I picked up some frozen gyoza from “Ashiya Umechan no Aji,” a specialty shop for takeout frozen gyoza and retort curry located on the north side of JR Ashiya Station!
Frozen Gyoza from “Ashiya Umechan no Aji”
“Ashiya Umechan no Aji Gyoza” 12 pieces, 450 yen (tax included)
They’re sold frozen. The black packaging gives it a pretty premium feel.
On the back of the package, there are instructions on how to cook them nicely, and…
“Umechan’s” background was written there too.
In high school, he played at Koshien as a representative of Kanagawa Prefecture (Kamakura Gakuen), and after that, he ended up becoming a chef because he married the daughter of the Chikuen Ryokan, where he stayed at the time…!? What an incredible life!
Here are the frozen gyoza that recreate Umechan’s flavor↓
I’ll cook these just as instructed on the back.
Line them up in the frying pan… cook them… add hot water and steam them…
Done! Nicely browned and looking great!
The surface is crisp, while the wrapper is chewy! The filling is juicy too!
Since they have a fairly rich flavor, the package says, “Please enjoy the first one without adding anything.” And yes, it really does feel like the balance is perfect just as it is, with nothing added.
“Umechan’s gyoza,” said to have been loved by Shigeo Nagashima and Sadaharu Oh, can be enjoyed freshly cooked right at home!
Menu at “Ashiya Umechan no Aji”
They sell frozen gyoza and retort curry. When I went, the curry was sold out…! It must be popular.
Store Information for “Ashiya Umechan no Aji”
It’s about a 5-minute walk north from JR Ashiya Station.
Here’s the map↓
The address is 11-8 Oharacho, Ashiya City, Hyogo Prefecture.
Ashiya Umechan no Aji
Hours
10:00〜18:00
Closed
Tuesdays
Address
兵庫県芦屋市大原町１１−８
Phone Number
0797-57-0010
(*Please check directly with the shop for the latest information on menu items, business hours, and more.)
