I don’t mind myself eager to write about restaurants that are just average. The reviews you see on Melicacy sit on both the extreme ends of good and bad. Restaurants that are really good deserve special mention; likewise, I find it mandatory to warn others about restaurants that are really bad so readers don’t have to go through the same utter nightmarish experience that I did. Gyoza-Ya happens to be one I feel deserves glowing reviews.

As a specialist in making gyozas, Gyoza-Ya has adopted the latest Japanese technology to assist the kitchen team in producing fresh gyoza at high speed. With this (not-so-secret-anymore) culinary weapon, each gyoza is consistent in weight and size.

The 77-seater restaurant at Robinsons Orchard (the former Heeren Mall) features an open kitchen concept. Diners can choose to sit around the kitchen (with 31 seats available), decidedly the front row seats to “live cooking entertainment”.

Condiments are provided at each table for diners to concoct their own gyoza dip.

Pan-Fried Dumpling with Vegetable ($4.80 for 5 pcs)

Gyoza-Ya offers gyozas with a variety of fillings. They are wrapped in thin handmade dough flown in from Japan, sealed in by “crimped” edges and cooked upon order to ensure freshness and juiciness. Dumplings are available in both pan-fried and boiled versions.

Pan-Fried Dumpling with Pork ($4.80 for 5 pcs)

The gyoza griller that emits constant heat throughout the grill surface with optimal temperature for gyoza ensures each gyoza a crispy flat base. A benchmark for good gyoza, the gyoza skin is soft and delicate, with filling juicy and succulent. The Pan-Fried Dumpling with Pork filling remains a top favourite.

Pan-Fried Dumpling with Red King Crab ($7.80 for 5 pcs)

The Pan-Fried Dumpling with Red King Crab comes with chunks of crabmeat that bring a delightful sweetness to the palate. Seafood lovers will be hooked on this.

Morokyo (Chilled Cucumber with Miso Paste) ($3.80)

For a complete meal, Gyoza-Ya offers more than just gyozas. There are cold and hot appetisers, gyoza’s co-star Jya Jya Men (thick noodles with minced pork and special miso), fried rice and desserts.

Nasu Miso Gake (Grilled Eggplant with Sweet Miso) ($4.80)

A side of Japanese cuisine I’ve never come across, the cold appetisers turn out a little foreign for my palate. Inklings of the Teochew salty fermented beans come to mind.

Soboro Ankake Tofu (Tofu with Minced Beef & Fish Meat) ($4.80)

I quite enjoyed the Soboro Ankake Tofu, a unique take on deep-fried tofu.

Nikujyaga (Japanese Beef Stew with Vegetables) ($4.80)

The Nikujyaga is given thumbs up for its intensely flavoured sweet-savoury sauce, soft vegetables and succulent beef slices.

Tokusei (pork belly) Tonkotsu Udon ($6.80)

The Tokusei Tonkotsu Udon is not terribly exciting, but noteworthy is the tender and smooth pork belly that just disintegrates in the mouth without much chewing.

Ninniku Yaki Meshi (Japanese Garlic Fried Rice) ($5.80)

Kuri Lemonade ($3.80)

Quench your thirst with the unique concoction of Kuri Lemonade (Japanese cucumber with lemonade).

Gyoza-Ya earns a good reputation with its delectable gyozas that leaves diners yearning for more.

Gyoza-Ya
#B1-02A, Robinsons Orchard
260 Orchard Road, Singapore 238855

Opening hours: 11.30am to 10pm daily