Got a sudden craving for dim sum, but don't have the time (or the energy) to spend hours in the kitchen? We've been there. Recreating the authentic taste of restaurant-style steamed dumplings at home can quickly become a challenge. Faced with ever-expanding frozen food aisles, it's tough to separate the good from the not-so-good.
Our mission: to help you navigate the options. This guide was created by our experts to give you practical advice and reliable benchmarks for choosing the frozen Asian dumplings that will turn your meal into a true feast, hassle-free.
Before we get to our top picks, here are a few key things to check to make the right choice when shopping online.
The term "Asian dumpling" covers a vast world of different specialities. Among the most popular are Siu Mai and Xiao Long Bao.
Once you have these differences in mind, you can choose the Asian steamed dumplings that truly match your current cravings.
The key to a great dumpling is the perfect balance between the filling and the wrapper. Take a few seconds to decode the ingredient list. A generous filling, recognisable ingredients, and the shortest possible list of additives are always good signs.
For fans of classic flavours, pork and shrimp dumplings offer a much-loved combination. Also, check the origin of the meat, which can be a deciding factor for many consumers.
The biggest advantage of frozen Chinese dumplings is, of course, how incredibly convenient they are. Most are designed to be steamed, which is the ideal method for preserving textures and flavours. In just a few minutes, you can enjoy an effortless frozen Asian appetiser or main course. Simply check that the cooking instructions are clear and compatible with your kitchen equipment.
Here are a few recommended options, chosen for their flavour profile and convenience.
Why we love it Lee's delivers a very faithful version of traditional Hong Kong Siu Mai. The filling is made with 65% pork, onions, and a classic seasoning of soy sauce and sesame oil. Its generous 48-piece pack is perfect for family meals or gatherings with friends.
Highlights
Who is it for? For large gatherings and hosts of dinner parties. It's the perfect choice for recreating a dim sum restaurant atmosphere at home, without having to count every bite.
Why we love it Freshasia's promise: authentic flavours. These Xiao Long Bao follow the traditional recipe to guarantee that famous burst of broth in your mouth. The filling contains 30% pork, shiitake mushrooms, and water chestnuts for a rich and varied texture.
Highlights
Who is it for? For foodies and the curious who want to experience (or re-experience) the unique delight of Xiao Long Bao without attempting a complex homemade version.
Why we love it A product with French roots! The French company Hoa Nam focuses on local sourcing with these dumplings, combining 30% French-origin pork and 13% shrimp. This is a real bonus for those who pay attention to where their ingredients come from. The pork-shrimp combination is a true classic for pork and shrimp dumplings, loved for its complementary flavours.
Highlights
Who is it for? For those who prioritise French-origin meat and are looking for the classic, comforting flavour of pork-shrimp Siu Mai in a family-sized pack.
Why we love it Sticking with Hoa Nam, this product once again showcases French-origin pork. These Shanghai-style dumplings are an excellent alternative for fans of the brand. The filling is made of pork, cabbage, leeks, and water chestnuts, creating a very comforting result.
Highlights
Who is it for? For those who want Xiao Long Bao with the guarantee of French meat and a generous vegetable filling, perfect for a simple and tasty meal.
If our selection has whetted your appetite but you're looking for something else, our catalogue is full of specialities. For fans of pork prepared in all its forms, many other options await.
Discover our full range of pork dishes for more variety.
Without a doubt: steam them! It's the method that best preserves textures and flavours. Bring water to a boil in your steamer (or a pot with a suitable basket). Place the still-frozen dumplings inside, making sure to space them out so they don't stick together. Cover and cook for the time indicated on the package (often between 8 and 12 minutes). They are ready when the wrapper becomes slightly translucent and they are heated through to the core.
It's all in the shape and the surprise inside! Siu Mai is an open-topped dumpling that beautifully displays its solid filling (meat, vegetables...). Xiao Long Bao, on the other hand, is a completely sealed dumpling that hides a secret: a delicious broth that liquefies during cooking and floods the palate. It's the famous "soup dumpling."
A good online Asian food supplier is recognisable by the quality of its selection and the transparency of its product information (origin, composition, etc.). Platforms like Joybuy are committed to offering a wide choice of frozen Asian specialities, including many types of frozen dim sum, delivered right to your door. The goal is to allow you to plan your meals with complete confidence, using well-sourced and clearly described products.