Via the Dumpling Diaries and my own lifelong exploration I’ve had the privilege of trying many-a-dumpling: classic pork & chive dumplings in Chinatown, Kimchi mandu in LA’s K-Town, Tibetan momos in Jackson Heights, Uzbek manti in Sheepshead Bay and pelmeni in Brighton Beach, to name a few. I have a spot in my heart for every kind of dumpling, and my definition of “dumpling” is always expanding (for instance - does FuFu, unfilled West African cassava dumplings, count? How about stuffed grape leaves? Do dumplings have to be boiled/pan-fried or do baked items, like empanadas, count?)
I’ve yet to come up with my own answer to this question - it feels impossible - but I want to know: what’s your favorite dumpling?
As a Russian Mennonite I think I have to say cottage cheese verenike - but a close rival is a vegan Chinese pan fried dumpling that a local (Winnipeg) restaurant makes. It's mushroom and cabbage and tofu (I think there might even be some rice noodles in the mix). They have been making it for 20+ years - served with red vinegar - it's honestly such a delicate treat I am salivating thinking about it right now.
The very rare pan fried pork xiao long bao -- you got everything: soup, tasty dumpling skin, and charred flavor. So hard to make and forgot ordering them in.
Honestly I don’t discriminate. I love all dumplings!!
As a Russian Mennonite I think I have to say cottage cheese verenike - but a close rival is a vegan Chinese pan fried dumpling that a local (Winnipeg) restaurant makes. It's mushroom and cabbage and tofu (I think there might even be some rice noodles in the mix). They have been making it for 20+ years - served with red vinegar - it's honestly such a delicate treat I am salivating thinking about it right now.
The very rare pan fried pork xiao long bao -- you got everything: soup, tasty dumpling skin, and charred flavor. So hard to make and forgot ordering them in.
I’m an equal opportunist when it comes to dumplings, but love classic pork/chive crisped up
Pork and chive potstickers are hands down my favorite - the best ever from A-Pou’s Taste in Brooklyn or Everyday Noodles in Pittsburgh.
My favorite is Xiu mai (Siu mai) as in the Dim sum dumpling made from a pork and shrimp mixture! I would travel miles for a good Siu Mai! 😍😍😍
That's like asking a person to choose between their kids. But gun to my head MOMO. Followed very closely by XLB.