Stylish Chinese-style bonito dishes never disappoint. While they offer wine by the bottle, the selection of by-the-glass options is limited. On this day, we enjoyed a red wine from Tottori Prefecture. The chewy dumplings were delicious. The seating is quite cramped with only 8 seats, so be prepared to seize any opportunity.

Today, I visited this place. It was completely off my radar. It has a hidden, almost easy-to-miss appearance without using Google Maps. The interior of the restaurant is small, with a counter for three people and about four tables. The female owner manages the place alone, which creates a nice atmosphere. First, I toasted with a Hoegaarden White beer. It has a sweet taste. For snacks, I had: - Spicy edamame: with ginger and garlic, not too spicy but delicious. - Meat shumai: not too soft, a bit firm, and incredibly tasty. I also had a highball and tried: - Steamed dumplings: chewy skin and delicious. - Pan-fried dumplings with chives: a unique variation, plenty of chives, and a great texture. - Sichuan-style wontons without soup: honestly, not my favorite. - Black vinegar meatballs: incredibly delicious, with a sweet and sour sauce and a nice balance of flavors. - Shrimp wontons: thin skin, juicy shrimp, and a perfect balance. - Homemade meat bun: forgot to take a picture, but it was delicious. - Mapo fried rice: unique and slightly spicy, with complex flavors. - Meat miso jjajang noodles: with plenty of cucumber, refreshing but not quite to my taste. Overall, the menu changes daily, and the atmosphere of the restaurant is great. The friendly service from the female owner adds to the experience. The dishes have a gentle flavor overall, and there are still many more menu items I want to try. Thank you for the delicious meal.

The restaurant has a small counter inside. I made a reservation for two at 7:00 PM. Everything was delicious. It's Chinese cuisine, but not heavy. You can try a variety of dishes. I especially liked the pickled mustard greens and mint fried rice. I love daikon mochi, but it wasn't listed on the menu, so I asked and found out that daikon mochi is only available in winter. On the other hand, mint fried rice is only available in summer. They use seasonal ingredients, so I want to visit and try their dishes throughout the year.

I had been curious about PISARO, a Taiwanese restaurant that serves dumplings. It is located close to the station, unlike another Taiwanese restaurant nearby that tends to get crowded on weekends. I decided to give it a try on a Saturday and when I called, they said they could accommodate two people. The restaurant is small with only table seating and a counter, so it's best to make a reservation. When I entered, there were local ladies having a lively gathering, giving the place a friendly atmosphere. The staff, especially the female owner, were kind and attentive to the timing of the dishes. Since I was not drinking, I ordered tea, which had a strong jasmine flavor that was slightly bitter but grew on me. The dim sum dishes were particularly delicious, with thick and chewy skins filled generously. I especially recommend the boiled dumplings. All the dishes were tasty, and there were also light appetizers that paired well with alcohol. The spicy noodles turned out to be surprisingly refreshing. It felt like the female staff member was preparing all the dishes by herself, giving the place a homely Taiwanese restaurant vibe. I saw a cute peach-shaped dessert on Instagram or somewhere, so I look forward to trying it someday. Thank you for the meal!

Thank you for the elaborate, high-quality bento box today. Every bite was delicious.

My father-in-law loves the lunch here. We came together. Each dish is carefully made and delicious. And there's plenty of food. Very satisfying.

I didn't feel like cooking dinner, so I came here. There are more options than for lunch. I am happy with the carefully prepared rice and side dishes.

I was curious about this store. I wonder what kind of store it is. Wasn't it a general store before? With this atmosphere, could it be a shumai shop? It's finally time to find out. I nervously enter. A stylish young woman says they only serve set meals for lunch, so I obediently order one. The set meal includes 4 pieces of shumai, side dishes like eggplant and simmered vegetables, and rice mixed with grains. Delicious! Everything is well thought out. The flavor of the side dishes is strong, and the freshly steamed shumai are each unique, with ingredients like wood ear mushrooms. It's a hit. They also offer takeout, so I bought some for dinner the next day. It was still delicious, so it must be authentic.

It's a small shop with a very warm atmosphere. It has a bistro-like exterior and interior that doesn't look Chinese at first glance. The owner runs the shop alone, and her cooking and wine selection are exquisite. She sources seasonal vegetables directly from a local farmer, so the menu always features unique vegetables and seasonal items. The shumai is delicious no matter which one you choose, but my favorite is the one with quail on top and coated with rice grains. The braised pork and capo (pork belly) are also must-try dishes. The spicy jaja noodles and wontons should also be included in the rotation. The menu written on the chalkboard uses ingredients that are available at the time, so it's a gamble. If you see a dish that catches your eye, make sure to order it that day or you'll regret it later. I often bring friends from overseas here, and both Japanese and foreigners always thank me for bringing them here.

