Legend has it that Chinese dumplings were first created not by a chef or a home cook, but by a pharmacologist and physician, called Zhang Zhongjian. During the Han Dynasty, which began in 206 BCE, one bitter winter led many villagers to develop frostbite injuries around their ears. Zhongjian noticed this, and in a bid to cure their ills, he allegedly cooked meat with herbs (which are used widely in traditional Chinese medicine), and then wrapped them up in dough scraps, before folding them to look like ears.
It’s unknown if Zhongjian’s recipe actually helped to heal any of the villager’s frostbitten skin, but it’s likely the food—now known as dumplings—went down as a treat, because it’s still popular today. And not just in China, but around the world. Here’s everything you need to know about dumplings, including how to get your hands on vegan versions and how to make them yourself.
Table of Contents
What are dumplings?
Dumplings are a very simple food. Just like Zhongjian’s alleged first creation, in Asian cuisine, they usually consist of dough (often just made with flour, water, and salt), which is then folded around a wide variety of ingredients. They can be sweet or savory, and while many choose seafood or meat to fill their dumplings, they are just as delicious with simple vegetables or tofu. Dumplings are not always cooked in the same way; depending on the type of texture you’re after, they can be fried, steamed, or boiled.
Types of dumplings
The world is filled with many, many different types of dumplings. Shui Jiao dumplings, for example, are popular across Asia, and they’re usually boiled. In a dim sum restaurant, however, you’ll often find Xiaolongbao dumplings. These are usually packed with pork (although, these days, you can find many varieties on menus) and served in a steaming basket made with bamboo.
Pan-fried dumplings are another option, and, in northern China, where they originated, they are usually called guotie dumplings. But in the US, you’ll often hear them referred to as “potstickers” (so-called because when they are fried, they stick to the side of the pot, or, more often, the wok). Wonton dumplings are usually served in soup, while gyoza dumplings, another popular option in the US, originated in Japan, and are similar to potstickers.
But while Asian varieties are incredibly popular, dumplings are not exclusive to the east. Traditional Polish dumplings, for example, are called pierogi. In Italy, there’s ravioli. And in Germany, kartoffelklöße refers to potato dumplings. In Britain, dumplings are usually made with suet dough and served with stew.
Are dumplings vegan?
While many different cultures and countries serve dumplings, here, we will focus on the much-loved Asian varieties. And good news, because the dough is usually just made with flour, water, and salt, it’s easy to make them vegan. The key is in the filling.
Pork, shrimp, and beef, for example, are popular fillings, but because they are all animal products, they are (of course) not vegan. That said, vegetarian meat (often labeled as mock meat) has been served across Asia for centuries, which means that it’s possible to find vegan meat dumplings on restaurant menus. Other common vegan dumpling fillings include carrots, onions, mushrooms, ginger, cabbage, tofu, and garlic.
Brands that make vegan dumplings
It’s easier than ever to stock up your fridge, freezer, or pantry with vegan dumplings, so the next time a craving hits, you’re ready to go. Here are some of our favorite options.
@dinasdumpling
1 Dina’s Dumpling
If you’ve got an event coming up, Dina’s Dumpling’s food truck is guaranteed to keep all of your guests well-fed and satisfied. But you don’t have to throw a party to enjoy its dumpling delights. Those who live near Pasadena, CA can also order Dina’s Dumpling for delivery. Try the Frozen Vegan Dumpings, which are packed with purple and green cabbage, wood ear and shiitake mushrooms, and organic tofu.
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King’s Dumplings
2 King’s Dumplings
Described by Good Rebel Vegan as “chewy little pillows of deliciousness,” these savory dumplings are packed with vegetables, such as bok choy, carrots, and mushrooms, but they also feature vegan minced beef. So, if you grew up loving meaty dumplings, this is the choice for you. For optimal taste, serve with hoisin sauce for dipping.
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Nasoya
3 Nasoya
Available from major grocery store chains like Kroger and Walmart, the tofu brand Nasoya offers a few different tasty, vegan dumplings. Depending on your personal preference, the brand offers a Thai Basil option, as well as Korean Barbeque. There’s also the simple (but just as delicious) Tofu Vegetable Dumplings.
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Dumpling Daughter
4 Dumpling Daughter
Nadia Liu Spellman grew up on dumplings. According to the founder and CEO of Dumpling Daughter, both her mother and grandmother were keen home cooks, and their best, most comforting recipes always involved dumplings. Spellman is now an expert on dumplings, and she loves them so much, she made them her career.
