Gyoza + Brunch = Vancouver’s Best Kept Secret | Northern Cafe

What is a Gyoza?

A Gyoza is the kind of delicious food that instantly wins over any brunch crowd. These little parcels are all about bold flavors and irresistible textures. Each gyoza starts with a thin gyoza wrapper, filled with a savory mixture of ground pork, minced cabbage, napa cabbage, and garlic chives—all tossed together in a big bowl with a splash of soy sauce and a hint of toasted sesame oil. The result? A filling that’s juicy, aromatic, and packed with taste.

Once wrapped, the gyoza are pan-fried until the bottoms turn golden brown and crispy, while the tops stay tender and steamy. This contrast is what makes every bite so satisfying. Gyoza is often served as a side dish, but it’s just as at home in a breakfast sandwich, alongside eggs, or even floating in a bowl of noodles. The classic way to enjoy them is with a dipping sauce—a blend of soy sauce, house hot sauce, and toasted sesame oil—that brings a little heat and a lot of umami to the table.

Whether you’re a fan of breakfast, brunch, or just great food in general, Japanese gyoza is a dish that’s meant to be shared, savored, and celebrated. It’s a staple in Japanese recipes, a favorite on any menu, and a must-try for anyone who loves dumplings done right.

5 Reasons to Try Our Gyoza at Brunch (Yes, Brunch!)

Why Dumplings Deserve a Spot on Your Brunch Plate

At Northern Cafe, we’ve always done things a little differently. Perched above a lumberyard, serving mismatched cutlery and big smiles since 1949—our brunch isn’t your typical eggs-and-toast routine. In fact, Northern Cafe has been recognized for offering the best breakfast and best brunch in Vancouver, with regulars claiming they’ve tried every single thing on the menu.

And neither are our handmade gyozas, which now hold a proud (and delicious) place on our brunch menu. The tradition of making gyoza started with our mom’s goal of sneaking more vegetables into us kids, turning it into a family favorite. Gyoza is also a great way to start the morning with something different. You might not expect dumplings next to your hash browns, but once you try them, you’ll understand why people line up for them every weekend.

1. They’re House-Made Daily with Real Ingredients

Each gyoza is hand-folded by our team using locally sourced pork, fresh veggies like napa cabbage or green cabbage, and no MSG—just the way it’s been done for generations. We season the filling with kosher salt, which helps draw out moisture from the cabbage and enhances the flavor. When assembling, we use a small bowl of water to help seal the wrappers. It’s brunch with a soul.

2. They Add Crunch, Umami & Depth to the Table

Brunch should be exciting. That sizzling, golden pan-fry gives you the crunch, while the juicy filling hits you with savory umami that pairs perfectly with eggs, toast, and even syrup (yes, really).

3. It’s a Comfort Food Classic with a Vancouver Twist

We’re proud to represent the Asian comfort food culture that helps define Vancouver’s culinary scene. Gyoza, a beloved type of dumpling, brings comfort and tradition to the table—bridging heritage and modern craving in a way that is familiar, warm, and a little unexpected.

For more stories and dumpling recipes, check out our related blog post.

4. Frozen or Fresh—You Can Take It Home Too

Loved what you ate? Our Mah’s Market premium frozen gyozas are now available to go. Bring that brunch energy home. Cook, crisp, and dip—no lineups required.

5. Our Guests Keep Asking for It (So We Listened)

We didn’t put gyoza on the brunch menu to be trendy. We did it because our regulars asked for it. They dipped one into the yolk of their Benny and said: “This is it.”

So, we made it official. You asked—we folded.

Yes, gyoza for brunch—and no, we’re not joking. From crispy handmade dumplings to house-made dipping sauces, here’s why Northern Cafe’s gyoza is changing the way Vancouver does brunch.

Why Choose Northern Cafe?

• Award-Winning Brunch: Recognized as Vancouver Magazine’s 2025 Best Brunch Winner and Yelp’s #1 Top Eat in Canada 2023, and Yelp’s #1 Top Eat in Vancouver 2022
• Rich History: Serving the community since 1949, with a legacy of quality and care just like family.
• Authentic Atmosphere: Experience the charm of a classic diner with retro decor and a cozy ambiance.
• Diverse Menu: Enjoy a fusion of Western and Asian comfort foods, all made with love.
• Hidden Location: Come find us, its like an adventure. Tucked away but worth the find! 
• Unforgettable Experience: Enjoy a memorable dining experience from start to finish.
  

Visiting Soon? Here’s What to Know

• Where: 1640 East Kent Ave South, Vancouver,  northerncafeandgrill.com
• When: 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM, Monday to Saturday. Northern Cafe is open during these hours, providing a welcoming atmosphere for brunch enthusiasts.
• Must-Try Items:
• Eggs Benny with béarnaise
• Pork gyoza
• Blueberry pancakes
• Mamas Wonton soup