7 Types Of Dumplings To Try Around The World

Much like pancakes and doughnuts, dumplings are an almost universal type of food. Just a pocket of dough filled with a sweet or savoury filling, there are lots of different types of dumplings around the world.

Simple yet complex, they are infinitely adaptable and have become tasty staples in many countries. Dumplings are versatile and the many different types of dumplings can differ based on shape, type of filling and also the method of cooking. You can either follow the traditional recipe or get as creative as you wish. There are vegetarian versions which consist of mushrooms, garlic, onions, vegetables, watercress and more such delightful ingredients. Non-vegetarians can go with any type of meat from minced pork and ground lamb to combinations like pork and shrimp. There are seafood variations mainly consisting of shrimp. And there are sweet versions as well. You can also wrap it in banana leaves or other such variations for a twist. Or make soup dumplings! The options are as limitless as your imagination. Whether they’re pan fried, baked, boiled, steamed or, fried, these 7 dumplings around the world are sure to get your tastebuds going.

# Banh Bot Loc, Vietnam

This almost transparent Vietnamese pork and shrimp dumplings are made with tapioca flour and filled with pork belly and shrimp. It gives the banh lot loc its unique clear appearance and chewy texture. They can either be wrapped in banana leaves and steamed, or boiled, and are served with a fish based dipping sauce. These dumplings are often also topped with fried shallots for that extra burst of flavour. These are one of the most amazing types of dumplings around the world.

# Buuz, Mongolia

The Mongolian version of a steamed dumpling, buuz are usually filled with ground beef or mutton and flavoured with garlic, onion and salt. Occasionally, herbs or other seasoning are added and some variations might also include cabbage and mashed potatoes. This Central Asian dish is eaten during the Mongolian Lunar New Year (Tsagaan Sar). The buuz dumplings are steamed, however, the pan fried version of the same is called khuushuur.

# Cha Siu Bao, China

Cha Siu Bao are steamed pork buns that are as a type of dim sum. Cha Siu is the barbecued pork filling, and bao is the fluffy and chewy bun. Pork buns can also be baked, and is then referred to as cha shao can bao. A version is also found in Hawaii, called manapua. One of the most authentic types of dumplings around the world and you should definately try them.

# Chuchvara, Central Asia

Also called joshpara, dushbara, and shishbarak, this small boiled dumpling is found throughout both the Central Asian region and the Middle East. The unleavened dough is stuffed with ground meat (usually, lamb) and spices before being boiled in a meat broth and is served with yoghurt or sour cream. It is similar to the Turkish manti.

# Coxinhas, Brazil

Found in Brazil, these snacks are made of thick dough stuff with shredded chicken. It is then moulded into a shape meant to resemble a chicken leg (coxinha literally means “little thigh”) and cooked by deep frying. It can be served with any kind of dipping sauce.

# Empanadas, South America

These savoury pouches of fried dough can be found all over South America. There are tons of varieties and stuffings – from tuna fish to chicken and corn. The flour or corn-based dough is then folded over this filling and cooked by frying or baking. It is similar to the Italian calzone. Some people consider empanadas too big to be dumplings, but we say, the more the better! It can be served with any kind of dipping sauce.

# Gyoza, Japan

These Japanese dumplings are related to Chinese pot stickers (guo tie), though they tend to be made with thinner wrappers, and filled with minced pork, cabbage, scallions, garlic, and ginger. They are then served with rice vinegar, soy sauce and chili oil based dipping sauce. These are one of the best dumplings around the world that you shouldn’t miss.