Meet Gyoza, the Asian Restaurant-Founding Bear

I was taking a stroll the other day, lapping up the sights of Mivida’s Lake District, when I came across a bear - a wise and noble bear named Gyoza. He began to speak to me, and somehow I understood what he was saying.

“I have spent many years honing my craft,” Gyoza told me, “to become a master of Asian cooking - a culinary ninja, if you will.” 

I came to find out that he had recently opened a restaurant in his name in the area - a happy coincidence - and he insisted I accompany him to try some of his favourites from the menu. I’m not one to turn down such generous hospitality.

And boy am I glad I took the invite.

At a place called Gyoza - named after such an enigmatic bear - it would be rude not to start with some gyoza. Choose between chicken and shrimp, pan-seared, steamed or fried, and accompany those with any number of other bear-approved appetisers; think Japanese milk bread chicken sandos or Korean hot wings.

And that’s just for starters..

Mains are noodle-heavy and unctuously Asian, full of umami and zing, and plenty of heat if that tickles your soy-infused pickle. Hearty bowls of chunky udon noodles - a la beef, chicken, shrimp or veggies - star alongside soup-sunken ramen noodles, as well as sweet and sour chicken and braised brisket, both served on rice.

Being British, my bear necessities may always be more accurately summed up by Paddington, but Gyoza - the bear and his passion-project restaurant - have certainly given me.. paws.