Choosing Chinese snacks and dim sum: a practical guide for home

Buying Chinese snacks and dim sum in the Netherlands may seem straightforward, until you have to choose between steamed bites, snacks from China, desserts and hotpot ingredients. Packaging often highlights flavour, convenience or “traditional” preparation, but the information you need is usually printed in smaller text: allergens, preparation method, serving size and storage temperature.

This guide helps you compare Chinese snacks using verifiable product information. That way, you can avoid a disappointing purchase and choose something suited to a quick meal, drinks and nibbles, a bento, dessert or a hotpot evening.

Common pitfalls when buying Chinese snacks

1. “Ready immediately” does not always mean ready to eat

Frozen dim sum products generally fall into two categories:

• Ready to eat, such as some packaged snacks and mochi.
• Raw or partially prepared, meaning they must be steamed, boiled, baked or deep-fried.

A product such as glutinous rice siu mai must be steamed straight from the freezer according to the cooking instructions and must not be eaten raw. Tang yuan rice balls are also often sold as a frozen raw product. They are ready when they float to the surface, but should then be boiled for a little longer.

2. A large pack is not automatically better value

A 500-gram pack may seem appealing for a family or party, but check the following first:

• the number of pieces;
• the serving size;
• whether you can store the pack again after opening;
• whether the product is suitable for your chosen cooking method.

An assortment containing har gow prawn dumplings, siu mai and xiao long bao offers variety, but may be less suitable when cooking for a large group because of the allergens involved.

3. “Authentic” means little without an ingredients list

Terms such as authentic Chinese snacks or traditional dim sum are no substitute for specific information. Check the ingredients. For har gow prawn dumplings, the percentage of prawn is relevant. In siu mai, rice, vegetables, pork or beef may be the main ingredients. Also check whether the flavour mainly comes from sauce, sugar, salt or flavour enhancers.

Which specifications should you check?

Preparation method and time required

For convenience, cooking from frozen and clear cooking times are important considerations. For example, Freshasia Handmade Glutinous Rice Siu Mai specifies 8 to 10 minutes of steaming after the water has come to the boil. According to the product information, Delico Cha Sieuw Bao also requires approximately 8 to 10 minutes of steaming.

Pay attention to the difference between:

• steaming in a basket;
• boiling in water;
• baking in the oven or air fryer;
• deep-frying;
• briefly heating in hotpot broth.

Gyoza dumplings can be fried or prepared in another way, depending on the instructions on the packaging. Sanquan mini fried dough sticks are intended to be cooked from frozen in the oven, air fryer or deep fryer.

Frozen chain and storage

Frozen dim sum should generally be stored at -18 °C or below. Check on delivery that the packaging and contents are still properly frozen. Many products must not be refrozen after thawing. Some products need to be kept chilled and consumed within a specified period.

Plan your purchase as follows:

1. First choose when you intend to prepare the product.
2. Put it straight into the freezer.
3. Take only the required quantity out of the pack.
4. Follow the instructions on the label rather than relying solely on the general preparation method given in a recipe.

Allergens and nutritional information

Chinese snacks regularly contain wheat/gluten, soya, sesame, egg, milk, peanuts, fish or shellfish. Har gow prawn dumplings, for example, contain shellfish and sesame. Sui mai with vegetables may still contain wheat and soya. Always check the current packaging, particularly if you have allergies or follow a vegetarian diet.

Nutritional value remains important even for snacks described as “non-fried”. The product information for Chacha Crispy non-fried crisps states that the snacks are not deep-fried, but also lists a nutritional value of 502 kcal and 25 grams of fat per 100 grams. “Not deep-fried” therefore does not automatically mean light or low in calories.

Recommended choices for different types of user

Suitable for: Budget-conscious beginners

Ajinomoto Gyoza Pork Dumplings - 30 pcs

Why it suits this profile: A pack of 30 pieces is practical for trying gyoza dumplings for the first time, preparing a quick meal or cooking in a student room with limited kitchen space.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The number of pieces is clearly stated. The ingredients and allergen information include 19% pork, wheat, gluten and soya.

Main benefit & advantages

30 pieces per pack; vegetables make up 31% of the stated composition; suitable for frozen storage.

Suitable for: Shoppers looking for premium quality

delico Dim Sum Assortment 360g

Why it suits this profile: Ideal for anyone wanting to create a varied dim sum experience at home with har gow, beef siu mai, pork siu mai and xiao long bao.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product information specifies the varieties and meat or prawn content. The label also lists wheat, shellfish, sesame and soya as allergens.

Main benefit & advantages

Four varieties in one box; 360 grams in total; suitable for steaming straight from the freezer.

Suitable for: Specific uses & frequent users

Freshasia Hot Pot Shabu Shabu Mini Fried dough stick 225g

Why it suits this profile: Designed for hotpot lovers looking for an ingredient that quickly absorbs broth and can be added one bite at a time.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The preparation method is specific: do not thaw, but simmer in hot broth for 1 to 2 minutes. The product contains raw flour and must be heated thoroughly.

Main benefit & advantages

225 grams; mini size; wheat flour as the main ingredient; suitable for hotpot and soup.

Chinese desserts and snacks for different occasions

For a sweet dessert, consider mochi, egg yolk pastry or tang yuan rice balls. Bestore Baobao Mochi Pastry comes in four flavours and is supplied ready to eat. Check the listed ingredients, including milk, soya, wheat and sweeteners such as maltitol.

Chinatown Glutinous Rice Balls are another option. The peanut and sesame or coconut varieties are boiled in water. With the peanut variety, pay particular attention to the peanut allergen. For drinks and nibbles, ready-to-eat snacks such as Wei Long Spicy Stick, Chinese crackers or brown sugar pastry twists are more convenient. These products do not need to be steamed, but do check the salt, sugar and serving size.

Frequently asked questions

How do you prepare frozen dim sum without the dough splitting?

Follow the temperature and cooking-time instructions on the packaging, and do not thaw the product unless this is recommended. Make sure the water is boiling before you start steaming. Leave enough space between the pieces so that the steam can circulate around them.

How long can you store Chinese snacks?

This varies by product. Store frozen products at -18 °C or below and follow the best-before date on the packaging. After thawing, products often must not be refrozen. Store dry snacks in a cool, dry place in a tightly sealed container. Once opened, their crisp texture may deteriorate more quickly.

Are Chinese snacks suitable for vegetarians?

Some are, but always check the ingredients. Freshasia glutinous rice siu mai contains rice, bamboo shoots, shiitake mushrooms and other vegetables, but also wheat and soya. Jin Mo Fang Vegetable Meat Rolls are made with soya protein, but may also contain wheat. A meat-free product is not automatically suitable for every allergy or dietary requirement.