Shumai

Shrimp shaomais by Stewart at Din Tai Fung in Taipei

烧麦

HK Sheung Wan morning tea Dim Sum 燒賣 Shaomai n Glass bowl Feb-2012

Siomay

Siomai

Bánh mì xíu mại-meatball-sandwich

Shumai (also spelled siu mai, shao mai, and other variations) is a type of traditional Chinese dumpling that has become popular in other parts of Asia and within Western countries. Originating from China, shumai is a staple of dim sum, the Chinese cuisine tradition of small, bite-sized portions of food served in small steamer baskets or on small plates.

History

The origins of shumai can be traced back to the Ming dynasty in China, where it was initially served as a snack in tea houses in the Guangdong province. It is believed that shumai evolved from a type of traditional Chinese dumpling known as "shāomài", which was filled with minced meat, shrimp, or other ingredients. Over time, shumai has spread to other regions of China and has been adapted into various local cuisines, each with its own unique ingredients and preparation methods.

Ingredients and Preparation

The classic filling for shumai consists of a mixture of ground pork, shrimp, Chinese black mushroom, green onion, and seasonings such as soy sauce, sesame oil, and ginger. The filling is wrapped in a thin sheet of dough, traditionally made from wheat flour, and the top is usually left open, exposing the filling. This open top is sometimes garnished with an orange dot, made from crab roe or carrot, which adds a colorful accent to the dish.

Shumai is typically steamed in a bamboo steamer, which gives it a distinctive texture and flavor. It can be served as part of a dim sum meal, alongside other dishes such as har gow (shrimp dumplings), char siu bao (barbecue pork buns), and egg tarts.

Variations

There are several regional variations of shumai across China and other parts of Asia. In Hong Kong, shumai is often made with a pork and shrimp filling and is a popular choice in dim sum restaurants. The Cantonese version is perhaps the most well-known internationally.

In Japan, a version called "shūmai" is popular, which often contains ground pork, minced onion, and is seasoned with soy sauce and other seasonings. Japanese shumai is typically served with mustard and soy sauce for dipping.

Other variations can be found in the Philippines, where it is known as "siomai", and in Thailand, where it has been adapted into local tastes and ingredients.

Cultural Significance

Shumai has become an integral part of Chinese culture and cuisine, symbolizing the rich culinary traditions of China. It is not only a popular dish in Chinese restaurants around the world but also a symbol of the Chinese tradition of sharing meals and enjoying a variety of dishes together.

See Also

• Dim sum
• Chinese cuisine
• Dumpling
• Cantonese cuisine

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