Review: Dai Nana Gyoza ★★★★★
Dai Nana Gyoza has been around forever, and it looks it. They dish out endless plates of gyoza, dumplings, though there are a few other side dishes, like rice, one can order. Loved by university students, as well as salary men, this greasy spoon has become a Kanazawa city intuition.
The no frills setting and low prices has made fans with just about everyone who loves fatty comfort food. Anyone who’s worried about their waistline should not visit.
The restaurant actually occupies three floors in the building. The 1st floor is set up like a diner. Customers will be seated around the counter in full view of the kitchen staff diligently at work platting food. If you’re looking for something with a touch more class, you can go to the 2nd or 3rd floors, which house fully private dining rooms that feel a million miles away for the frantic energy of the 1st floor. These rooms have a small surcharge, as well as a much longer waiting line.
You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin’
Dai Nana Gyoza’s claim to fame is their signature white dumplings. A plate of which is prices around a moderate ¥700 ($7).
For what it is, I would have no problem giving them a 5 star review. However, sometime in the last few years they have switched from gas stove tops to IH heaters. This change had no effect on their boiled or steamed dumplings, which are standard fare. Sadly, it’s had devastating consequences on the signature creation, the white gyoza.
The crux of the issue is that the dumplings don’t fry the same way on the IH heaters. The outer shell of the dumpling becomes rock-hard while the insides liquefy into an unappealing mush. It’s not the worst thing you’ll put in your mouth, but you’ll walk away wondering why so many locals love this place.
The other issue is that they’re located way out near the university. So, without your own transportation it’s quite cumbersome to get to.
Because of the equipment change, I don’t recommend making the effort to get here. There are much better places to eat in the city center.
If they wise up at some point and change back to gas stove tops, I’ll be sure to let everyone know.
While you’re here, why not check out some of other REVIEWS or TRAVEL WRITE UPS from around the world.
Contact & General Information
Price: Cheap
Hours: Daily, 11am-2am
Website: No website
Location: Google
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