Cheap, filling, and delicious, Gyoza no Ohsho (literally the "King of Gyoza") is many a Japanese person's best friend, being the optimal choice for lunch, dinner, or a midnight snack after a few drinks.
And while the original Japanese-style Chinese restaurant chain has expanded to over 700 stores worldwide, very few are larger than the Ikebukuro Higashiguchi (East exit) location, with a total of 123 available seats over two floors and a plethora of tasty menu options that will guarantee that you leave the restaurant with your stomach full. Whether you want a quick bite to eat, are with your family, or want to snack and drink with friends or coworkers izakaya-style, Ohsho is the perfect place for you.
Just as its name suggests, Gyoza no Ohsho's speciality is its crisp, juicy gyoza dumplings, with a plate with 6 pieces offered for just 240 yen. And anyone who has eaten gyoza will know that they go hand in hand with a bowl of ramen or fried rice, as well as with a tall glass of beer — all of which (and much, much more) are available at Ohsho.
Ohsho's original reputation was centered around "volume," being known for serving large helpings of Chinese food at low prices. However, in recent years, the chain has also aimed to diversify their menu; while the mainstays (ramen, fried rice, Tenshinhan) are still there, Ohsho's "just-sized menu," or JSM for short, is something you should definitely take advantage of. The just-sized menu allows you to order small portions of a wide variety of Chinese dishes, ranging from fried rice to sweet-and-sour pork, with each dish in the 100~334 yen range. It's the perfect option for trying many different types of food, for sharing with a group of people, or if you want an extra side dish.
Furthermore, Ohsho has recently placed an emphasis on using home-grown ingredients, promoting the abundance, safety, and quality of Japan's produce and agriculture. The newly introduced "Nippon Ramen" is a perfect example, using nothing but domestic ingredients. The result is a truly Japanese bowl of ramen, with the soy-sauce based soup combining with bonito flakes and tangerine peel slices to produce a rich, mild taste.
Ohsho's menu differs according to region and location; however, being one of the most popular Ohsho locations, the Ikebukuro Higashiguchi store has one of the largest variety of menu options among all Ohsho restaurants. To aid you in ordering, you can place orders through a touch panel placed on each table, available in four languages (Japanese, English, Korean, and Chinese). Some dishes, such as their signature gyoza, can be taken out and ordered from the outdoor window. There is a smoking room on the second floor though the restaurant is non-smoking.
Conveniently located nearby most major train stations, Gyoza no Ohsho will satisfy your taste buds and fill your stomach without breaking the bank.
