Top three: Gyoza

For a feel-good fill-up

Rainbo

(rainbofood.com)

This funky 1948 street food van is run by a couple so obsessed with gyoza (Japanese dumplings) that they jacked in their day jobs to make them. Bursting with pork and ginger, chicken and coriander, or shiitake and tofu, the gyoza are served with a crunchy slaw (£5.60). The van pops up all over London at street markets and food festivals, so check its location.

For a Soho pit stop

Tonkotsu

63 Dean Street, W1 (020 7437 0071; tonkotsu.co.uk)

From the same team as Tsuru, which does excellent sushi, this new restaurant bills itself as being all about ramen. But while the big bowls of slurpable noodles are very good, don’t miss out on the gyoza, which are hand-made and filled with pork, prawn and pork, or shiitake and bamboo shoots (£5 each).

For authentic Japanese grub

Shimogamo

108 Parkway, NW1 (020 7424 9560)

This lovely, simple restaurant serves food similar to that found in Kyoto, with a menu of sushi and sashimi, as well as lesser-known cooked Japanese dishes — the staff are happy to explain what they are. The gyoza are delicate and delicious: piping hot, fried until golden and served with a moreish dipping sauce (£6 for five).