Dim Sum Guide

If dim sum were to have a popularity contest, har gow would place first, and then siu mai would come in at a close second. These cylindrical dumplings, known in Mandarin Chinese as shaomai, are wrapped around the sides with a lye water dough, exposing the shrimp or pork filling above and below.

The most common siu mai found in dim sum have a filling that consists of ground pork, chopped shrimp, Chinese mushrooms, and scallions; the medley is seasoned with ginger, rice wine, soy sauce, and sesame oil, then wrapped and garnished with an orange dot.