Chuka Naruki
4-minute walk from JR Kawasaki Station East Exit. Founded in 1937 (Showa 12), this townhouse Chinese restaurant is said to have been the first to introduce gyoza to Kawasaki. Currently in its third generation. The legend goes that the founder learned to make gyoza in a back alley in Shibuya after the war, and that is said to be the beginning of Kawasaki's gyoza culture. Lunch sets range from ¥880-¥999 with 5 options, including 2 daily specials that change biweekly. So famous that the La Cittadella official account posted about the restaurant being featured on Matsuko's TV show. At lunchtime, it is described as having 'extraordinary queues' even compared to restaurants in the Cinecittà area. Tabelog 1,288 reviews, Tabelog Top 100 Chinese 2021 selection.
Reviews consistently say 'this is the place for gyoza in Kawasaki,' 'the taste from the Showa era hasn't changed,' 'the lunchtime queue is extraordinary,' '¥880 for this volume and quality is unfair,' 'been coming since childhood.' Tabelog 1,288 reviews and Tabelog Top 100 selection in 2021 prove it's a genuine hidden gem.