All over the world, you’ll find dishes where delicious fillings are wrapped in dough.
Among them, Argentine empanadas and Japanese gyoza stand out as national favorites.
At first glance, they might look similar — but their fillings, cooking methods, and overall taste are quite different!
Let’s take a closer look at what makes each one special.
1. Cooking methods
Empanadas (Argentina)
Typically baked or fried, depending on the region.
The crust is crispy outside and juicy inside — and every province has its own twist. There are different types of doughs.
Gyoza (Japan)
Pan-fried on the bottom, then steamed with a splash of water.
The result: crispy bottom, soft top — a beautiful balance of textures. Thinner dough, almost translucent.
2. Fillings: In Argentina, everything is pre-cooked
In Argentine empanadas, the fillings are always fully cooked before being wrapped.
From savory minced beef with onion, egg, and spices, to creamy corn (humita) or vegetarian fillings like spinach and cheese — a typical shop offers 10–20 different flavors.
The fillings are carefully sautéed or stewed, and many of them could be served as full dishes on their own, even without the dough.
This level of preparation is what makes Argentine empanadas so flavorful and satisfying.
In contrast, gyoza are filled raw — usually with ground pork, cabbage, garlic, ginger, and scallions — and cooked together with the wrapper.
They’re lightly seasoned and juicy, and they’re always served with dipping sauce, typically soy sauce with vinegar and chili oil.
In Japan, gyoza are also usually a side dish, not a main meal.
They’re often paired with ramen or rice sets, and served in portions of 5–6 small pieces.
3. Portion size & satisfaction
Empanadas are more filling — 2 or 3 can make a complete meal.
At events and parties, smaller bite-sized empanadas (copetín) are also common.
Gyoza are lighter, so people tend to eat more at once, usually as a side or appetizer.
🌎 Wrapped foods connect the world
Many countries have their own version of wrapped dishes:
Argentine empanadas, Russian pirozhki, Italian panzerotti and calzones, Chinese baozi...
While the shapes and flavors differ, the idea of wrapping tasty fillings in dough is universally loved.
You could say wrapped foods are a delicious global LOVE language!
Which one do you prefer?
We love them both!
If you haven’t tried Che!’s empanadas yet, they’re delivered frozen and can be easily cooked in the oven or on the pan.
It’s a delicious way to experience Argentina without leaving your home!
👉 Shipping all over Japan. More info at www.cheempanada.jp