Dumplings are a culinary delight that span countless cultures—whether it’s Chinese jiaozi, Japanese gyoza, or Nepalese momos, these little pockets of flavour are universally loved.While classic pork and chive or prawn and ginger are always crowd-pleasers, there’s a whole world of lesser-known dumpling fillings that offer a fresh twist on tradition. Here are 10 creative dumpling fillings you probably haven’t tried yet—but absolutely should.
- Lamb, Cumin & Caramelised Onion: Inspired by Northern Chinese flavours, this rich and savoury filling offers a bold departure from the usual pork or chicken. The earthiness of lamb is beautifully balanced with the warmth of cumin and the sweetness of caramelised onion.
- Spicy Kimchi & Tofu: For a vegetarian kick with a Korean twist, fermented kimchi and soft tofu come together for a filling that’s both tangy and satisfying. It’s got texture, heat, and a whole lot of umami.
- Pumpkin, Feta & Sage: This autumnal combination is more than just comforting—it’s downright gourmet. The creamy pumpkin contrasts perfectly with the saltiness of feta, and a hint of sage brings it all together in a warm, aromatic hug.
- Peking Duck & Hoisin: If you’re a fan of duck pancakes, you’ll love this dumpling version. Shredded Peking duck mixed with hoisin sauce, spring onion, and a touch of cucumber delivers a sweet-savory crunch with every bite.
- Coconut Chicken & Thai Basil: A fragrant, Southeast Asian-inspired blend, this filling combines poached chicken, creamy coconut milk, and Thai basil for a light yet flavour-packed dumpling that’s both unique and moreish.
- Beetroot, Goat’s Cheese & Walnut: Perfect for those after a vegetarian option that still packs a punch. The earthy beetroot, creamy goat’s cheese, and crunchy walnuts make for a sophisticated and slightly sweet filling that’s ideal steamed or pan-fried.
- Crab, Corn & Kaffir Lime: Seafood lovers, take note. This tropical twist on the traditional seafood dumpling includes sweet corn, flaky crab meat, and a burst of citrus from finely shredded kaffir lime leaves. It’s like summer in a bite.
- Miso Eggplant & Shiitake Mushroom: This Japanese-inspired filling is both hearty and deeply savoury. The miso-glazed eggplant melts into the meaty texture of shiitake mushrooms, delivering a plant-based umami bomb that’s great for steaming.
- Char Siu Jackfruit: Looking for a plant-based alternative that doesn’t skimp on flavour? This BBQ-style filling uses young jackfruit marinated in a sticky, smoky char siu sauce for a vegan-friendly dumpling with serious bite.
- Sweet Potato, Black Bean & Chipotle: Combining Latin flavours with an Asian format, this fusion filling features sweet potato mash, black beans, and chipotle chilli for a smoky, slightly spicy dumpling that’s as comforting as it is bold.
Dumplings are the ultimate food playground, and trying unconventional fillings is a great way to explore bold new flavours
Whether you’re a home cook looking to experiment or a foodie keen on discovering new favourites, be adventurous—you just might find your next obsession wrapped in a delicate dough parcel. For those who want to skip the cooking and dive straight into the deliciousness, check out the unique dumpling menu at House Of Yum Cha—where traditional technique meets inspired flavour.
