Siu mai: a Chinatown ordering guide

What is it?

Siu mai, also written shumai or sui mai, is a name you may see in different spellings on menus. Cantonese versions are often open-topped and commonly use pork and shrimp, though recipes vary. The name is a starting point for a question, not a complete ingredient statement.

How it fits into a meal

The relatively substantial filling makes siu mai a useful contrast to a delicate translucent dumpling. Combine a portion with something that has a different texture, or share it alongside tea as part of a longer meal. Check the number of pieces before ordering enough for a group.

At the table or on the go

At a counter, point to the item if spelling differences make the menu confusing, then ask about the portion. At a restaurant, tell the server when you are still deciding so dishes do not arrive before the group agrees on the order. Try the dumpling on its own before choosing how much sauce you want.

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