Semban

The flower-petal gyoza are the first thing to look for at Semban. The menu describes them as small and petal-shaped, and suggests serving them with seasoned vinegar, chilli oil or a savoury sauce with aromatics. Diners have also praised their bite-sized shape and crisp, fragrant wrappers. Trying different sauces as you work your way through the plate is part of the appeal.

Gyoza are ordered from a minimum of 10, in multiples of 5. The menu lists 1 pieces at 200 yen, so deciding how many to start with is part of placing your order. Some diners have paired 40 dumplings with spicy mapo tofu and non-alcoholic beer; others have ordered 30 dumplings with rice and an alcoholic drink. You could make the dumplings the focus of your meal, or share them with friends and order more as you go.

For something beyond gyoza, consider the spicy mapo tofu or chilli prawns. One diner who ordered the mapo tofu alongside the dumplings described it as a hearty, minced-meat-rich dish in the style of a casual Chinese restaurant. It works with beer or a non-alcoholic drink. Lighter options include bean sprouts at 330 yen and chilled tomatoes at 380 yen.

Choose how many dumplings to order, pick a sauce and add another dish. Semban is a Chinese restaurant suited to an easy-going evening meal, with plenty of room to put together an order your way.