I am also curious about the night, but I first used it for lunch. It seems that they only offer a dumpling set menu for lunch. What came out was dumplings, three kinds of croquettes with shrimp and cheese, simmered pork with pickled vegetables, stir-fried dried fish and peanuts, rice, and tea. The dishes were all very delicious and made me want to come back to the bar at night. It may be a bit limited for men, as I saw a woman managing it alone and the serving time may take a bit longer. But with some extra time, it's worth it. The taste for the price of 750 yen is great. I would recommend it to my female friends.

I received an invitation from my fellow PR colleague, Ms. M, to a gathering called "Intestinal Meeting." When I googled the venue, "PISERO," it turned out to be a "Shumai Bar," which had a strange and intriguing ring to it. With my head full of curiosity, I headed to Gakugeidaigaku. I was introduced to Ms. I, who runs the "Detox Women's Club," and we had a lively discussion about ecosystems and food chains before starting our meal. We started with a dish of steamed egg with smoked salmon and avocado. The colors were spring-like, with pastel orange and green looking very lovely. The fluffy texture of the egg and avocado, along with the smoky flavor of the salmon, made for a delightful combination that went well with white wine. This dish is surprisingly powerful, promoting antioxidant activity, detoxification, and liver strengthening. Next, we had fried silk tofu with edamame and green peas in a tofu skin flavor. The tofu had a delicious taste of plant-based protein, and the edamame and green peas retained their original flavors. Rich in dietary fiber and Vitamin B, this dish was a satisfying favorite for spring. We also enjoyed shumai with bamboo shoots and wood ear mushrooms, both with a crispy texture. Bamboo shoots and wood ear mushrooms are rich in dietary fiber, Vitamin B, and D, making them a nutritious choice. The meal continued with a dish of yuba and cabbage rolls. Cabbage, known for aiding digestion and supporting liver detoxification, was both delicious and beneficial for the internal organs. We then had deep-fried tuna marinated in red koji, which had a crispy coating and hot tuna inside. Red koji helps lower cholesterol levels, while tuna is rich in amino acids like cysteine, which support liver function and prevent aging. A Chinese-style dish of chicken wings and spring onions in a flavorful broth followed. The broth's deep flavor combined with the tender chicken wings and fresh spring onions made for a well-balanced dish. The refreshing bitterness of dried tangerine peel added vitality to the dish, as it is known in Chinese medicine for aiding digestion. The meal concluded with a collagen seafood porridge, made with clams, shrimp, and chicken in a thick, creamy rice porridge. Clams, especially in spring, are rich in taurine, which helps lower cholesterol and improve liver function. The menu was carefully curated to align with the theme of the "Intestinal Meeting," focusing on dishes that promote good digestion, liver function, and intestinal health. The thoughtful consideration of the owner was evident in the delicious and health-conscious dishes served. Inspired by the experience, I started making my own dried tangerine peel with pesticide-free ponkan oranges. The restaurant, PISERO, not only served delicious food but also exuded a sense of warmth and sincerity through its interior decor and tableware.

I decided to gather information on where to eat in the neighborhood, and came across a place called "Shumai Bar." Intrigued by the name, I entered the establishment, called "PISERO." The place had a bar-like atmosphere with a compact counter seating about 8 people. Although it looked like a bar, the menu consisted of Chinese and Taiwanese dishes. I ordered a variety of dishes, including different types of shumai, which were all delicious. The female owner managed the place alone, and the clientele seemed to be mostly women. I encountered a group of older ladies during both of my visits, and they were very friendly and engaging. The cozy atmosphere of the restaurant created a sense of camaraderie among the customers. I recommend trying this place out. PISERO is a gem. Cheers to the delicious food.

Takeout review ★ You can do takeout between lunch and dinner ★ They were packed in plastic bags and were safe to microwave as is. There were about five types available for 180 yen each. Pork bun, Cabbage pork bun (sold out), Mantou (only white), a black sugar-flavored bun, and a simple castella-like flower roll. The taste was simple and rustic ★ It would make a fancy dinner if eaten with braised pork belly. The store seemed like a bar, but it was closed for preparation and the atmosphere was hard to judge. It was indeed small. I wonder how the food is like? Maybe it's even fluffier when eaten in the store. I'm curious. It is located near the intersection of Komazawa Street and the bus route.

I heard from a friend that they discovered a delicious restaurant, so I decided to go for lunch. It seems like the menu only offered shumai lunch, but there may have been other options as well. I don't often see restaurants that feature shumai, so that image was quite strong. For the lunch, you could choose the number of shumai you wanted. I ordered 4 pieces and each shumai had a different flavor, all of them delicious! Shumai with shrimp or quail eggs, shumai didn't seem like a mainstream dish to me, but being able to enjoy it this much was a pleasant surprise! All the other side dishes were also tasty, and I finished them all in no time. The interior of the restaurant is small, probably can't fit more than 10 people. The seating is tight, so it's a bit cramped, but the female owner manages everything by herself and her service is just right, not too intrusive but attentive. Due to the small space inside, I would recommend going for lunch outside of peak hours, but they also offer takeout. This is definitely a restaurant I would like to visit for dinner sometime.

