When I travel, one of my favorite souvenirs to bring home is a local specialty food.
At a popular restaurant, however, you may have to wait in a long line. Families with small children also cannot always choose a restaurant based only on what the adults want to eat.
To make the most of a precious weekend, saving a regional specialty to enjoy after returning home can be an excellent option.
Large roadside stations and service areas usually have refrigerated or frozen-food sections, and those corners often hide authentic local dishes.
The Maruman Gyoza introduced here were in the frozen-food section at Makuraga no Sato Koga, one of the largest roadside stations in Ibaraki Prefecture.
Maruman Gyoza
A package contains 16 dumplings, or about two servings, and costs ¥590.
The package says that the company was founded in 1964 and includes the warm message, “We wrapped our gratitude inside.”
A large number of packages filled the freezer, which suggested that these dumplings are a well-known local specialty.
That day I had been wondering what to make for dinner, so the decision was made immediately.
When kept frozen, the best-before period is approximately one month.
Unfolding the paper wrapper reveals detailed cooking instructions.
In simple terms, the dumplings are first steamed in the frying pan, then oil is added so that they finish cooking almost as if they were being shallow-fried.
I was nervous about adding oil without draining the hot water first, but unexpectedly, the oil did not splatter and the process was safe.
Each dumpling is larger than an ordinary gyoza, so it takes a substantial amount of time to cook it thoroughly.
And finally, they were ready.
The browning was uneven and the edges became a little too dark, but at least I completed the job. These dumplings are impressively round, plump, and large.
Compared with the photo from the official website below, mine were definitely overcooked. That is something to improve next time.
Source: Maruman Gyoza
How Do Maruman Gyoza Taste?
They are much too large to eat in one bite, so I cut one in half.
I dipped it in ponzu sauce and took a bite.
The wrapper is remarkably thick. Because the dumplings are finished in oil, the outside becomes crisp while the inside remains exceptionally chewy.
It is so chewy that the wrapper feels less like ordinary gyoza skin and more like a firm, springy udon noodle. This is completely different from a standard dumpling.
Inside is a generous amount of juicy meat and crisp vegetables.
No garlic is used, so there is no strong lingering smell, making the dumplings easy and pleasant to eat.
Even without garlic, the flavor never feels lacking, and they pair wonderfully with beer.
The thick wrapper also makes the dumplings surprisingly filling, so they work perfectly as the main dish for dinner. Even growing children with hearty appetites should be satisfied.
Considering both the flavor and generous volume, ¥590 is excellent value. I would gladly buy them again.
Highly recommended.
Thank you for the meal!
For more souvenirs from Ibaraki Prefecture, see the page below.
Maruman Gyoza Product Info, Expiration Date, Manufacturer
| Product Name | Maruman Gyoza |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer / Seller | Maruman Co., Ltd. |
| Address | 1-2-39 Honcho, Koga, Ibaraki, Japan |
| Expiration Date | 1 month when kept frozen |
| Place of Purchase | Michi-no-Eki Makuraga no Sato Koga |
| Price | ¥590 |
