Kamata’s “Hanetsuki Gyoza” (Winged Gyoza) Big Three: A Taste Comparison!

Kamata is known as the “Gyoza Holy Land” famous for its “Hanetsuki Gyoza” (winged gyoza). “Ni Hao,” “Huan Ying,” and “Konparu” are called the “Big Three,” each offering their unique version of winged gyoza. This article introduces the charm of Kamata, including the history of Kamata’s winged gyoza, the characteristics of the Big Three, and the local “sento” (public bathhouse) culture.

Access to Kamata from Haneda Airport

Here’s how to get to Kamata from Haneda Airport by train and bus.

Access by Train

The Keikyu Line takes you from Haneda Airport to Keikyu Kamata Station in as little as 10 minutes. The Keikyu Airport Line splits towards Shinagawa and Yokohama beyond Keikyu Kamata Station, but you’ll arrive at Keikyu Kamata Station regardless of the direction. Note that the “Airport Limited Express” does not stop at Keikyu Kamata Station. The journey from Haneda Airport Terminals 1 and 2 (Keikyu) to Keikyu Kamata Station takes approximately 11 minutes, and the last train from Keikyu Kamata Station is in the 11 PM hour.

Access by Bus

Route buses also run from each terminal at Haneda Airport to Kamata Station. The main bus routes are Kamata 31 (via Hinode-dori), Kamata 41 (via Haginaka), and Kamata 95 (shuttle bus). Kamata 95 is a shuttle bus that stops at each terminal of Haneda Airport, Kamata Station, and Otorii. The fare from Haneda Airport to Kamata Station is 300 yen for adults and 150 yen for children using an IC card or cash. From Terminal 1, you can board from stop 16, and from Terminal 2, you can board from stop 17. Late-night and early-morning buses also operate to Kamata Station.

Other

JR Kamata Station and Keikyu Kamata Station are about 800 meters apart, and transfers may be necessary. A route through the arcade is recommended. The “NearMe” airport transfer service and the Keihin Kyuko Bus (Haneda Keikyu Bus) Kamata/Airport Shuttle Bus are also available.

The History of Kamata’s Hanetsuki Gyoza Big Three

Kamata’s winged gyoza was born in 1982 at “Ni Hao Main Store.” It is said that the founder, Isao Yagi, came up with the idea from a grilled meat bun in Dalian, China. Isao Yagi is known locally as the “Superstar of Kamata.”

The Big Three are rivals, but at the same time, they are made up of a strong family network. Each store has evolved uniquely based on shared recipes, and “Shunkouen” is sometimes added to form the “Kamata Gyoza Four Heavenly Kings.”

Features of Kamata’s Hanetsuki Gyoza Big Three

Ni Hao

“Ni Hao” is the birthplace of winged gyoza.

• Features: A well-balanced flavor of pork, cabbage, Chinese cabbage, and long onions, loved by everyone.
• Skin and Wings: The wings are crispy and beautiful, and the hand-stretched skin is chewy. It is relatively light and easy to eat compared to other stores.
• Taste: The juice bursts out when you bite into it, but the aftertaste is light. It doesn’t use garlic, so you can enjoy it with peace of mind for lunch or a date.

Recommended Side Dishes & Lunch Fried rice and xiaolongbao (soup dumplings) are also popular. The fried rice is voluminous and has a delicious, fluffy finish. The lunch menu is also substantial, and the high cost-performance ratio of being able to fill your stomach for around 700 to 800 yen is also attractive.

• Address: 4-24-14 Kamata, Ota-ku, Tokyo
• Access: 3-minute walk from Keikyu Kamata Station (Exit 2) on the Keikyu Main Line
• Business Hours: 11:30～22:00 (L.O. 21:00)
• Closed: Irregular holidays
• Other: 20 seats, all seats are non-smoking, takeout available

Huan Ying

“Huan Ying” is run by the younger sister of the founder of “Ni Hao.”

• Features: The most “meaty” gyoza of the Big Three.
• Skin and Wings: Characterized by firm, amber-colored wings and a thick skin.
• Taste: The filling is strongly flavored with ginger and garlic chives, and the meat juices overflow like a xiaolongbao. Garlic is not included in the filling, but it is recommended to eat it with a special garlic sauce.
• Note: The gyoza differs between the Kamata Station West Exit store and the main store. The taste of the main store is only available at directly managed stores.

Recommended Side Dishes & Lunch The daily special is popular, including dishes such as stir-fried chicken with miso and green pepper steak. The prices are also reasonable, and it is crowded with nearby business people and locals. The special “garlic sauce” can be enjoyed not only with gyoza but also as an accent to other dishes.

• Address: 1F Ota City Consumer Life Center, 5-13-26 Kamata, Ota-ku, Tokyo (same building as Ota City Kamata Ekimae Library)
• Business Hours: 11:30～14:00 (L.O. 13:30), 17:00～23:00 (L.O. 22:00)
• Closed: Open all year round
• Other: Gyoza are 385 yen for 5 pieces. The gyoza skin is thin, and the finished product has crispy wings. The ingredients are a well-balanced combination of pork and vegetables.

Konparu

“Konparu” is run by the younger brother of the founder of “Ni Hao.”

• Features: The most voluminous of the Big Three.
• Skin and Wings: The skin is very thick and chewy, and the wings are crispy.
• Taste: The filling contains a lot of vegetables such as Chinese cabbage, and the sweetness of the vegetables and the firm seasoning are characteristic. It is so rich in flavor that you can eat it without sauce.

Recommended Side Dishes & Lunch You can enjoy the chewy skin not only with grilled gyoza. There are also “Sakura Shrimp and Garlic Chive Gyoza” and “Sea Cucumber Water Gyoza.” The “fried bread (ginsumaki)” for dessert is popular to eat with condensed milk. There are also many lunch menus that you can enjoy for less than 1,000 yen.

• Address: Prosperial Building 1/2F, 4-5-6 Kamata, Ota-ku, Tokyo
• Access: 2-minute walk from Keikyu Kamata Station on the Keikyu Main Line, 9-minute walk from Kamata Station on the JR Keihin-Tohoku Line
• Business Hours: 11:30～23:00 (L.O. 22:30)
• Closed: Open every day

Afterword: Enjoy “Gyoza” and “Humanity” in Kamata

Kamata’s “Hanetsuki Gyoza Big Three” is more than just a place to eat. The bonds of kinship that began with founder Isao Yagi, and the flavors that each has evolved independently, shape Kamata’s food culture.

Crispy wings, overflowing meat juices, and affordable lunches that fill you up. “Ni Hao,” “Konparu,” and “Huan Ying” all welcome you with the “Taste of Kamata.”

Find your favorite gyoza in Kamata!