Why AJINOMOTO Gyoza is Loved in Japan - Event Details Included
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Gyoza dumplings are as popular as ramen, with AJINOMOTO Gyoza driving their popularity around the world. Read to find out the secrets behind the product’s popularity, its packaging around the world, and details about a gyoza event!
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Tokyo, Japan
What is Gyoza?
Gyoza is a type of dumpling or pot sticker made by stuffing a ground meat and vegetable filling into a wheat flour wrapper, then pan frying it. This dish is similar to pelmeni, momo, samosas, and mandu from other cultures.
Gyoza, like ramen, originated in China. However, its popularity skyrocketed as a commoner’s dish after World War II, and it has now developed into a unique dish that offers flavors distinctly enjoyed in Japan, much like ramen.
In this article, we introduce AJINOMOTO Gyoza, a product that has played a key role in popularizing gyoza among Japanese families.
Table of Contents:
Gyoza: Surprisingly Popular Among Families in Japan
Photo by Pixta
The charm of gyoza lies in the limitless possibilities for fillings. For this reason, various regions in Japan have their own local specialty gyoza dishes, making them popular attractions for visitors. Many gyoza-related events are also held.
However, gyoza is certainly not just a dish meant solely to spice up a special occasion.
Actually, gyoza was primarily eaten out because of how labor-intensive it is to make the wrappers and filling. However, it became increasingly popular in Japan as a dish that could be enjoyed at home when frozen gyoza was first introduced in the 1970s.
AJINOMOTO Gyoza: Japan’s First Frozen Gyoza Product
Actually, AJINOMOTO Gyoza is Japan’s first frozen gyoza product and is now popular worldwide. You may have seen this product before in supermarkets in your country.
AJINOMOTO Gyoza was released in 1972. At that time, microwaves were not common household appliances.
During this time, AJINOMOTO FROZEN FOODS developed Gyoza with the aim of “enriching Japanese dining tables with frozen food.” This product made it easy to enjoy gyoza using only the cooking tools typically found in households.
Afterwards, Gyoza continued to improve in both taste and ease of preparation while being influenced by consumers in Japan, a country renowned for its cuisine. Today, it is a popular food product with annual sales exceeding 20 billion yen in Japan.
Additionally, Gyoza is sold in many countries around the world. It was also served at the Olympic Village during the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and Paralympic Games held in 2021. During this time, many international athletes praised its delicious flavor, with North American athletes posting on social media that “the world’s most delicious gyoza is in the Olympic Village.”
Have Fun Cooking! Gyoza’s 3 Features
Picture courtesy of AJINOMOTO FROZEN FOODS Co., Inc.
AJINOMOTO Gyoza has continuously improved over its 50-year history, incorporating various special features into one product.
There are three key features that make it easy to prepare.
1. No Oil
No oil is needed in the frying pan when cooking Gyoza. Simply take the frozen dumplings out of the packaging, place them directly in the pan, and fry as is.
２. No Water
Another key feature is that water is not needed when pan-frying frozen gyoza. You can start cooking immediately after placing Gyoza in the frying pan.
3. No Problem
There is no risk of Gyoza sticking to the frying pan, even without oil or water. In fact, it will beautifully create crispy edges known as “gyoza with wings.”
Enjoy Gyoza in Various Ways and Recipes!
After Gyoza is pan-fried, it can be beautifully served on a plate simply by flipping the frying pan. Many people enjoy this action as if it were an attraction, which is another reason for its popularity.
Gyoza is perfectly delicious when pan-fried. However, there are a wide variety of combinations you can create with other ingredients, resulting in numerous recipes.
Tomato Sauce Gyoza
Picture courtesy of AJINOMOTO FROZEN FOODS Co., Inc.
Would you like to enjoy gyoza with vegetables? If so, we recommend Tomato Sauce Gyoza (Japanese). This is a great recipe you can make with just one tomato and some condiments. The acidity of the tomato really stimulates the appetite and makes for a refreshing bite with gyoza, and is the perfect dish for summer.
