10 Best Dumplings in the World, Including Indonesia's Siomay

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Whether you are a foodie or just looking for comfort, the unmatched richness of the best dumplings in the world is surely hard to resist. From the tender zhngjiao of China to the savory gyoza of Japan and the flavorful siomay of Indonesia, these bite-sized delights each tell a unique story of tradition and culture in every fold.

To help you explore the globe's most must-try dumplings, here is a complete guide to the top dumplings, curated by TasteAtlas.

List of the Best Dumplings in the World

1. Zhengjiao - China

While many Chinese dishes are rich in oil, zhngjio offers a lighter alternative. With its slightly translucent wrapper, this dumpling retains a delicate crispness on the bottom thanks to a quick pan-fry after steaming. The chewy, tender skin pairs perfectly with flavorful fillings such as pork and chives, cabbage, shrimp, or a mix of fresh vegetables. Of course, no great dumpling in the world is complete without its classic companion; zhngjio is typically served with a savory soy dipping sauce.

2. Guotie - China

Guti is the pan-friend variety of the Chinese jiozi, prepared using a unique 'fry-steam' method. The dumplings are initially fried on the bottom, then steamed with a splash of water and covered, which results in a wonderfully crisp base and a tender top. Typically long and straight in shape, guti is filled with a savory mix of minced pork, Chinese cabbage, scallions, ginger, rice wine, and sesame oil. It is a popular appetizer or a satisfying snack.

3. Hamamatsu Gyoza - Hamamatsu, Japan

The Hamamatsu region has embraced the comforting taste of gyoza for over a century, so it is no surprise that its signature variety ranks among the world's best. These dumplings are typically cooked in the hanetsuke style, arranged in a circular pattern where their crisply connected bottoms form a lacy "skirt."

The filling is primarily vegetable-based, featuring cabbage and onion with just a touch of pork, which gives them a naturally sweet flavor. They are traditionally served with a side of bean sprouts for an extra layer of fresh, crunchy texture.

4. Shishbarak - Lebanon

If you are craving a combination of savory and tangy flavors, the Lebanese take on dumplings is a must-try. Shishbarak features small, meat-filled tortellini cooked in a warm, tangy yogurt soup (laban), seasoned with mint, garlic, and pine nuts.

Not only is it comforting to eat, but the time-consuming preparation process can also be a fun and rewarding activity to share with friends or family.

5. Jiaozi - China

Jiaozi, a traditional Chinese dumpling, is one of the must-try traditional Chinese foods for everyone. Filled with either meat or vegetables, it is typically served with a savory soy sauce-based dipping sauce on the side during the Chinese New Year and the Winter Solstice. Whether enjoyed as an appetizer or a main course, its flavor shines across all three popular preparations. 

6. Xiaolongbao - Shanghai, China

No list of the best dumplings in the world is complete without the delicate xiolóngbo or soup dumplings. These paper-thin parcels deliver irresistible warmth with every bite, thanks to the rich, savory broth and the flavorful minced pork inside a tender dough. Best enjoyed hot, they are traditionally paired with a dipping sauce of soy sauce and fresh ginger.

7. Tangbao - China

China seems to have no end to its dumpling mastery, and tangbao is one of its most impressive creations. Filled with minced meat and gelatinized broth, these large soup buns melt into flavorful, piping-hot soup when steamed, bringing a rich and satisfying taste in every bite. Much like xiolóngbo, they are best enjoyed hot. Use the classic technique of placing the bun on a spoon before biting to safely catch the burst of savory liquid.

8. Siomay - Indonesia

Consistently named among the best street foods in Asia, siomay takes the concept of dumplings to new heights. This beloved Indonesian dish is made from a mixture of ground fish, often combined with chicken or shrimp, and is beautifully served alongside a variety of accompaniments: steamed potatoes, cabbage, hard-boiled eggs, bitter gourd, and tofu. These diverse elements come together in harmony on one plate, thanks to the rich, flavorful peanut sauce, a drizzle of sweet soy sauce, and a dash of spicy chili sauce that ties it all together.

9. Agnolotti del plin - Piedmont, Italy

It is easy to see why agnolotti del plin is deemed as one of the best dumplings in the world. Named after the distinctive pinching technique used to seal the pasta, for which "plin" means "pinch" in the local dialect, this iconic Piedmontese pasta dish was traditionally filled with leftover roast meats and vegetables, seasoned with fresh herbs. The simple sauce often depends on personal preference, ranging from a simple butter glaze to a rich, gravy-like reduction.

10. Gyoza - Japan

Though rooted in China, the crescent-shaped gyoza has evolved under Japanese regional influences. It is commonly filled with minced pork, chicken, or vegetables, and can be prepared in three delicious ways: pan-fried, fried, or steamed. No matter the method, each style surely brings out a unique layer of texture and flavor, making it a universal favorite.

Whether filled with juicy meats, fresh vegetables, or rich broths, any of these best dumplings in the world is sure to bring an irresistible mix of texture and flavor to your plate. The best part? Many of them can be found in corners of the globe far beyond their place of origin.

Editor’s Choice: Indonesia's Batagor Ranks 3rd Among World's Best Seafood Dishes

Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News