By 中華ものがたり総本店 Chinese Food Story

In this captivating episode, the spotlight shines on a unique culinary experience nestled deep within the mountainous countryside of Ehime Prefecture. The video follows a day in the life of a remarkable solo female proprietor who runs "Kōfuku Suigyōza" (幸福水餃子), a handmade dumpling shop located in Tanbara Town, Saijo City. The name, which translates to “Happiness Dumplings,” couldn’t be more fitting for a place that exudes warmth and dedication from preparation to plate.

The camera crew follows the owner from early morning preparations through to the night-time dumpling prep routines. The video opens with her making tamagoyaki (Japanese rolled omelette), before transitioning into the intricate steps of making water dumpling dough—twice in one day for absolute freshness. Alongside dough preparation, she is seen feeding chickens, which adds a truly homely, self-sufficient charm to the establishment. The shop serves an assortment of dumplings including shrimp dumplings, pan-fried xiaolongbao, and the regional specialty, venison and wild boar dumplings, highlighting the local flavors and seasonal ingredients of Ehime.

Guests are interviewed throughout the day, praising the dumplings’ juicy texture and comforting taste. The cooking scenes offer a close-up view of delicate wrapping and frying techniques, as well as the use of game meats like deer and wild boar, which add a rustic and gourmet twist. Her story not only speaks to culinary excellence but also to perseverance and passion in running a one-person operation in a remote yet welcoming part of rural Japan.

"Kōfuku Suigyōza" is more than just a restaurant—it is an embodiment of heartfelt service and traditional cooking. It’s located at 238-1 Kuraseko, Tanbara-cho, Saijo City, Ehime Prefecture. With such a deep cultural and emotional narrative, this video offers an intimate glimpse into Japan’s lesser-known local food establishments, and a celebration of the spirit behind independently run regional eateries.