Many Asian cultures revere the dumpling. In parts of China, it’s formed to resemble a sycee, a boat-shaped ancient gold currency, to represent prosperity and wealth.
Practically speaking, a dumpling is a flexible culinary creation: The wrapper can be made from a thin or thick dough, stuffed with any kind of meat or vegetable, and cooked in a variety of ways – steamed, boiled, pan-fried, deep-fried.
No way is better than another; just different. Here are six delicious Asian styles – traditional and not – found around Milwaukee to get you started:
It’s time to pick your Milwaukee favorites for the year!
1. Sichuan Spicy Pork Dumpling
SZE CHAUN | 11102 W. NATIONAL AVE., WEST ALLIS
The slippery, silky pouches hold a plump, tender filling of seasoned minced pork. They come in a bath of spicy, umami-rich red chile oil, befitting the fiery reputation of China’s Sichuan cuisine. $8
2. Mandoo
K STREET CAFÉ | 7028 W. GREENFIELD AVE., WEST ALLIS
Shaped like half-moons with a firm wrapper, these Korean dumplings are chewy with a subtle crispiness from pan-frying. They’re also defined by their distinct filling of pork, beef and glass noodles. Served with a soy-rice vinegar dipping sauce. $8
3. Veggie Momo
DANDAN | 360 E. ERIE ST.
An homage to Nepalese dumplings, the tortellini-like steamed momo are filled with minced tofu and mustard greens, and served with creamy cilantro chutney. Adding a final touch of crunch and heat is the topping of Tibetan chili dip. $12
4. Xiao Long Bao
MOMO MEE | 110 E. GREENFIELD AVE.
A specialty of Shanghai, China, they’re known to Westerners as soup dumplings. Rather than dumplings in broth, the round blobs fully encase the “soup” – cubes of gelatinous pork broth that, when the dumplings are steamed, melt into savory liquid. $14
5. Kanom Jeeb
RICE N ROLL BISTRO | 1952 N. FARWELL AVE.
These Thai pork snacks (a sister to Chinese shumai) feature a very thin wrapper with an open top, and a chunky filling of minced pork, shrimp and mushroom. Topped with fried garlic and microgreens, they’re eaten with a dark soy dipping sauce. $12
6. Korean Spicy and Sweet Dumpling
MARU KOREAN BISTRO | 2150 N. PROSPECT AVE.
Deep-frying gives these half-moon-shaped beauties (also known as tuigin mandu) a crispy skin. The filling can be pork or veggie, and the sauce is thick and sweet
with a hint of heat. $11
