In Chinese cuisine, Dim sum is characterized by small, bite-sized dishes such as dumplings, bun, and rolls  

It encompasses both sweet and savory treats with a diverse range of textures. 

Shumai and Har Gow are both types of traditional Chinese dumplings which are part of dim sum.  

They are both steamed dumplings which are filled with shrimp and a variety of other ingredients. 

If you are unfamiliar with these dumplings, there’s an easy way to tell them apart, as the difference between these two dumplings can be seen in their wrappers and fillings.  

What is har gow?

A staple Cantonese dim sum dish around the world. 

Har Gow is also known as shrimp dumpling.

This dumpling is typically filled with a mixture of fresh shrimp.

Sometimes the shrimp is combined with bamboo shoots or water chestnuts for added texture.  

The filling is encased in a thin, translucent wrapper made from a mixture of wheat starch and tapioca starch, giving it a unique chewy texture. 

Har Gow is typically steamed, allowing the shrimp to cook gently inside the delicate wrapper.  

The dish is often served with a light soy sauce, or a dipping sauce made from soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. 

What is shumai?

Shumai is a traditional Chinese dumpling that’s popular in various East Asian cuisines.  

It typically consists of a thin wheat dough wrapper filled with a mixture of ground pork, shrimp, and seasonings.  

The dumplings are often shaped like open-topped cylinders and are commonly steamed, although they can be pan-fried or deep-fried as well.  

Shumai is enjoyed as a dim sum dish, and it is often served with soy sauce or other dipping sauces. 

The filling can vary, and there are regional variations in both the ingredients and methods of preparation. 

Difference between har gow and shumai

The difference between these two dumplings can be seen in their wrappers and fillings.  

Shumai typically has an open top and is made with a thin, unleavened wheat dough, while har gow features a translucent, delicate wrapper that is made from a mixture of wheat starch and tapioca starch. 

Another way to tell them apart is using their fillings. Shumai is usually filled with a mixture of pork, shrimp, and seasonings, while har gow is typically filled with shrimp.