Steamy Delights | 4 Dumpling-Like Dishes You Should Learn To Identify When You Order At A Chinese Restaurant
Ever gone to a Chinese restaurant with the intention of ordering dumplings, only to find that there are more choices and names than you can imagine? You're not the only one! An Asian restaurant typically has exotic names that you haven't heard of before, so this guide aims to help you identify and get familiar with other names for some dumpling-like dishes.
Siomai Dumplings
Siomai is a type of steamed dumpling with an open casing. The shape of Siomai dumplings is similar to what blossoming flowers look like. This dumpling style is commonly filled with meats like pork, duck, chicken and shrimp, but vegetarians can request for veggie fillings with siomai dumplings. The dish is served with exotic toppings like shark fin and fish roe to give it flavourful zest.
Har gow Dumplings
Har gow is commonly served with shrimp filling and is another popular dumpling style available at an authentic Chinese restaurant. This popular dumpling style is a hit with seafood lovers and is served best with a delicious dumpling sauce. Har gow has a type of crystal-like dough appearance and melts in your mouth when served hot. Avoid eating it as a leftover because it doesn't have the same appeal later. Try and finish it as soon as it has been prepared.
Siopao Dumplings
Siopao literally refers to steamed buns and is a well-known oriental snack served at any authentic Chinese restaurant. You may also find siopao at roadside vendors if you stroll around the streets of China on holiday or work. A popular snack with locals, siopao has different types of stuffing choices. You can choose between beef, pork, shrimp, chicken, salted duck egg and vegetables. Siopao is available either steamed or baked based on your desire.
Potsticker Dumplings
A potsticker is a type of stir fried dumpling on a pan with different fillings of your choice. You can choose between pork, chicken, beef, duck, vegetables and shrimp based on your palate. Potsticker dumplings are more elongated than rounder varieties like siomai, siopao or hargaw dumplings. This dumpling style is medium sized and can be eaten in a few bites, instead of just one. The outside dough crisps up nicely for a lovely crunchy bite. Potsticker dumplings resemble the Japanese gyoza, but the dough for gyoza is much thinner and smaller than its Chinese counterpart.
While dumplings are typically made from dough and fillings, they can taste different based on what you order. The next time you head to a Chinese restaurant, like Sun Wah Restaurant & Function Centre, let this guide help you identify exotic dumpling names.
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