Harajuku is known as one of the coolest neighbourhoods in Tokyo, and everywhere you look people are dressed like anime characters, J-pop stars and fashion models. The busy streets are lined with vintage stores and painfully inaccessible boutiques that pump out techno music and intimidating indifference from the one person who appears to work there, and, well, there’s nothing quite like complete sensory overload to stir up an appetite. Fortunately, the copious dessert shops you’ll stumble across aren’t the only option if you need to refuel.

If you have some time to wait in a line, then grab some Japanese gyoza (dumplings) at Harajuku Gyozaro. A short walk from Harajuku station, the station next to Shibuya, or even a 10 minute walk from Shibuya crossing, the accessible little place is usually in high demand. Foodies from all over Tokyo come to try this restaurant’s crispy dumplings with a ground pork and green onion gyoza filling – combined with a soy sauce and chili oil dipping sauce!

Our first Harakuku recommendation is Harajuku Gyozaro, a down-to-earth gyoza shop with a very simple menu that has earned a reputation for quick, flavorful, and filling food. The star of the show is their pan-fried gyoza, which arrive at the table (or on the counter) piping hot and crispy straight from the griddle, and are priced quite reasonably at a cost of 340 yen for six. You can get them without the garlic and chives, but why would you?.

This is the place that shows up most when you do a search on “must eat gyoza in Tokyo.” Cheap, friendly, and delicious, this little hole in the wall in the back streets of Aoyama, just off of Cat Street, is definitely serviceable and pretty good if you’re just beginning your gyoza journey. But, I will say, give it a pass if they have a line. For some reason, there almost always is, unless you’re there at 3 in the morning.

I went to an ethically dubious hedgehog cafe, gawped at the unique fashion stores, fell in love with the Big Love Records store, and snacked on excellent gyozas at Gyoza Lou. In late-afternoon, make your way over to Shinjuku to head up to the top of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building. It offers one of the best free views in the city, and is worth visiting at sunset to watch the city slowly light up.

Harajuku Gyozaro, officially Harajuku Gyoza Lou, is an affordable dumpling restaurant in Tokyo, famous for its pan-fried and steamed gyoza. The small eatery in the busy Shibuya Ward off Omotesandō Street has perfected the art of Chinese-style dumplings, or gyoza. Harajuku is a lively neighborhood in Tokyo’s Shibuya Ward famous for its unique street fashion, …

If you’re a fan of ramen, then you’re probably familiar with this next restaurant’s specialty – gyoza. Gyoza refers to Japanese dumplings filled with ground meat and vegetables wrapped in a thin sheet of dough. They’re originally from China but they’ve become very popular in Japan, served on their own or as a side to other dishes like ramen.

The yakigyoza has crisp skin and crunchy vegetables, while the wrappers of the suigyoza are very springy. From the counter seat, you can watch the gyoza being grilled. On the menu there is only suigyoza, yakigyoza, bean sprouts, cabbage, cucumber, rice, and drinks.

Gyoza lovers will find a haven at Harajuku Gyozarou is considered the best gyoza shop in Harajuku, and it also happens to be one of the cheapest!. Grab yourself 6 pieces of fried or steamed gyoza for just ¥260. Gyoza no Fukuho is also a fantastic option.

Located just 2 minutes away from Meiji-Jingumae Station, Harajuku Gyozaro is a restaurant specialising in gyoza dumplings. There are only 2 types of gyoza on the menu – fried and steamed. A plate of 6 costs just ¥290 (~USD2.60).

Gyoza are the staple dumpling style in Japan and are often ordered as a side dish. Here at Harajuku Gyozaro, however, they’re your only option. But don’t worry, this is actually awesome.