kyo-Ya

When you take your seat, the first dish to order is the signature plate affectionately called "The 1st Most Delicious Gyoza in Gyotoku." Made by hand, the dumpling skins are thick and pleasantly chewy, giving way to a burst of savoury, juicy filling. With their hearty meatiness and seasonings that invite another sip of your drink, they make a dependable partner right from your first glass of beer.

The menu at kyo-Ya highlights authentic Chinese cooking adapted for a relaxed evening. The black vinegar sweet and sour pork uses meat simmered until tender, drained of excess fat, and coated in rich black vinegar. Dishes well suited for sharing follow, from authentic mapo tofu featuring the punch of aged broad bean paste and the tingle of Sichuan pepper, to long seafood spring rolls with prawns, squid, and water chestnuts for a crisp crunch, alongside densely packed steamed shumai.

Set within a residential neighbourhood in Tomihama, Ichikawa, the shop operates from 19:00 to 0:00 past midnight on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Fridays, from 17:00 to 0:00 past midnight on Saturdays, and from 17:00 to 22:00 on Sundays. Wednesdays and Thursdays are regular holidays. With counter and table seating, it accommodates everything from a solo nightcap to meals with friends. Note that payment is cash only, and smoking is permitted inside the premises.