Thursday, May 26, 2016

Gyoza Ya @ ION Orchard - Gyoza Specialist with Affordable Asian Tapas & Sake

20160520_143659_HDR

Visited Gyoza Ya at Ion Orchard lately, almost 2 years after I patronised their very first outlet at Robinsons. They started off with rather basic gyozas, such as pork/prawns pan fried or boiled, with side dishes created to go with their beers and sake. Till date, the range has been expanded to excite our ever restless palates. As a gyoza specialty outlet, each outlet has its respective star. Curry Chicken for Paragon's, Cheese for Robinson's and Mochi Mochi Ebi for Ion's.

20160520_143316_HDR
Pan-fried Gyoza with Pork and Octopus 3.8/5

As my friend was alleged to prawns, we skipped Ion's specialty and went for their latest creation Yaki Takoyaki Gyoza ($7.80 for 5 pc). I quite like the extra crunch and chewiness lent from the tako bits. They are also less meaty compared to the full pork gyoza, which I also find more enjoyable.

20160520_131155_HDR
Pan-fried Gyoza with Pork, Pork and Mentaiko 3.5/5

For a much stimulating flavour, you can try their Yaki Mentaiko Gyoza ($8.80 for 5 pc). It is rather heavy, hence you may just stop at 2 or 3.

20160520_130334_HDR
Boiled Mixed Vegetables Gyoza with Special Vinegar Sauce 3.8/5

For something lighter, Gyoza with Mixed Vegetables may be a good option. Each variety comes in either pan fried or boiled version, and I personally much prefer their pan fried for the crispier texture. Their Shichimi-su Gyoza ($6.30 for 5pc) is an exception though, which is boiled and glazed with their special vinegar sauce. The base of the vinegar was made 2 years ago, and like a stock made of heirloom recipe, the vinegar gets richer and richer with new batches added on to it over time. Psychologically perhaps, this bowl of boiled dumplings tells a much more flavourful story than it would otherwise have told.

20160520_130550_HDR
Chilled Cucumber with Miso Dressing

Gyoza Ya has left an impression in me not because of their chunky, meaty gyoza, but their side dishes. I'm glad that Morokyu ($3.80) is still on the menu. It wouldn't have worked if the miso dressing is simply a dollop of thin miso paste. Each barley grain was pumped with miso, and together, they spread the miso flavour evenly over each cucumber cube. Hence, I didn't get that overpowering saltiness should miso paste has been used.

20160520_130435_HDR
Roasted Broccoli with Japanese Mixed Spices 4/5

The owner recommended their new item, which is also his favourite as well - Aburi Broccoli ($4.80), and it has become mine too. Interestingly, it was conceived by accident, when the owner decided not to waste a charred broccoli which had accidentally dropped onto their grill. Slightly charred and lightly seasoned to taste, the sweetness and flavour of each stalk were intensified. My last wonderful experience with roasted vegetables was at Humpback, with their brussels sprout when I had 3 plates of that. I had 2 of this, and I believe a few more plates is not a problem at all.

20160520_125955_HDR
Special Pork Base Soup with Ramen and Braised Pork 3.5/5

Although they are not a ramen specialty, their Tonkotsu Ramen ($6.80) is made with their very own pork bones broth, which is prepared in their central kitchen housed in Japan. I love its richness and milkiness, albeit being a little too salty for me. Their add-on egg ($1.50/pc) was also superb.

20160520_130644_HDR
Japanese Garlic Fried Rice 4/5

They retrained a Chinese Chef to manage their Ninniku Yaki Meshi ($5.80) station and that smiley uncle only cooks this. With the 'wok hei' taste and texture, this bowl of fragrant Japanese garlic fried rice does reflect his years of experience in wok and rice dishes. I kind of miss their seafood fried rice, which is not available at this outlet as the waiting time proves to be too much for the crowd here.

20160520_143847_HDR
Sake

Regulars come to Gyoza Ya for their hearty, affordable tapas-style food, beers and sakes. And after much waiting, their home brewed sakes are finally ready to be harvested! Yuzu and Green Tea Sake ($18.00 each) were available during my visit, and if you are lucky, there might be a couple more during your visit. For a more conducive drinking environment, Robinsons' may be a much better option.

Written and photograph by Si An. A girl who is allured by travelling, loves the feel of freedom, smell of the rain and the aroma of fine coffee and food.


Gyoza Ya
ION Orchard
2 Orchard Turn
#B4-56
Singapore 238801
Tel: +65 65094647
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit E. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

No comments:

Post a Comment