Pan-Fried Gyoza with Bacon and Balsamic Sauce
Picture courtesy of AJINOMOTO FROZEN FOODS Co., Inc.
Want an unexpected combination? If so, then we recommend Pan-Fried Gyoza with Bacon and Balsamic Sauce (Japanese). Enjoy a trendy meal by serving Gyoza on a plate drizzled with balsamic sauce and garnished with herbs.
Grated Daikon GYOZA with Special Ponzu Sauce
Picture courtesy of AJINOMOTO FROZEN FOODS Co., Inc.
If you’d like to enjoy Japanese flavors, then you can try eating Gyoza with grated daikon radish and ponzu (a Japanese citrus-based dipping sauce).
AJINOMOTO has developed a special ponzu sauce recipe for Gyoza. If you enjoy cooking, then you might want to try using this recipe to make Grated Daikon Gyoza with Special Ponzu Sauce (Japanese).
There are many more recipes you can create with Gyoza. If you’re interested in learning more, then please check out the recipe page on AJINOMOTO’s official website (Japanese).
Try to Find It! Gyoza in Your Country
Picture courtesy of AJINOMOTO FROZEN FOODS Co., Inc.
As of July 2024, Gyoza is currently sold in over 30 countries around the world. The packaging is different in each country, making it fun to find and compare them.
Additionally, the AJINOMOTO logo is a common feature on all Gyoza products around the world. Look for this logo when trying to find this product.
Gyoza in Japan
Picture courtesy of AJINOMOTO FROZEN FOODS Co., Inc.
In Japan, along with the classic Gyoza, you can find products such as Ginger Gyoza, Black Pepper & Garlic Gyoza, and Crunchy Vegetable Gyoza being sold.
Gyoza in Asia
Gyoza sold in Philippines and Indonesia, Vietnam is characterized by the lively, brush-style writing of the word “Gyoza” on the packaging.
Picture courtesy of AJINOMOTO FROZEN FOODS Co., Inc.
Picture courtesy of AJINOMOTO FROZEN FOODS Co., Inc.
Picture courtesy of AJINOMOTO FROZEN FOODS Co., Inc.
In Thailand, the packaging features the word “Gyoza” printed in Japanese!
Picture courtesy of AJINOMOTO FROZEN FOODS Co., Inc.
Gyoza in Europe
Gyoza in Europe is produced in Poland and distributed to various regions. The packaging has a sleek design, giving it a chic appearance.
Picture courtesy of AJINOMOTO FROZEN FOODS Co., Inc.
Enjoy a Gyoza Event in Japan (August 2024 Near Nagoya)
AJINOMOTO Gyoza is a frozen food product that’s extremely popular among the Japanese. Due to this popularity, many events, both large and small, themed around Gyoza are held in Japan.
Next, we will introduce an upcoming event that will be held soon. Both international visitors and Japanese residents can enjoy the event!
August 2-3, 2024 at Chubu Centrair International Airport
Picture courtesy of CENTRAL JAPAN INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT COMPANY , LIMITED
An event called “GYOZA－Airport” will be held on August 2 and 3, 2024 at Chubu Centrair International Airport, a hub connecting the Nagoya area to destinations around the world!
AJINOMOTO will have a special booth at the event that offers a taste of Japan’s festivals for a limited time. Attendees can enjoy a unique Gyoza gacha!
Iconic items including gyoza headgear and giant gyoza packaging will be available for attendees to take fun pictures and create memorable experiences. Share these photos on social media and enjoy the event with everyone!
* There is no sampling.
Event Details
Event Name: GYOZA－Airport
Address: Chubu Centrair International Airport Terminal 1 4F Event Plaza (Aichi, Tokoname, Centrair 1-1)
Dates: August 2 (Fri) and 3 (Sat), 2024
Time: 10:00 - 17:00
Entrance Fee: Free
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Tokyo, Japan
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