COCONUTS HOT SPOT — While the shiny new EmQuartier may boast Balenciaga and a bounty of macarons, savvy shoppers can head into its basement to enjoy a simpler indulgence: delicious gyoza.
Head past the giant stuffed bears of Harrod’s, take the escalator down to the food hall and ignore the crazy line at Hot Star Large Fried Chicken. Down here you’ll find the light, wood-furnished space of Japanese dumpling darling Teraoka Gyoza.
The shop is emblazoned by black and white prints of gyoza master Teraoka Yuichi, the Japanese chef turned dumpling magnate who just happens to look like the love child of Steve Aoki and Dave Grohl. After starting his first shop in 1998, Yuichi has since gone on to build an empire with his dumpling prowess. He signed a deal with Kacha Brothers Co. to bring his company, Teraoka Shoten Co, to Thailand, so that Bangkok can enjoy pot stickers in Siam Paragon, and most recently, EmQuartier.
The simple space isn’t anything ornate like the marbled Swenson’s ice cream palace across the way, but the relaxed vibe is all you need for good gyoza gobbling. Diners can choose to sit at the bar facing the team of young cooks or at wooden tables along the bustling basement walkway.
When it’s time to order, go with the restaurant’s namesake. Here at Teraoka Gyoza, the dumplings are definitely the stars of the show. From signatures like the sudachi gyoza with chicken thigh, black pepper, and lime (THB149), to the east-meets-west curveball that is Mentai-Cheese gyoza made with chicken, Mentaiko cod roe and gooey cheese (THB209).
Get the best of many worlds with the Rice-Teriyaki Gyoza Set (THB269). The meal is served on a wooden tray complete with a choice of gyoza, rice, pickles or clear soup. Go for the roe-tastic Salmon Ikura Don. There’s an Udon-Sudachi Gyoza Set (THB249) available as well for noodle lovers.
The dumpling’s don’t stop with the savory options. For dessert, keep the dumpling ball rolling with the Matcha Lava Gyoza (THB 169) served with mochi, fresh fruit and a sweet sauce.
If you’re feeling health-minded, order one of four salads such as the Wakame Salad with ponzu dressing (THB145) – cheerfully labeled as a low-calorie pick – or the Shiraou Salad with yuzu goma dressing (THB175).
Order some Japanese green tea or Singha to wash down your gyoza grub – in your Yuichi-faced paper cup, of course.
While Teraoka Gyoza’s new joint isn’t as glamorous as most of the other EmQuartier dining destinations, it’s more than worthy for a gyoza run or two, or at least the chance to swoop one of those paper cups.
Coconuts Hot Spots are based on unannounced visits by our contributors and reflect their opinion. No freebies here.
FIND IT:
Teraoka Gyoza
Basement, M.25
