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Dumplings may well be the ultimate comfort food – and it seems like the rest of the world agrees!
Whether you are exploring the bright lights of Tokyo, schlepping the historic streets of Polandor taking on a hiking challenge in Nepal, these tasty little mouthfuls will certainly help fuel your adventure.
World of Dumplings
Gyoza – Japan
Gyoza dumplings
These little treasures are a staple in ramen houses throughout Japan. Seasoned with rice vinegar and chilli oil, finely minced chicken, cabbage and chives with garlic and ginger is carefully wrapped into thinly rolled dough skins, making a half-moon dumpling just perfect for dunking into soy sauce.
Whether served steamed, boiled, deep-fried or, as is most commonly found, pan-fried, gyoza is a treat not to be missed when in Japan.
Take me there: Japan holidays
Pierogi – Polish dumplings
Pierogi
These filled dumplings are popular throughout Eastern Europe but are perhaps most strongly associated with Poland. Often served topped with melted butter, sour cream or fried onions and eaten hot, pierogi can be made with a virtual smorgasbord of fillings.
From the typical meat, onions, cheese and mushrooms to delicious sauerkraut and even fruit for those with a sweet tooth, pierogi are always a delight for a hungry traveller.
Momos – Nepalese dumplings
Fried momo
Not dissimilar to the Japanese gyoza but with a thicker dough, the Nepali momo is a filled, flour-based dumpling and is a traditional delicacy of Nepal, Tibet and among Nepalese/Tibetan communities in Bhutan, Sikkim and the Darjeeling district.
It is also one of the most popular fast foods in Nepal, making a perfect on-the-go snack. Unlike the Japanese gyoza, however, your delicious momo may be filled with yak meat!
Take me there: Nepal holidays
Ha gow – Chinese dumplings
A selection of dim sum
This Cantonese dumpling is served as part of the dim sum tradition of China: a style of bite-sized portions of food served in steamer baskets or small plates. Often called a shrimp bonnet due to its pleated shape, the ha gow is transparent, smooth and generously filled with delicate shrimp meat.
It must also have at least seven (and preferably more than ten!) pleats imprinted on its wrapper – the skill it takes to perfectly execute ha gow means it is the dish a dim sum chef is judged on.
Take me there: China holidays
Bryndzove halusky – Slovakian dumplings
Bryndzove halusky
A robust and hearty meal harking from Slovakia, bryndzove halusky consists of the potato dumpling, halusky, served with bryndza, a soft cheese made from sheep milk and often sprinkled with delicious nuggets of smoked pork fat and bacon.
For the brave, there is an annual bryndzove halusky festival which features an eating contest!
Take me there: Slovakia holidays
Browse more cultural holidays below and go in search of the dumpling.
