Is There a Difference Between Dumplings and Momos? Here’s What You Need to Know!

Dumplings and momos are terms often used interchangeably, but each holds its unique place. Both feature a thin dough wrapper filled with delicious fillings and can be steamed, fried, baked, or wok-tossed, the striking similarities can create confusion. Understanding these tiny differences between these two comfort foods can be significant but also helps you navigate their different varieties.
In this article, we'll explore what sets dumplings and momos apart and guide you to the best place to eat in Calgary to enjoy these tasty treats.

What are Dumplings?

Imagine a bite-sized piece of goodness filled with your favourite choice of fillings, releasing warmth and drool-worthy fragrance. Dumplings are bite-sized wrappers that can be filled with a variety of ingredients, including meat, vegetables, seafood, and more. These versatile treats can be savoury and sweet, offering something for every palate.

If you want to enjoy the best dumplings in Calgary, we suggest a place perfectly synonymous with the quality it serves: Calgary Momo House.

Now, moving on to exploring the difference a bit further, we’ve put together a few points that would help you easily identify the differences between the two:

Types Of Dumplings

So, how many types of dumplings exactly are there? Well, the simple answer is many! While every different region in the world features its unique creation, we can surely bring forward the most beloved:

1. Jiaozi- This popular Chinese dumpling is known for its thin dough wrapper and different fillings, which generally include ground meat, veggies, or a combination. Served with a side of savoury dipping sauce, these dumplings in Calgary are a true feast for the senses.

2. Wonton- Wonton is another popular type of Chinese dumpling slightly different from Jiaozi. These dumplings feature a thinner wrapper and fillings, including ground pork, shrimp, or vegetables. The seasoning usually consists of sesame, soy sauce, garlic, and ginger. The preparation methods generally include boiling and deep frying, which impart a unique flavour to each bite.

3. Jhol Dumplings- A popular Nepali delicacy, Jhol dumplings are a traditional offering served across different country regions. Although their popularity is growing slowly, these dumplings are a must-try for anyone looking to try authentic cuisine. Jhol dumplings feature a spicy and tangy broth prepared using onion, garlic, ginger, tomato, dried soybean, and hog plum powder, simmered to perfection. Steamed dumplings are then added to the broth, creating a flavorful, soupy bite with each spoonful.

Try these fantastic Jhol dumplings at one of the best restaurants in Calgary: Calgary Momo House.

4. Timur Dumplings- Want to feast on hot and spicy dumplings in Calgary? Well, head straight for the Timur version! The Timur dumpling is an authentic Nepali appetizer that features the hot tinge of Sichuan pepper, which gives the dumpling a numbing and citrusy flavour. The fillings generally consist of veggies, paneer, mutton, pork, or chicken seasoned using traditional herbs and the flaming peppercorn. Dumplings are usually steamed, which allows the heat and flavour to absorb into the dough, giving it a distinct taste.

5. Pierogi- This category of dumplings features a unique twist with their semicircular shapes and sweet and savoury fillings. Pierogi is native to Europe and features a range of fillings that are either fried, baked, or steamed. Some of the most popular fillings include potato and cheese, while others may consist of mushrooms, meat, fruit, or sweetened cheese.

Enjoy a wide range of mouthwatering offerings with your loved ones, and don’t forget to try the top-rated dumplings at Calgary Momo House, the best restaurant in Calgary.

What are Momos?

While momos and dumplings share striking similarities as stuffed dough wrappers, they're not the same. Momos are a type of filled dough wrapper that originated from Tibet and Nepal. They’re generally smaller, containing veggies, meat, or both as fillings. They can be fried, steamed, baked, or wok-tossed as per the preference and served with a side of savoury sauces or chutney. Momos are generally shaped like a half-moon, whereas dumplings are usually rounder.

While dumplings and momos are among the Asian foods in Calgary, there are minute differences.

Let’s explore what makes all the difference!

Types of Momos

Momos are prepared and offered in various cultures and cuisines like its counterpart. While they originally come from the regions of Tibet and Nepal, other places have acknowledged and prepared their variations.

Let’s look at some popular momos from around the world:

1. Steamed Momos

It is the most popular type of momo consumed across different cultures worldwide. Steaming is a healthy way of ensuring that these bite-sized pockets of joy are tasty and equally good for your health. Several fillings can be used for steamed momos, including chicken, paneer, veggies, mutton, or chicken. Momo is often served with a side of sweet and sour or chilli dipping sauce and is ranked among the best Asian foods in Calgary.

2. Tandoori Momos

Who doesn’t love some chargrilled goodness? Tandoori momos are a royal approach to the traditional steamed version, featuring smoky and charred goodness in each bite. The momo dough is filled with various fillings in chicken, mutton, paneer, and veggies, seasoned using herbs and spices. The dumplings are marinated in a blend of tandoori spices and then expertly baked in a traditional clay oven called tandoor.

Enjoy the best tandoori momos at our restaurant in Calgary, where every bite speaks about our passion for creating magic in your palate.

3. Chilli Momo

Savour the heat with the fiery allure of the delicious Chilli momo, where each bite feels as intense as a dragon's flame. Well, not quite literally! The heat in these momos can be adjusted based on individual preferences and tastes. The momos feature classic fried momos with your choice of veggies, paneer, mutton, and chicken fillings. They are then tossed in a chilli-infused sauce that gives it a fiery kick.

If you are looking forward to trying something unique that packs a punch, we suggest you try our range of unique Asian food in Calgary for a delightful experience.

4. Panneer Momo

5. Open Momos

Open momos are a unique twist to the traditional variation where the top of the momo is left open, resembling an open-faced dumpling. The momos are typically filled with a spiced meat or vegetable mixture. Usually, the momos are steamed and garnished with fresh herbs or sauces, giving it a contemporary twist.
Are you craving momos that make you go, wow? Visit Our restaurant in Calgary today and explore a wide range that’ll sweep you off your feet.

The Difference?

1. Origin

Dumplings: Unlike momos, dumplings have a wide origin story, with varieties found worldwide. These variations span across the Asian and European continents, with each region featuring its specialty.

Momo: The origin of momos is accredited to the Tibetan and Nepali regions of the Asian continent, where momos have been celebrated as a part of festivals and family traditions for centuries.

2. Fillings

Dumplings: The fillings largely depend upon the type of region of origin. For example, the Chinese versions use pork, meat, or veggies, whereas some European variations use sweetened cheese or seafood.

Momo: Typically filled with a mixture of meat (chicken, buffalo, pork, mutton) or vegetables, momos often include ginger, garlic, cilantro, onions, and local Nepali spices.

3. Preparation Method

Dumplings: Dumplings can be boiled, steamed, pan-fried, deep-fried, or baked, depending on the type.

Momo: Momos are most commonly steamed but can also be fried, baked, and chargrilled depending upon individual preferences and tastes.

4. Accompaniments

Dumplings: Dumplings are served with soy sauce, vinegar, chilli oil, or sour cream, depending on their type.

Momos: Momos are served with a range of dipping sauces and achaar, depending on the type. At our restaurant in Calgary, we serve momos with a wide range of tantalizing sauces and house-made momo chutney for a bold and flavourful kick.

While dumplings and momos share many similarities, their subtle differences can help you decide which to enjoy. Both can be tailored to suit your tastes and paired with various accompaniments.

If you want to savour the best Asian food in Calgary, we suggest visiting Calgary Momo House for an exceptional experience.