Momo vs. Dumpling — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on October 27, 2023
Momo is a specific type of South Asian dumpling; Dumpling is a broad term for filled dough foods from various cultures.
Difference Between Momo and Dumpling
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Momos hail from South Asia, especially Tibet, Nepal, and parts of India. They often have a filling of meat or vegetables and are frequently paired with spicy sauces. On the other hand, Dumplings encompass a wider range of culinary traditions worldwide. These can be boiled, steamed, or fried and might be found in dishes from Europe to East Asia.
While Momos are usually associated with specific shapes and fillings, Dumplings can vary extensively in terms of filling, dough type, and preparation method.
To elaborate, while a Momo might remind someone of Nepalese or Tibetan cuisine, the word Dumpling could evoke thoughts of Chinese jiaozi, Polish pierogi, or American chicken and dumplings. Essentially, all Momos can be called dumplings, but not all dumplings can be classified as Momos.
Comparison Chart
Origin
South Asia (Tibet, Nepal, India)
Global
Type
Specific
General
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Common Fillings
Meat, vegetables
Various (meat, vegetables, sweets, etc.)
Preparation
Typically steamed
Boiled, steamed, fried, etc.
Culinary Association
Tibetan, Nepalese cuisine
Various cuisines worldwide
Compare with Definitions
Momo
Often paired with spicy sauce.
The Momo tastes best with that tangy sauce.
Dumpling
Can be boiled, fried, or steamed.
The fried Dumpling was so crispy.
Momo
A South Asian dumpling.
Let's eat Momo for dinner tonight.
Dumpling
Found in many global cuisines.
Each country has its own Dumpling variant.
Momo
Tibetan or Nepalese specialty.
In Kathmandu, we tried the best Momo ever.
Dumpling
A broad term for filled dough foods.
Dumpling is a favorite in many cultures.
Momo
Steamed food with filling.
This Momo has a delicious chicken filling.
Dumpling
Varied fillings from meat to sweets.
This Dumpling has a sweet red bean filling.
Momo
Dough-enclosed meat or veggie.
I love the vegetable Momo more than the meat ones.
Dumpling
Often served in soups or standalone.
The soup with Dumpling is very hearty.
Momo
A type of dumpling from Nepal, Ladakh or Tibet made with a simple flour and water dough and filled with meat, vegetables or cheese.
Dumpling
Dumpling is a broad class of dishes that consist of pieces of dough (made from a variety of starch sources) wrapped around a filling, or of dough with no filling. The dough can be based on bread, flour or potatoes, and may be filled with meat, fish, cheese, vegetables, fruits or sweets.
Momo
A moron.
Dumpling
A piece of dough, sometimes filled, that is cooked in liquid such as water or soup.
Dumpling
Sweetened dough wrapped around fruit, such as an apple, baked and served as a dessert.
Dumpling
(Informal) A short, chubby creature.
Dumpling
(culinary) A ball of dough that is cooked and may have a filling and/or additional ingredients in the dough.
Dumpling
By restriction, a food composed of a dough wrapper around a filling.
Dumpling
(endearing) A term of endearment.
My little dumpling.
Dumpling
A piece of excrement.
Dumpling
A roundish mass of dough boiled in soup, or as a sort of pudding; often, a cover of paste inclosing an apple or other fruit, and boiled or baked; as, an apple dumpling.
Dumpling
Small balls or strips of boiled or steamed dough
Dumpling
Dessert made by baking fruit wrapped in pastry
Common Curiosities
Are Momos the same as dumplings?
Momos are a type of dumpling from South Asia, but not all dumplings are Momos.
Where did Momo originate?
Momos have origins in Tibet and are popular in Nepal and parts of India.
Can a Dumpling be a main dish?
Yes, in many cultures, dumplings can be a main dish or part of a larger meal.
Can Dumplings be fried?
Yes, dumplings can be boiled, steamed, or fried, depending on the type.
How are Momos usually cooked?
Momos are typically steamed, but some variations might be fried.
Can you name an American Dumpling dish?
"Chicken and dumplings" is a well-known American dish with dumplings.
How are Chinese dumplings different from Momos?
While both are types of dumplings, their fillings, dough, and accompanying sauces might differ.
Can a Dumpling be sweet?
Yes, some dumplings, like those in dessert dishes, are sweet.
What are common Momo fillings?
Momos are often filled with meat, such as chicken or pork, or vegetables.
What's a popular European Dumpling?
Pierogi, often found in Polish cuisine, is a popular European dumpling.
Is Momo exclusive to Tibetan cuisine?
While rooted in Tibetan cuisine, Momos are also popular in Nepalese and some Indian cuisines.
Are Momos always spicy?
No, the filling might not be spicy, but they are often paired with spicy sauces.
Can Dumplings be made with rice flour?
Yes, some dumplings, especially in Asian cuisines, use rice flour for the dough.
Is Momo a street food?
Yes, in places like Nepal and parts of India, Momos are popular street foods.
Are Momos only non-vegetarian?
No, there are vegetarian Momos filled with vegetables or cheese.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
