Frozen Asian Dumplings Buyer’s Guide: Top Picks and Tips

By Joybuy, Your Product InsiderPublished on: 2026-07-10

Craving the flavours of Asia without spending hours in the kitchen? Recreating the pleasure of a restaurant-quality dim sum assortment can be a real challenge. Fortunately, frozen Asian dumplings are here to save the day. They are the perfect solution for enjoying gourmet bites that are ready in minutes.

But with ever-expanding freezer aisles, how do you make the right choice? This guide is here to help you decode the labels and find the hidden gems that will elevate everything from impromptu dinners to get-togethers with friends.

How to Choose the Best Frozen Asian Dumplings

To ensure you pick a winner, a few simple criteria make all the difference. They'll help you read between the lines on the packaging and choose the dumplings that truly suit your taste.

1. Gyoza, Siu Mai, Hakao: Know Your Dumpling

The term "Asian dumpling" is a broad catch-all. To get a clearer picture, here are the three stars of the frozen food aisle:

• Gyoza: Hailing from Japan, this half-moon dumpling (often filled with pork or vegetables) has a secret: a two-step cooking process. First pan-fried for a crispy bottom, then steamed for a tender centre. Frozen gyoza are the kings of textural contrast.
• Siu Mai: A classic steamed dumpling from Cantonese cuisine, recognisable by its small, open-basket shape. The filling (most often pork and shrimp) is simply wrapped in a thin wheat dough. Pork siu mai is a cornerstone of any good dim sum spread.
• Hakao: The star of shrimp dumplings. Its wheat starch-based dough becomes translucent when cooked, offering a glimpse of the filling inside. Steamed exclusively, shrimp hakao are prized for their delicate, supple, and slightly chewy texture.

2. Decode the Filling's Ingredients

A dumpling's quality is all in the filling. A quick glance at the ingredients list is often enough to separate the best from the rest. The key criterion? The percentage of the premium ingredient (meat, shrimp, vegetables). The higher it is, the more generous and flavourful the bite will be. For example, a siu mai with over 70% pork or a hakao exceeding 35% shrimp are tell-tale signs of quality.

3. Choose Based on the Cooking Method

Heads up: each dumpling has a preferred cooking method for perfect results.

• Steaming: Essential for hakao and siu mai. It's the only method that preserves their delicate and tender texture.
• Pan-Frying (fry-steam technique): Reserved for gyoza! This is what gives them their signature crispy base and juicy filling.
• In a Broth: Perfect for turning a simple soup into a complete meal. Some dumplings are designed to be boiled directly in it.

In any case, checking the package instructions is a must to ensure you get it right.

Frozen Asian Dumpling Recommendations

After reviewing dozens of options, here are the products that truly caught our attention for their quality and taste.

Foo Seng Réunion Island Pork Siu Mai 400 g

Why It Stands Out This pork siu mai sets a very high bar with its ingredients. Consider this: 74.2% pork (EU origin) makes for an ultra-generous and flavourful filling. The recipe from French manufacturer FOO SENG is perfectly seasoned with kaffir lime leaf and a hint of chilli.

Key Strengths

• Extremely generous pork content.
• Aromatic and zesty seasoning.
• Versatile: can be steamed, pan-fried, or added to soup.

Who Is It For? For lovers of traditional dim sum looking for a pork dumpling with a hearty bite and a bold flavour.

See the product on Joybuy.fr

AJINOMOTO Prawn Gyoza 30 Pieces 600 g

Why It Stands Out The leading brand AJINOMOTO delivers frozen gyoza with a well-balanced filling: 21% prawns and a mix of crisp vegetables (cabbage, carrots). The large 600 g pack (30 pieces) is perfect for large gatherings. Their shape is optimised for pan-frying, guaranteeing a perfectly golden-brown and crispy base.

Key Strengths

• Balanced filling of prawns and vegetables.
• Economical 30-piece value pack.
• Perfect for the fry-steam cooking method.

Who Is It For? Ideal for family meals or appetisers. A great fit for those who enjoy the contrasting texture of gyoza and delicate seafood flavours.

See the product on Joybuy.fr

Foo Seng Shrimp Dumplings (Hakao) 400 g

Why It Stands Out French manufacturer FOO SENG confirms its expertise with this masterful take on the shrimp hakao. The generous filling contains 37.2% shrimp and bamboo shoots for an added crunch. We're delighted to see the famous crystal-clear dough that turns translucent when cooked—a true hallmark of authenticity.

Key Strengths

• High shrimp content.
• Authentic texture with crystal dough and bamboo shoots.
• Specially designed for steaming.

Who Is It For? For dim sum purists seeking an authentic hakao experience with its supple texture and delicate shrimp filling.

See the product on Joybuy.fr

AJINOMOTO Vegetable Gyoza 600 g

Why It Stands Out Finally, a vegetarian option that doesn't sacrifice on flavour! These vegetable gyoza feature a rich filling made of 51% vegetables (cabbage, onion, carrot, chives) and soy protein. The seasoning (soy sauce, rice wine) gives them a deep, savoury umami flavour.

Key Strengths

• Vegetable-rich vegetarian option.
• Pronounced umami taste.
• Convenient 600 g pack.

Who Is It For? For vegetarians, flexitarians, or anyone looking for a lighter, plant-based alternative without sacrificing the indulgence of a great gyoza.

See the product on Joybuy.fr

Ready to Explore More Asian Flavours?

Our selection is just a taste of the options available for a quick and exotic meal. From spring rolls and yakitori skewers to ready-made curries, the choice is vast for mixing things up.

To complete your menu or discover other gems, explore our dedicated section.

Discover Our Range of Thai and Asian Food Products

Your Questions, Answered

How do I cook frozen dumplings perfectly?

It's very simple, as everything is done without thawing. Here are the three main techniques:

1. Pan-Frying (for gyoza): Add a drizzle of hot oil, brown one side, add a splash of water, cover, and let the steam work its magic for 3 to 5 minutes. Crispy-tender texture guaranteed!
2. Steaming (for hakao and siu mai): Arrange the dumplings in a steamer basket over simmering water. Allow 8 to 10 minutes for perfect cooking.
3. Boiling in Water or Broth: Drop the dumplings into a large pot of boiling water. They are cooked when they float to the surface (about 4-5 minutes). The golden rule: always check the cooking instructions on the package.

What's the difference between gyoza and dim sum?

Dim sum isn't a dish, but a style of eating! It's a Cantonese meal made up of a multitude of small portions, similar to Spanish tapas. It can include steamed bites (siu mai, hakao), fried items, buns, and more. Gyoza, on the other hand, is a specific type of Japanese dumpling. It can be part of a dim sum spread, but it's just one of many possibilities.

Should I thaw the dumplings before cooking?

Absolutely not! This is the golden rule. You must cook frozen Asian dumplings straight from the freezer. If you thaw them, the dough will soften, become sticky, and tear during cooking. For a perfect texture, go directly from the freezer to the pot (or pan).