Joybuy Insights

Buying Chinese snacks and dim sum: a practical guide to making the right choice at home

Fancy Chinese snacks and dim sum, but not a freezer full of disappointing products? Online, many packages look alike. Yet flavour, preparation, portion size and allergen information can vary considerably. By checking a few key points, you can choose frozen dim sum, Chinese bao buns, Chinese dumplings or sweet Chinese snacks with greater confidence.

Common pitfalls when buying Chinese snacks and dim sum

1. Attractive packaging says little about the filling

Words such as “authentic”, “traditional” and “restaurant-style” do not automatically tell you how much meat, fish, vegetables or sweet filling a product contains. So check the ingredients list and percentages. For example, the delico Dim Sum Assortment lists 36% prawn in the Har Gow, 48% beef in the Beef Siu Mai and 55% pork in the Pork Siu Mai. That gives you more useful information than a product image alone.

2. Preparation times and methods are often underestimated

A steamed bun is not always ready to eat straight away. Some products need to be steamed from frozen, while other snacks must first be cooked in the oven, air fryer or frying pan. Thawing a product when this is not recommended can affect its texture. Also check whether the product needs to be heated all the way through. This is an important safety point for dim sum containing raw dough.

3. Allergens and storage requirements are not suitable for every kitchen

Many Chinese dumplings and Chinese bao buns contain wheat, soya and sesame. Products containing prawn may also contain crustaceans. Always read the label, particularly if you have an allergy or food intolerance. Frozen dim sum generally needs to be stored at -18 °C or below. Plan your order around your freezer space and delivery time, so the cold chain can be maintained as effectively as possible.

What should you look for when buying?

1. Filling and product type

First decide what you are looking for:

  • Savoury Chinese snacks: bao buns with pork, chicken, prawn, mushroom or bamboo shoot.
  • Chinese dumplings: such as Har Gow, Siu Mai and Xiao Long Bao.
  • Steamed buns: soft buns with savoury or sweet fillings.
  • Sweet Chinese snacks: custard buns, sesame balls with red bean paste and pastries with egg yolk.
  • Ready-to-eat snacks: meat floss buns, pastries or crispy dough products that can be eaten straight away.

Next, compare the filling percentage, net weight and number of portions. A large pack is not automatically better value if you need to consume the product quickly after opening it.

2. Cooking from frozen

Pay attention to the exact instructions:

  • Steaming: suitable for bao buns and much of the dim sum range. Leave space between the buns so the steam can circulate.
  • Pan-frying: suitable for layered pancakes and some dough products.
  • Oven, air fryer or deep-frying: often intended for crispy Asian snacks.
  • Ready to eat: for example, certain Chinese snacks and pastries.

Follow the timings and temperatures on the packaging. According to the product information, the SAN QUAN Custard Bun needs to be steamed from frozen for 10 to 12 minutes. The KUNGFU Juicy Bao Pork & Prawn states that it should be steamed for 8 to 10 minutes once the water has come to the boil.

3. Nutritional value, ingredients and allergens

Use the nutritional information to compare products fairly. Values are usually given per 100 grams, while a pack may contain several portions. For example, according to the product information, the KUNGFU Juicy Bao Pork & Prawn contains 186 kcal, 10 grams of protein and 550 mg of sodium per 100 grams. The delico assortment pack lists 190 kcal and 1.1 grams of salt per 100 grams.

This is not a judgement on whether a product is suitable for a particular diet. It simply helps you choose an option that suits the occasion. Always check the current packaging before buying, as recipes and labelling may change.

Product choices for different types of shopper

Suitable for: Budget-conscious beginners
FRESHASIA Chinese Bun with Mushroom and Bamboo Shoot Filling 480g/Pack

FRESHASIA Chinese Bun with Mushroom and Bamboo Shoot Filling 480g/Pack

Why it suits this profile: An accessible pack for anyone who wants to try Chinese bao buns at home without having to combine different flavours. The buns are steamed from frozen.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product information specifies the filling percentages: 12% bamboo shoot and 10% mushroom. Storage at -18 °C and steaming from frozen are also clearly indicated.

Key benefit & advantages

480 grams per pack, a savoury mushroom and bamboo shoot filling, and suitable as a snack or quick meal.

Suitable for: Shoppers seeking premium quality
delico Dim Sum Assortment 360g

delico Dim Sum Assortment 360g

Why it suits this profile: A varied choice for a dim sum meal featuring several classic options, including Har Gow, Beef Siu Mai, Pork Siu Mai and Xiao Long Bao.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product information states the meat or prawn content for each variety and confirms that the products are individually quick-frozen. This makes it easier to plan your portions.

Key benefit & advantages

Four varieties in one pack, 360 grams, and suitable for steaming straight from frozen. Contains wheat, crustaceans, sesame and soya.

Suitable for: Specialist use & high-volume shoppers
Youchen Meat Floss Buns Original Flavour 2.5kg

Youchen Meat Floss Buns Original Flavour 2.5kg

Why it suits this profile: With 66 to 70 portions according to the product information, this large pack is designed for parties, tea breaks, families or business use.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The packaging, storage method and usage instructions are clearly described: ready to eat, store in a cool, dry place and seal securely after opening.

Key benefit & advantages

2.5 kg contents, individually wrapped buns, and suitable for breakfast, dessert or snack time. Contains wheat.

Suitable for: Lovers of sweet Chinese snacks
SAN QUAN Custard Bun 360g

SAN QUAN Custard Bun 360g

Why it suits this profile: A sweet steamed bun for breakfast, dessert or a relaxing tea break. The custard filling offers a different option from savoury bao buns.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The instructions specify steaming from frozen and consuming immediately after opening. Allergens such as wheat, egg, soya and milk are listed in the product information.

Key benefit & advantages

360 grams, 10 to 12 minutes of steaming and a sweet custard filling. The product information lists 251 kcal per 100 grams.

Looking for more options?

We have put together a complete, up-to-date list of products that fully meet these strict selection criteria and the applicable European safety regulations.

How to prepare dim sum at home

When steaming products, use a basket or steamer insert and make sure the buns are not touching each other. Bring the water to the boil first if the packaging instructs you to do so. After steaming, check that the filling is piping hot all the way through. Chinese snacks intended for the oven, air fryer or frying pan should be cooked according to the stated method; not every dough product is suitable for the same preparation method.

Return unused frozen products to -18 °C or below immediately. According to the packaging, thawed products often must not be refrozen. For the delico assortment pack, the product must also be stored in the refrigerator after thawing and consumed within 24 hours.

Frequently asked questions about Chinese snacks and dim sum

Which Chinese snacks are suitable for a quick meal?

Bao buns with savoury fillings, such as mushroom and bamboo shoot or pork and prawn, are practical when all you need to do is steam them. For a meal, you can combine several varieties with pak choi, cucumber, edamame or a simple dipping sauce.

How long can you keep frozen dim sum?

Follow the best-before date and storage instructions on the packaging. Many products must be kept continuously at -18 °C or below. Once thawed, the storage time varies from product to product. Refreezing is not recommended for several items.

Are Chinese dumplings and bao buns suitable for the air fryer?

Not as standard. Dumplings and bao buns are often designed for steaming, while dough snacks such as fried dough sticks may offer several preparation methods. Only use an air fryer when this is explicitly stated on the packaging.