Gyuten
A simple snack made with minimal ingredients

About Gyuten

Gyuten (ぎゅうてん, Gyuten) is a beloved local dish from Kiryu City in Gunma Prefecture, a region well-known for its thriving wheat production.

Originally enjoyed as a substitute for rice, wheat-based dishes became more diverse over time as Gunma's reputation as a major wheat producer grew, even leading to the development of unique local wheat varieties. Among these wheat-based dishes is Gyuten, a humble, pancake-like food made by mixing wheat flour with water, adding ingredients like cabbage and green onions, and cooking it into oval shapes, similar to okonomiyaki. The name “Gyuten” is said to come from the act of firmly pressing the batter onto the hotplate. Gyuten is easy to make and uses only a handful of ingredients, making it a popular choice for a quick snack.

Kiryu City is also famous for its silk production, which has a history dating back to the Nara period around 1,300 years ago. During the Battle of Sekigahara in 1600, Kiryu's silk was so highly valued that flag silk was presented to Tokugawa Ieyasu by request. In households where women contributed to the silk weaving industry, Gyuten became a practical solution for busy families. It was not only served as a snack for children but also enjoyed as a side dish at mealtimes, thanks to its simplicity and versatility.

Related videos

Reviews