Gyoza Lunch @ Gyoza Lee, Yakuin, Fukuoka

How far are you willing to go for good food? For me it depends, but I have found a new threshold thanks to this new place. Having said that, this establishment has been around for many years selling probably the best dumplings in Fukuoka city. Well, when your name is Gyoza Lee and gyoza is literally in your nametag, there are some standards to protect. 

Waiting in line under the sun is never fun. But for good food though. 

Although my party of 5 arrived 10 minutes prior to opening, there was already a line of people waiting. I have to say my patience was a bit tested since the mercury was exceeding 30c that summer weekend. But once the doors were opened, we were fortunate enough to be allowed in. We have some idea what to order already and getting the gyoza was a no brainer. But as this place also prides itself on other types of dumplings, we got a serving of shumai, a serving of steamed dumplings, and a large plate of shrimp fried rice. 

Avengers assembled?

 Initially we were afraid that would not be enough seeing that we only got 4 items. But we were sorely mistaken. Each serving of dumplings stood at 700 yen while the fried rice was 1100 yen. And despite that price, the size of portions of the each of the dumplings were massive. Each basket of steamed goodies consists of 6 of them and each has a diameter bigger than a 500 yen coin. You cannot get a better deal honestly. However, size was not the only thing that mattered, as they were absolutely delicious. 

Gigantic

The shumai was meaty and had a nice bite to it. It was also loaded with wood ear mushrooms and had a peppery kick. Clearly not something you get from your corner ramen shop. The steamed dumplings were also amazing. The outer skin was made of a doughy wrapper, giving it a similar profile to ravioli. A bit thicker than dim sum, but that does not make it amazing. 

The main event. 

Of course, the finishing blow was the gyoza themselves. You cannot come here and not get the gyoza, it is literally in the name. Each gyoza was half the size of my palm, and the wings that it had were crunchy like corn flakes. The inner porky fillings were well spiced and had a nice kick of chives. Fatty bits inside made it more enjoyable. It was so good you do not need the usual condiment of chilli oil and vinegar. 

The finisher. 

Last but not least is the fried rice which was also a winner. You can feel each grain of the rice and the seasoning was top notch. There are also generous amounts of shrimp to the point you wonder how they are making a profit. The wok hei was quite intense too and you know after one bite that the person behind this thing used a lot of effort in frying said rice. 

Another angle. Definitely coming again!

More importantly, Gyoza Lee is an establishment that prides itself in providing a proper and authentic experience when it comes to dumplings. How authentic? Well, everyone seems to be speaking Mandarin, and if that is not authentic enough, I have no idea what is! To an extent, it is even possible to describe this place as a Chinese food outlet which coincidentally serves great gyoza. You would not be wrong if you had that impression as they are a cousin of pot stickers originally from China. The true finishing touch is the décor. Most of the tables are round with a lazy Susan on the bigger ones and the porcelain trinkets really provided the extra necessary for that complete look. For a second, it made me feel like I am no longer in Japan, even though it is just a second. And if you would like to try this for yourself, their address is as follows:

〒810-0022 Fukuoka, Chuo Ward, Yakuin, 3 Chome−1−11 1F