This restaurant is known by Americans as “Communist Gyoza” but its real name is Gyoza Ten-Go-Kyo, which means “Gyoza Heaven.” (Just to confuse things, the owners do a little bilingual word and number play and write it as “Gyoza 1059.”) Tucked away on a side street in Tachikawa, this hole in the wall makes the best gyoza around! Gyoza is a small dumpling (similar to a wonton) which is steamed and pan fried. The gyoza served here are HUGE, about the size of a fist. Flavors include mushroom, vegetable, garlic, green onion, potato, cheese, corn and shrimp. Seating is limited. Each plate (five very large gyoza) averages ¥700. The restaurant has a policy requiring each person to order a gyoza plate (versus sharing an order) and a drink. You can order more drinks later, but you are forbidden to order any more plates after your initial order. This policy and its enforcement has given rise to the “Communist Gyoza” moniker. No matter, because one plate will be plenty for anyone. Just be warned that the garlic order is essentially like eating a handful of nearly raw garlic. Most people can’t handle it, but you’ll definitely be safe from vampires. The restaurant is colorful and deliciously worthwhile. If Japan had a Seinfeld series, this place would be in it. Because it’s so popular and seating limited, you might want to arrive when it opens at 5:30pm. Otherwise, you may have a long wait. But they do take reservations. Hours: 5:30-10pm (last order 9:30 pm), Tuesday-Saturday. Tel: 042-526-2283. GPS: 35.6977,139.4179
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DIRECTIONS: Exit Tachikawa Station from the Granduo side. Turn left and follow the road that borders the Granduo and the railroad tracks. Stay to the left when the road branches. When you see the pedestrian path heading under the railroad tracks to the left, keep your eyes on the right, trained on the small alleys. Turn right to go up the second small alley. Now look at the apartment buildings on your left. There will be a very small black and white sign for Gyoza 1059 at the entrance of the first one. Go up a few steps and enter the restaurant.
Teresa Negley, Karen Ozment, Kerri Wright, 1996. Liz Ruskin updated 2010. Directions verified 2011.
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