Exit the Gakugei-daigaku Station from the left (West Exit Shopping Street), continue straight on the West Exit Shopping Street for a while, then turn right at the intersection with Starbucks and the Toho Bank. When you reach the bus street, turn left and you will find the shop on the left side of the first floor around the area where you hit Komazawa Street. Alternatively, you can exit the Gakugei-daigaku Station from the left (West Exit Shopping Street), turn right along the railway tracks. When you reach the bus street (first traffic light), turn left and continue for a while. The shop will be on the left side (next to Sanwa Shokudo) on the first floor around the signal area where you hit Komazawa Street. The exterior is glass-walled. Inside, there is a small dining area with about 7 seats at an L-shaped counter. You can enjoy various Taiwanese dishes in the shop. The small open kitchen is filled with steamers. The staff, although busy, provide friendly service with a smile. Today, I decided to get a takeout. There were various takeout menu options, but I ordered the "Shumai Bento" (680 yen). It comes in two containers. 1) It contains 3 pieces of shumai. They are juicy and have a rich, robust flavor. The cabbage adds a nice touch. Although mustard and soy sauce are provided, I personally think the shumai is delicious enough on its own. 2) The rice is topped with several side dishes. The braised pork belly, flavored with star anise, is delicious. The sweet pork floss adds a nice accent. The cucumber pickles are a perfect palate cleanser. The braised egg with star anise is also a delight for egg lovers. At 680 yen, this is quite a good deal! I also tried the "Nikuman" (180 yen), which has plenty of meat juice and a soft, fluffy texture. It may look small, but it is quite satisfying to eat. The dough is thick, but the well-seasoned meat makes it just right. Highly recommended! The "Cabbage Nikuman" (180 yen) has more cabbage and meat in the soft, fluffy dough. It feels juicier, perhaps due to the extra cabbage. Whether you prefer the regular or cabbage nikuman is a matter of personal taste. The "Char Siu Sandwich" (290 yen) is excellent! It may be the best recommendation of the day. It is a warm sandwich with thin dough, filled with the tender, star anise-flavored braised pork belly and pickled mustard greens from the shumai bento. It is quite filling but goes down smoothly. When you order takeout, they will warm everything up for you. It takes some time, but it's worth the wait. I have also tried other nikuman such as the "Plain Hanamaki" (110 yen), "Cheese and Dried Baby Sardines Hanamaki" (180 yen), and "Castella Banana" (220 yen), but personally, I found the four items I had today to be highly recommended dishes. Overall, I think this shop in the neighborhood comes highly recommended.

When you hear the word "hanamaki," you might immediately think of someone who is knowledgeable about food or a regular at Bamiyan. Hanamaki is a Chinese steamed bun where only the outer layer of the meat bun is twisted into a spiral shape and steamed. It has a chewy texture, slightly sweet, and can be enjoyed on its own, but it is traditionally eaten with Chinese dishes like shrimp chili or sweet and sour pork sauce. A unique shop specializing in hanamaki and Chinese buns called "Pisello" is located in Gakugeidaigaku. Previously offering only takeout, the shop has been rebranded as "Shumai BAR Pisello" starting this April. They now have a small seating area with a 5-6 person counter where you can enjoy homemade shumai and dishes on the spot. It's great to have a new way to enjoy their offerings! They still offer takeout, but unfortunately, the variety of hanamaki and Chinese buns has decreased. Additionally, it's currently only available on Saturdays. The shop is run by a female owner alone, so it can't be helped. Despite this, I visited on a Saturday to satisfy my hanamaki craving. Inside the small yet stylish shop, they hand you warm, freshly steamed hanamaki when you place your order. The "fig and walnut hanamaki" is a modern twist with dried figs and chopped walnuts, perfect for pairing with coffee or tea. The "cheese and dried baby sardines hanamaki" is rich in calcium with cheese and dried baby sardines, making it a recommended snack for kids. They also offer "meat buns" and "cabbage meat buns" with plenty of vegetable fillings, as well as a "char siu sandwich" filled with tenderly cooked char siu and pickled mustard greens. The char siu has a refreshing flavor with a hint of star anise, making it delicious. All of them have excellent skin. Oh, I almost forgot, I need to try the shumai next time. Pisello, I'm rooting for you.

I had not visited this place for a while this year, but the other day, I was surprised to see that it had turned into a cafe. When I peeked inside, I saw the familiar owner's face. I found out that they are now open for dinner as well as lunch. They have transformed the space into a cozy European-style eat-in area with a counter and tables. They now serve not only wine but also soft drinks and desserts. In addition to their signature steamed buns, they also offer items like dumplings. On that day, I had coffee and pudding after my meal. The atmosphere gave me the impression that it is a place where women can feel safe and enjoy themselves, rather than a place for rough men. For reference, I am a married man. Additional information: LUNCH 12:00-14:00, TAKE OUT 12:00 onwards, DINNER 18:00-22:30 (Last order 21:30). Excerpt from the shop card.