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To all my friends living in or visiting Sendai, do you enjoy gyoza? As a Taiwanese person, I’m incredibly picky about dumplings. Across the Chinesespeaking world, dumplings are one of the most iconic dishes. Naturally, I carried this pride with me to Japan. In my early years in Sendai, I wouldn’t even consider eating gyoza – why settle for something so common back home when there’s sushi and sashimi to indulge in?
That was until my boss, Kasama-san, introduced me to Ichibangoro.
The gyoza there blew my mind – they were plump, juicy, and easily among the best I’ve had in Japan. Ichibangoro’s menu is a treasure trove, featuring not only classic gyoza but also Japaneseinspired flavors like okonomiyaki, ponzu sauce, tabe-ra (chili and garlic oil), and iburigakko (smoked pickled radish). Every single one is a delight.
One day, Kasama-san excitedly told me about Ichibangoro’s newest creation, and we had to check it out. Once seated, I noticed a new menu item: Ichibangoro Sharing Combo. This combo includes a gyoza platter, miso ramen, and side dishes. The gyoza platter lets you choose from 3, 5, or 7 flavors, with two pieces of each. My curiosity was immediately piqued. I’ve always lamented that, despite Ichibangoro’s extensive variety, my stomach couldn’t possibly handle them all in one visit. But now, with this Sharing Combo, I can enjoy multiple flavors in one sitting with friends – genius!
Kasama-san and I ordered the 7-flavor combo, along with a couple of beers. The combination of a bite of gyoza, a sip of beer, and lively conversation was pure bliss. We rounded off the meal with some comforting carbs (ramen), the perfect finishing touch. It was absolute heaven.
According to Ichibangoro’s owner, Sugiyama-san, the Sharing Combo was inspired by foreign tourists who often feel unsure about what to order. Many leave after trying just one or two plates of gyoza, missing out on the true essence of Ichibangoro. The Sharing Combo was created to make it easier to experience a variety of flavors in one go. Personally, I think Japanese customers will love this addition just as much.
So, here’s to Ichibangoro’s gyoza – kanpai!
