The etiquette rules on how to serve and eat dumplings. Tips to be the ideal host or the perfect guest and avoid any embarrassment.

What dumpling etiquette is

Dumpling etiquette is the set of rules to properly serve and eat dumplings. Such rules help avoid behaviors that can disrespect your hosts or guests, or make you look unpolite.

If you are hosting, follow the etiquette to serve dumplings to your guests appropriately.

As a guest, respect the etiquette rules to properly eat dumplings at the dining table and avoid offending your hosts or embarrassing yourself.

What you should know about dumplings

Dumplings are a type of dish made of dough or starch wrapped around a filling, typically meat, vegetables, or cheese.

Dumplings can come in different shapes and sizes, but they are usually small and round, with a soft and chewy texture. The color of the dough can vary depending on the ingredients used, but it is typically pale. The flavor of dumplings can also vary depending on the filling and seasoning used.

Etiquette rules to serve and eat dumplings

1) How to store dumplings

The ideal temperature to store dumplings is in the fridge at 40°F (4°C) or below. You can keep dumplings in the freezer for longer storage. When storing dumplings in the pantry, keep them in an airtight container to prevent moisture and insects. In the fridge, dumplings can last for up to 4-5 days. In the freezer, they can last up to 2-3 months.

Store cooked dumplings in the fridge for up to 3-4 days or in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.

2) How to clean dumplings

There is no need for clean dumplings However, it is important to make sure that the filling is fully cooked and that the dough is not moldy or discolored.

Signs that dumplings have turned bad include mold, foul smell, or a slimy texture. If any of these signs are present, you should discard the dumplings.

3) How to prepare & cook dumplings

Dumplings should always be cooked before consumption. They can be boiled, steamed, fried, or baked, depending on the recipe. Common utensils used for preparing and cooking dumplings include a rolling pin, a pot for boiling or steaming, and a frying pan for frying. It is unusual to add them to salads or sandwiches.

Dumplings can be made to fit a vegan diet. They are generally not suitable for paleo or keto diets. Some people with food intolerances may have allergies to wheat or gluten, which can be present in some dumpling doughs. Dumplings are typically suitable for most religious dietary restrictions unless their filling includes any forbidden food, such as pork meat.

4) How to serve & present dumplings

Dumplings are appropriate for various occasions, including formal and informal meals or brunch. You can serve them as a side dish, appetizer, or main course. Sweet dumplings can be appropriate for dessert too.

Serve dumplings on a plate or in a bowl, depending on the size and type of dumpling. It is appropriate to use chopsticks or a fork and knife to eat them. The ideal serving temperature can vary depending on the type of dumpling but is typically warm to hot.

You can accompany dumplings with various sauces or seasonings, such as soy sauce, chili oil, or vinegar. You can also serve vegetables such as bok choy, broccoli, or mushrooms alongside dumplings.

5) Food and wine to pair dumplings with

Dumplings pair well with flavors such as soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger. You can add vegetables such as cabbage, carrots, and scallions to dumpling fillings or serve them alongside. Avoid pairing fruits with dumplings. Similarly, cheese and dairy typically do not pair well.

Dumplings pair well with meat, such as pork or beef, or fish, such as shrimp or crab. The best pairings depend on the type of dumpling and the filling used.

Wine and beverage pairings with dumplings can vary depending on the filling and the method of preparation. For savory dumplings, a dry white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc pairs well, as does a light red like Pinot Noir or Beaujolais. For sweet dumplings, a Riesling or Moscato pairs well. Avoid heavy red wines or overly sweet wines, as they may overpower the flavors of the dumplings. Other beverages that go well with dumplings include light beers, sparkling water, and green tea.

6) How to eat dumplings

The most polite etiquette for eating dumplings is to use chopsticks or a fork to pick up the dumplings and a spoon to hold the dipping sauce. Eating dumplings with your fingers is not considered polite unless you are at a casual gathering where finger food is expected. When eating the dumplings, it is typical to eat the whole dumpling, including the filling and the wrapper, unless the wrapper is too thick or tough. Discarding the wrapper is not necessary unless it is too chewy or tough to eat.

Dumpling etiquette: the worst mistakes

Avoid the most common dumpling etiquette mistakes:

• 8/10. Not properly cooking the dumplings.
• 7/10. Not providing enough dipping sauce.
• 7/10. Using your fingers to eat the dumplings at a formal event.
• 4/10. Overfilling the dumplings with too much filling.

Additional information for properly serving dumplings

How many calories per serving?

Counting calories is important to stay healthy and correctly plan a menu.

The calorie content of dumplings can vary depending on the filling and the size of the dumpling. On average, one pork or chicken dumpling contains around 40-60 calories, while vegetable dumplings contain around 25-30 calories per dumpling. One hundred grams of dumplings can contain between 200-400 calories, depending on the filling.

How to buy the best dumplings

A crucial factor in dumpling etiquette is serving your guests the best product possible.

Season and availability 

Dumplings are available all year round, but they are most commonly associated with winter and the holiday season. The best season to buy dumplings can depend on the type of dumplings you want to make. For example, dumplings with fresh summer vegetables are best made in the summer months when those vegetables are in season.

Choose the best

The most common ways to find dumplings in commerce include fresh, frozen, and canned. Fresh dumplings can often be found in the refrigerated section of grocery stores or at specialty Asian markets. Frozen dumplings can also be found in grocery stores or Asian markets, and canned dumplings are available at some specialty food stores.

The most popular varieties of dumplings in commerce include Chinese dumplings (jiaozi), Japanese dumplings (gyoza), Korean dumplings (mandu), and Eastern European dumplings (pierogi). The most prized varieties can depend on personal taste, but some popular choices include pork and chive jiaozi, shrimp and pork gyoza, kimchi mandu, and potato and cheese pierogi.

When buying dumplings, look for those with thin, delicate wrappers that are not too thick or chewy. The filling should be moist and flavorful, and the dumpling should be well-sealed so that the filling does not leak out during cooking. If buying frozen or canned dumplings, check the expiration date and make sure that the packaging is intact and undamaged.

Alternatives to dumplings

Some common alternatives to dumplings include rice dishes, noodles, pasta such as ravioli and tortellini, and other types of filled pastries such as empanadas, pierogi, or turnovers.