If you live near Cambridge, Weston, or Brookline in Massachusetts, you can pop in and enjoy the Dumpling Daughter experience firsthand. But if you don’t live nearby, you don’t have to miss out. The chain’s online store offers several vegan options. If you’re catering for a few, you could try the Vegan’s Dream selection, which comes complete with Mixed Vegetable Buns, Mixed Vegetable Dumplings, Red Bean Puree Buns, and Spicy Sweet Soy.
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Mooshu
5 Mooshu
Based in Ottawa, Canada, Mooshu’s main thing is tasty ice cream (you have to try the vegan Dalgona & Coffee). But its delicious vegan frozen dumplings are also available to order online. Depending on your individual preference, there are a few different options to try, including cabbage & shiitake, curried sweet potato, and spicy cumin and lentil.
Check it out
Vegan dumpling restaurants
Want the full restaurant experience? All of these eateries in New York and Los Angeles offer delicious vegan dumplings. Once you’ve tried them, you’ll be totally obsessed.
Inomomi Vegan
1 Inomomi Vegan
Based in and around greater Los Angeles, pop-up Inomoni is a must-try for all southern California foodies. Its dumpling menu goes above and beyond the standard veggie-filled dumplings (although these certainly have their place). Try Vegan Crystal Shrimp dumplings, or if you’re feeling really adventurous, give the Crispy Lobster-less Cheeze Wontons a taste. You won’t regret it.
Check it out
Vegan Glory
2 Vegan Glory
Also in Los Angeles, you can order a delicious banquet from Thai-Asian restaurant Vegan Glory. The Veggie Dumplings are, of course, a must. But treat yourself to a mouthwatering vegan feast by accompanying them with Citrus Soy Pork Spareribs, Golden Tofu, Beef Jerky, and Chicken Satay.
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Vegetarian Dim Sum House
3 Vegetarian Dim Sum House
Shark fin is a Chinese delicacy, but due to its impact on shark populations, the real thing has been heavily criticized. Instead, partake in tradition without the actual animal, by ordering Vegetarian Dim Sum House’s shark fin dumplings. But if that’s not your style, the New York-based eatery also offers a mock shrimp filling, as well as spinach and watercress.
Check it out
@spicymooonnyc
4Spicy Moon
Spicy Moon has two New York locations, in the East Village and in the West Village. Everything on the menu is animal-free, and its best-sellers include its handmade steamed vegetable dumplings and its wonton in chili oil. The mapo tofu is also a must-try.
Check it out
@dumplingmannyc/Instagram
5 Dumpling Man
With fresh, authentic ingredients, Dumpling Man is, arguably, one of New York’s best eateries to visit when a dumpling craving hits. Its Veggie Dumplings are filled with a blend of wheat protein and soft and firm tofu, as well as mushrooms, sesame oil, jicama, and bok choy.
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How to make vegan dumplings
When it comes to making dumplings from home, you have a couple of options. You can make life really easy for yourself by buying dumpling wrappers from the store. Or, if you’ve got the time, the energy, and the desire, you can make the dough from home. After that, all you need to do is choose your filling. Stir-fried vegetables are a classic, or you could add vegan meat (Omnipork is a great choice!). After that, fold in the filling and cook. For more guidance, we’ve gathered these vegan dumpling recipes for you to try.
Vegan dumpling recipes
Hannah Kaminsky
1 Vegan Chicken Dumpling
Simple, yet incredibly tasty. When you’re feeling like fakeaway, cook up some of these delicious dim-sum dumplings with your favorite vegan chicken. For that authentic Chinese takeout flavor, add five-spice and hoisin sauce.
Get the recipe
Good Old Vegan/@chez.jorge
2 Pan Fried Dumplings
Potstickers are always a crowd-pleaser. If you’re hosting guests, fill these tasty parcels up with meaty TVP, shiitake mushrooms, and plenty of shredded cabbage. They taste just like regular pork and vegetable dumplings!
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Red House Spice
3 Dumplings with Spicy Dipping Sauce
If you love your dumplings with a touch of heat on the side, make this flavorful dipping sauce with chili flakes and ground Sichuan pepper. It’s so good, soon you’ll be serving it on the side of everything you cook.
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East Meets Kitchen
4 Vegan Pork and Cabbage Dumplings
While dumplings can contain many different fillings, pork is one of the most traditional. Stick to the original with this vegan pork and cabbage dumpling recipe, which, again, uses TVP.
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Rabbits and Wolves
5 Sesame Tofu Dumplings
For extra crunch, add nutritious sesame seeds to your dumplings. They complement crumbled tofu and delicious green onions perfectly. And don’t forget the sweet chili dip!
Get the recipe
For more on vegan food, read:
Charlotte is a writer and editor based in sunny Southsea on England’s southern coast.
