Akemi Obata, Akemi’s Gyoza

Growing up in Japan, Akemi Obata cherishes her memories making mouthwatering pork gyoza with her grandmother.

After moving to New Zealand in 2009, she had a difficult time finding work due to her limited English ability. Determined to make a living, Obata noticed that there was a gap in the food market for Japanese dumplings.

In 2015, the food truck Akemi’s Gyoza was launched.

Akemi’s Gyoza was created with the mission to serve authentic Japanese dumplings to Kiwis, allowing them to fall in love with Obata’s grandmother’s legendary recipe.

“I wanted to bring her flavours to New Zealand.”

Currently, Obata’s food truck operates in food markets across locations like Mangawhai, Clevedon and Coatesville in the North Island.

Her latest innovation was adding a new vegan flavour to the menu - Beetroot and Yuzu. All of her dumplings are served with special house-made ponzu sauce and chilli oil.

In the future Obata plans to increase production and make Akemi’s Gyoza into a more manufacturing based business.

“Hopefully you will see our products in store sooner than later.”