Gyoza @ Gyoza Wagon Deco, JR Hakata City, Hakata, Fukuoka

Ramen is great and all, but there is more to Fukuoka than just ramen right? And yes indeed you are. Fukuoka, and in fact, the Kyushu region has alot of specialty food items that may not necessarily appear on most people's radar. From tripe and chicken hotpot, and to variants to certain classics. And one such classic is the gyoza dumpling. 

The classic front counter

But what makes it different than the rest of the country? The cooking method that is. Unlike some parts, Fukuoka uses a heat press instead of a pan in sorting out their dumplings. As such, the burnt crispy crust is more pronounced and had a more edgier bite. There are various places that sells this tasty treat. Chinese restaurants and ramen stalls are common suspects. But for a place that just specializes in this? Not many. This is where Deco comes in.  Located in the gourmet section of JR Hakata City, which is the mall annexure of Hakata Station, Gyoza Wagon Deco is a gastropub that serves a variety of ales and pilsner, and of course fried dumplings. 

Appetite at the ready!

So naturally, a set lunch meal of dumplings was what I ordered. Although a good frothy one seems tempting, it was a bit too early to be slushed. I might come for a beer in the future during a more suitable time. But that did not stop my lunch enjoyment. 

Crunchy!

The set came with a serving of rice, a side salad and an egg drop soup. Sounds a bit Chinese, which probably was the case. Gyoza did originate from Chinese pot stickers. But it does have a unique taste of its own. The wrapper was crusty and crunchy on one side but still soft and silky on another. And it is much thinner than Chinese pot stickers. Deco really excelled in this one. 

Sidekicks

Also, it has more vegetables than the usual pot stickers, with chives and cabbage aplenty. It did not tamper the meatiness though. Still, Deco's dumplings were thoroughly enjoyable. The gastrobar has a variety of condiments to go with your dumplings too. Common ones like chilli oil and vinegar are present. Although the unusually spotted tabasco worked out pretty well too. Whether you like it just plain or with saucy companions, the gyoza here is superb.

Sleeper hit

One honourable mention was in fact the soup. It was just a simple clear soup made of egg and stock. But it was quite satisfying and gave a nourishing feel to the overall lunch. It was very warming and complimented everything well. 

Second plate! 

The whole affair was pretty cheap too, as a basic lunch set with 5 dumplings was just 580 yen. You can get it with fried chicken which will be 680 yen. If you are tempted in upping your portions though, I do recommend ordering another plate of 5 dumplings for just additional 200 yen. I did naturally, and did not regret one bit.

Front of the house

This was quite the cheap yet tasty lunch. Even if you are not on a budget, this is one spot I recommend trying. I might visit the station again just for the food though, as there are a huge variety of bars and restaurants here. Hopefully soon. If you fancy a go, then the address is as follows:

〒812-0012 Fukuoka, Hakata Ward, Hakataekichuogai, 1−1 博多デイトス B1F