Most people are indecisive about which is better between dumplings and dim sum. These two dishes are worth the debate as they are both delicious and satisfying. Dumplings and dim sum may look quite alike and most often some people mix them up.
It is very common for people who are not very conversant with these dishes to confuse them. And for the dumpling lovers and dim sum fans, the debate seems to be endless.
Let’s say, for instance, you are seated at a restaurant and you are between ordering dumplings or dim sum, you may wonder what’s the difference.
The main difference between dumplings and dim sum is that dumplings may be served with stew, gravy, or soup while dim sums are commonly served with tea.
These Chinese dishes are both very unique in taste and delicious as well. And it may be almost impossible to say one is better than the other.
When it comes to dim sum and dumplings it is always hard to choose between them. And so to enable you to make the right choice in a dilemma such as this we are going to be breaking both of them down.
After reading this article you are certainly going to have an idea of which is better between dumplings and dim sum.
What’s So Special About Dumplings?
Dumplings are universally loved dishes, you can hardly go to a Chinese restaurant and not find dumplings on the menu. As a sign of love and togetherness, this unique dish is mostly the main course for celebrations, especially during the Chinese Lunar new year.
It is believed that starting a new year with dumplings signifies that the year will be a better one. There is a lot to dumplings that makes them unique and embraced worldwide. A Chinese tradition is that dumplings with different fillings are served every new year.
And anyone in the family who eats one with a gold coin (a special yellow tinge dumpling signifies the gold coin) in it is bound to be wealthy that year.
Dumplings are very special dishes, they are rich in culture, tradition, and history. In the Chinese culture, they are very much valued and celebrated.
They are made of flour, water, and salt that enclose special filling. The dough can be made of wheat flour or potatoes. Dumplings are very versatile when it comes to their fillings and this is one of the major reasons why people find them interesting. The fillings can be anything depending on your personal choice or mood.
What’s So Special About Dim Sum?
Dim sum when translated means “touch the heart”. They are traditional Cantonese dishes that have also gained popularity across the globe, especially in China.
Dim sums usually have a semi-translucent or fully transparent outer look. Usually served with tea, dim sums are very much relished and valued.
Just like dumplings, dim sums can be prepared with any kind of flour, such as rice flour, potato starch, and wheat flour. However, the filling is usually neatly chopped and diced to perfection. Dim sums are hardly prepared without filling.
Dim sums are delicious meals that can be used as a side dish or the main course. Either way, dim sums are mostly enjoyed in numerous homes and Chinese restaurants.
Dumplings Vs Dim Sums
Dumplings are very vibrant in history and Chinese traditions. It is said that having a bite of dumplings with a “gold coin” symbolizes goodwill, prosperity, and fortune in the Chinese lunar new year.
Dumplings are very versatile as seafood, meat, vegetables or sweets can be used to fill them. When it comes to making fillings in dumplings you are allowed to be creative. That is, including fillings is optional.
Dim sums, on the other hand, must contain fillings. One of the major factors that makes dim sums unique is that they are paired with tea. The rule for ordering dim sums is that you have to choose from a variety of teas; usually, the tea is served before dim sum. They can be made fried, baked, or deep fried.
Below is a table illustrating the features and differences between dim sums and dumplings;
| Dumplings | Dim Sums |
| Dumplings are popular for their versatility. | Dim sums are not as versatile. |
| You can choose to pair dumplings with stew, soup, or gravy. | Dim sums are commonly served with tea. |
| Dumplings don’t necessarily have to contain fillings. | They are prepared with finely chopped or diced fillings. |
| Dumplings are not see-through. | Dim sums have semi-transparent or fully transparent features. |
| Can be deep fried, pan-fried, and steamed. | They can also be steamed, deep-fried, and pan-fried. |
Conclusion
Deciding which meal is better between dim sums and dumplings is relatively hard as both meals are delicious and almost similar.
With the provided information in this article, you can see that dumplings and dim sums are both great choices. You can hardly go wrong with either of them. And when it comes to which is better that would depend on your taste buds and your personal preference.
