A Hidden Gem for Chinese Food in Toyocho!
Published: January 25, 2025
※Prices are subject to change from those in effect at the time of the interview. Please contact the store directly for the latest information.
“Chinese Restaurant Ryuen” is featured as a filming location for gourmet TV shows and movies.
Run by an owner from Akita prefecture and his wife from China, the restaurant has a movie-like atmosphere that makes you feel as if you’ve stepped into another country.
The interior is decorated with signatures from Japanese celebrities, traditional Chinese paintings, and antiques from across China. There are cozy booth seats for groups, table seats ideal for quiet conversations, and counter seats right in front of the kitchen where you can watch the chef in action. This restaurant is a local favorite, so popular among neighborhood regulars and office workers that it was even featured on a Japanese TV program. Now, let me introduce you to some of their best dishes.
Carefully Crafted Handmade Fried Gyoza (fried dumplings)
Loved around the world, classic gyoza are dumplings filled with pork, cabbage, and other ingredients. They’re pan-fried and steamed at the same time, making the bottom crispy while keeping the top soft and the inside juicy. You can dip them in soy sauce, vinegar, or chili oil, but I recommend vinegar and chili oil, since the gyoza are already well-seasoned.
Highly Recommended Handmade Spring Rolls.
Spring rolls are incredibly crispy on the outside and filled with a delicious mixture of meat and vegetables on the inside. They are full of umami flavor and come with Japanese hot mustard (karashi) on the side if you want a spicy kick. Once you eat one, you’ll want all three, so be ready to order more!
Steamed Chicken with Ponzu Sauce, a perfect match for a drink.
This dish is a light and refreshing option compared to heavier dishes like karaage (Japanese fried chicken) or ramen (ramen noodles). The chicken is cooked perfectly, tender, juicy, and full of flavor. It is topped with a ponzu sauce that is salty, sweet, and slightly sour, made from soy sauce, citrus juice (such as lemon or yuzu), and a hint of sugar. The chicken’s natural flavor comes through. Sesame seeds and green onions are added on top, giving a slightly sharp touch. After eating it, you will feel refreshed and ready for something heavier.
Signature Miso Ramen Noodles
This bowl of miso ramen is rich, warm, and full of flavor. The broth is deeply savory and perfectly salted, with springy noodles that are just the right texture. It’s topped with tender sliced pork, green onions, chives, and crunchy bean sprouts, creating a perfect balance of taste and texture in every bite.
If you are short on time or want to eat at home, takeout is also available at Ryuen.
Just like in other countries, Chinese takeout in Japan is tasty and affordable. They offer a lunch special for just 880 yen, and course meals ranging from 3,000 to 4,000 yen, so you can try a bit of everything. The food also pairs well with Japanese alcohol or their selection of Chinese beverages.
If you’re looking to enjoy authentic Chinese food for the first time, Ryuen is a great place to visit. Run by a warm and welcoming husband-and-wife team, it offers both delicious dishes and heartfelt hospitality. Loved by the local community, they also look forward to welcoming international guests too!
≪English Article Journalist Profile≫
・Name: Jasper Savoy
・Nationality: United States of America
・Hobby: Watching Basketball and cooking
※Information is based on May 2025. Prices, operating hours, and other details might have changed. Please verify with the store directly.
※All prices mentioned in this article include tax.
