Gyoda Furai

Despite its name, Gyoda furai is not a fried food but a flour based dish closer to okonomiyaki, made by grilling a thin wheat batter on an iron plate. In this town, which once flourished making tabi socks, it is said to have spread as a quick, filling meal for working people. The chewy batter soaks up a sweet and savory sauce for a simple yet moreish taste.

Highlights

Fillings such as green onion, egg, and pork, along with the thickness of the batter, vary by shop, so each place has its own character. The fragrance of batter grilled crisp on the iron plate and the aroma of generously brushed sauce whet the appetite. A sprinkle of green seaweed or pickled ginger adds color and richer flavor.

Enjoying the Seasons

It is an everyday taste loved all year, easy to drop in for in any season. At festivals and events it also appears at stalls, where biting into a piping hot one is a simple joy.

Access and Basic Information

Old shops dot the area around Gyodashi Station on the Chichibu Railway. Comparing it with the local zerai fry is fun as well. A visit pairs well with Oshi Castle and a tour of the old tabi warehouses.

A Quick Tip

Best enjoyed piping hot off the plate while the sauce is still soaking in. Ordering both this and zerai fry for a taste comparison is recommended.