Shumai vs. Dumpling — What's the Difference?
By Urooj Arif & Maham Liaqat — Updated on April 23, 2024
Shumai are open-topped steamed dumplings from Chinese cuisine, primarily filled with pork and shrimp, whereas dumplings are a broader category including various filled or dough-based concoctions from multiple cultures.
Difference Between Shumai and Dumpling
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Shumai is a type of Chinese dumpling known for its distinctive open-top design, usually showcasing the filling, often a combination of pork and shrimp. Whereas, dumplings encompass a wide variety of shapes, sizes, and fillings, ranging from the Chinese jiaozi to the Eastern European pierogi.
Shumai typically features a thin, round wrapper that is pleated around the sides but left open at the top. On the other hand, dumplings like jiaozi are fully enclosed, with a thicker, more doughy wrapper that is often pleated and sealed.
In terms of cooking methods, shumai are almost exclusively steamed, preserving their delicate texture and moist filling. Whereas dumplings can be boiled, steamed, fried, or even baked, depending on the specific type and regional preference.
Culturally, shumai are a staple in dim sum, a style of Chinese cuisine served as small plates alongside tea. Whereas dumplings are ubiquitous in various cuisines around the world, each with unique serving traditions, such as being a comfort food in many Eastern European countries.
Regarding fillings, shumai generally uses a combination of ground pork, whole and chopped shrimp, mushrooms, and seasonings. In contrast, dumplings can have a broader range of fillings, from meats and vegetables to sweet fillings in some dessert versions.
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Comparison Chart
Origin
Chinese cuisine
Global
Wrapper
Thin, round, open at the top
Varies, typically thicker and fully enclosed
Typical Fillings
Pork, shrimp, mushrooms
Meats, vegetables, sweets
Cooking Method
Steamed
Boiled, steamed, fried, baked
Cultural Significance
Part of dim sum tradition
Widely varied across different cultures
Compare with Definitions
Shumai
Traditionally served in dim sum:
The dim sum menu featured various dishes, but the pork shumai was the standout.
Dumpling
Can be cooked in multiple ways:
The dumplings were delicious whether steamed, boiled, or fried.
Shumai
Made with a thin wrapper:
The shumai's thin wrapper perfectly encased its flavorful contents.
Dumpling
A broad category of filled dough foods:
We sampled various dumplings, from savory to sweet.
Shumai
A type of Chinese dumpling:
For lunch, we enjoyed steamed shumai filled with pork and shrimp.
Dumpling
Often served as comfort food:
On cold days, the hearty dumplings provided much-needed warmth.
Shumai
Often contains shrimp and pork:
The combination of shrimp and pork makes shumai a favorite choice at dim sum.
Dumpling
Found in many cultures worldwide:
During the festival, dumplings from different countries were showcased.
Shumai
Characterized by an open top:
The open top of the shumai allowed us to see its appetizing filling.
Dumpling
Varies widely in fillings and shapes:
The creativity in dumpling shapes and fillings is endless.
Shumai
Shumai (simplified Chinese: 烧卖; traditional Chinese: 燒賣; pinyin: shāomài; Cantonese Yale: sīu-máai; Pe̍h-ōe-jī: sio-māi) is a type of traditional Chinese dumpling, originating from Hohhot. In Cantonese cuisine, it is usually served as a dim sum snack.
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.
Shumai
A steamed or fried dumpling that contains a pastelike filling of minced ingredients, as pork, shrimp, ginger, and onion, usually seasoned with soy sauce and often only partially wrapped, exposing part of the filling.
Dumpling
A piece of dough, sometimes filled, that is cooked in liquid such as water or soup.
Shumai
A dish consisting of a number of these dumplings.
Dumpling
Sweetened dough wrapped around fruit, such as an apple, baked and served as a dessert.
Shumai
A traditional steamed Chinese pork dumpling served in dim sum.
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 all dumplings made from dough?
Yes, most dumplings involve some type of dough encasing fillings, although the dough's thickness and ingredients can vary widely.
Can dumplings be vegetarian?
Yes, there are many vegetarian dumpling options, using ingredients like vegetables, tofu, or beans.
What are common fillings for shumai?
Common fillings for shumai include pork, shrimp, and occasionally mushrooms and water chestnuts.
What distinguishes the wrapper of shumai from other dumplings?
Shumai wrappers are thinner and are not sealed at the top, unlike most other dumplings which are completely enclosed.
How do the fillings of shumai and other dumplings differ?
Shumai typically focuses on a mix of pork and seafood, while other dumplings might include a broader variety of ingredients including beef, chicken, or purely vegetables.
What is the main difference between shumai and dumplings?
Shumai is a specific type of Chinese dumpling characterized by its open top, whereas "dumpling" is a general term for similar foods across various cultures.
Is it common to find shumai outside of China?
Yes, shumai can be found in many places around the world, especially in regions with Chinese diaspora communities.
Do dumplings have any symbolic meaning?
In Chinese culture, dumplings symbolize wealth and prosperity, especially during Chinese New Year.
Can shumai be considered a dumpling?
Yes, shumai is considered a type of dumpling within Chinese cuisine.
How are dumplings typically served?
Dumplings can be served in broth, with a dipping sauce, or on their own, depending on the type and regional preferences.
What are some examples of dumplings from other cultures?
Examples include pierogi from Eastern Europe, ravioli from Italy, and gyoza from Japan.
Is shumai eaten in any specific setting?
Shumai is commonly eaten during dim sum meals in Chinese restaurants.
What is the typical cooking method for shumai?
Shumai are typically steamed to maintain their moisture and delicate texture.
Are dumplings eaten during any particular occasions?
In many cultures, dumplings are part of festive meals, like Chinese New Year or the Jewish holiday of Purim.
Can dumplings be frozen for later use?
Yes, many types of dumplings can be prepared in advance and frozen, making them a convenient meal option.
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Written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
Co-written by
Maham Liaqat
