Tsu Gyoza is a distinctive local dish from Tsu City in Mie Prefecture. These oversized dumplings are made by wrapping a savory filling in a wrapper at least 15 centimeters in diameter and deep-frying it until the outside becomes crisp and golden while the filling remains juicy.
The dumplings were originally developed by the former Tsu City Board of Education for school lunches. Their large size was intended to make serving easier and ensure that each student could enjoy a satisfying portion with just one dumpling. Tsu Gyoza is said to have been introduced into school lunches in 1985.
With their impressive size and unmistakable appearance, Tsu Gyoza quickly became a popular menu item among children in the city. The contrast between the crunchy wrapper and the juicy, flavorful filling made them especially memorable.
Over time, this school-lunch favorite gained recognition as a regional specialty. Restaurants throughout Tsu now serve their own versions of Tsu Gyoza, with variations in the fillings and seasonings that reflect each establishment’s style.
In 2010, the Tsu Gyoza Association was established to promote the dish and introduce it to a wider audience. Working alongside Tsutsumin, the friendly mascot spirit of Tsu Gyoza, the association helps share this oversized local delicacy with visitors and food lovers.
When exploring Tsu, look for Tsu Gyoza at local restaurants and enjoy this satisfying specialty that began in school cafeterias and grew into one of the city’s best-known examples of regional comfort food.