. Enjoy lots of delicious food and have a healthy holiday without indigestion.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.