Frozen Asian Delicacies Buyer’s Guide: Quality Picks for Every Taste

By the Joybuy product experts

Craving an impromptu Asian appetiser spread or a quick dinner without sacrificing flavour? The frozen Asian food aisle is brimming with promise, but it's often hard to navigate. Between spring rolls, dumplings, and steamed bites, how do you make the right choice to bring authentic flavours home?

Our goal: to bring you some clarity. We've scrutinised the best products on the market based on ingredient quality, ease of preparation, and, of course, taste. Follow this guide to simplify your next shopping trip and delight your guests (or yourself) with ease.

How to Choose the Best Frozen Asian Appetisers??

Before you fill your basket, keep these criteria in mind. They'll help you find the products that meet your expectations, whether for an Asian appetiser spread or a quick meal on the go.

1. Decode the Ingredient List

The quality of a prepared food product is judged first and foremost by its composition. For frozen shrimp dumplings or steamed shrimp bites, check the percentage of shrimp in the filling: a high percentage is an excellent indicator. Opt for short, clear ingredient lists without unnecessary additives. A good product highlights its premium ingredients (meat, shrimp, vegetables) rather than a long list of flavour enhancers or preservatives.

2. Know Your Dim Sum

The term "dim sum" covers a wide variety of small bites. Understanding their specific characteristics will help you choose according to your taste:

• Spring rolls and egg rolls?: Usually fried, they offer a distinctly crispy texture. Frozen chicken spring rolls are a timeless classic.
• Ha Kao (shrimp dumplings)?: These steamed dumplings are recognisable by their thin, translucent wrapper made from wheat starch. The filling is traditionally made of shrimp and bamboo shoots.
• Siu Mai (or Ha Mai/shrimp dumplings)?: Also steamed, these frozen siu mai are shaped like a small, open-topped purse. Their wrapper is made from wheat flour, and the filling often combines pork and shrimp.

3. Match the Size to the Occasion

Packaging sizes vary from one brand to another. For a solo dinner or a meal for two, a 10-piece bag is ideal. If you're hosting an appetiser party, opt for more generous sizes of 20 pieces or more. Planning ahead will help you avoid waste while ensuring you have the right amount. This is an important point, especially when you decide to buy Asian appetisers online.

Our Selection of the Best Frozen Asian Delicacies

To put theory into practice, here is a selection of products that check all the boxes. Offered by the specialist SFPA, these options are praised for their consistent quality and authentic flavours.

SFPA Chicken Spring Rolls (10 Pieces, 380g)

Why this product stands out?: These chicken spring rolls follow the classic recipe that made them a success. The rice paper wrapper turns golden and crispy when cooked, while the filling remains tender. The balance between the chicken and vegetables (carrots, onions, black mushrooms) offers a familiar and comforting flavour.

Advantages?:

• Dual texture?: A perfect contrast between the crispy wrapper and the tender filling.
• Balanced flavour?: The seasoning is just right, without overpowering the taste of the ingredients.
• Convenient size?: The 10-piece bag is perfect for a meal for 2 to 3 people.

Who is it for?? Ideal for those looking for a reliable choice for an appetiser or a starter. It's a classic that the whole family will enjoy.

SFPA Shrimp Ha Kao (20 Pieces, 560g)

Why this product stands out?: These frozen ha kao are an excellent introduction to the world of steamed dim sum. The thin, delicate wrapper becomes translucent after cooking, revealing the filling inside. The combination of shrimp and crunchy bamboo shoots provides a particularly pleasant texture.

Advantages?:

• Authentic flavour?: The taste of shrimp is prominent, subtly enhanced by sesame oil.
• Delicate texture?: The thin wrapper and melt-in-your-mouth filling are the hallmark of quality ha kao.
• Steamed preparation?: A lighter option than fried foods, ready in just a few minutes.

Who is it for?? Perfect for fans of Cantonese cuisine and those who want to host a dim sum meal at home. The 20-piece size is ideal for sharing.

Shrimp Dumplings (Siu Mai) SFPA (20 Pieces, 440g)

Why this product stands out?: These steamed shrimp dumplings stand out for their generous filling, which contains 58% shrimp. This composition ensures an intense seafood flavour and a texture that is both firm and tender. The small, cup-like shape, typical of siu mai, makes for a bite that is as beautiful as it is delicious.

Advantages?:

• High shrimp content?: A rich filling that guarantees a pronounced taste.
• Rich texture?: The combination of shrimp, bamboo, and pork fat offers a very satisfying chew.
• A dim sum staple?: A must-have for recreating the Cantonese restaurant experience.

Who is it for?? Aimed at connoisseurs looking for a steamed bite with character and a strong shrimp presence. It's an excellent choice for creating a dim sum assortment.

Want to Explore Other Flavours??

Our selection highlights the most popular products, but the world of frozen Asian starters is much vaster. Feel free to explore pork dumplings, vegetarian bites, or other regional specialities.

To find the products that perfectly match your cravings, browse our full range.

Discover our complete selection of frozen foods

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. How do you cook frozen spring rolls to make them really crispy?? For optimal results, baking in the oven or using an air fryer is ideal. Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F), place the still-frozen spring rolls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and cook for 15 to 20 minutes, flipping them halfway through. Pan-frying with a drizzle of oil also works very well. However, avoid the microwave, as it will make them lose all their crispiness.

2. What's the difference between ha kao and siu mai?? Although both are steamed dumplings, their composition and shape differ. Ha kao are closed dumplings with a translucent, starch-based wrapper, primarily filled with shrimp. Siu mai are open-topped dumplings with an opaque, yellow, wheat-flour-based wrapper, and their filling is often a mix of pork and shrimp.

3. Can you buy quality Asian appetisers online?? Absolutely. To buy Asian appetisers online and enjoy a delicious meal, the secret is to choose your platform wisely. Favour sites that partner with renowned manufacturers like SFPA and guarantee strict adherence to the cold chain during delivery. Remember to read the descriptions and ingredient lists carefully to make the right choice, just as you would in a store.