Who doesn’t love Asian food, right? But sometimes, we get a little mixed up when it comes to all the different dishes. Dim sums, momos, and dumplings often get confused with each other, with people thinking they’re all the same. But guess what? They’re actually pretty different! Each one has its own history, culture, and flavor. Let’s take a closer look at what makes them unique!
We’ll also tell you about a place that sells the best Asian food in Calgary that you should not miss.
Dim Sum: The Origin Story
Before we dive into the exact flavors of this mouthwatering delicacy, let us take a moment to know more about its origin story. Understanding where dim sum comes from will not only better your appreciation of its unique flavors but also help you get hold of the cultural importance behind every bite.
At our restaurant in Calgary, we’ve put together some pinpoints of its history to help you savor dim sum in its truest form.
The term Dim Sum comes from a Chinese phrase meaning "touch the heart." Its origins date back to the early Han Dynasty, where it began as a light side snack with tea rather than a full meal, offered to travelers along the historic Silk Road. Over time, the migration of Chinese communities, from Guangdong, helped spread the popularity of dim sum across the globe.
Today Dim Sum has gained a massive fan following across the globe and is served as a cherished side snack with tea in bamboo steamers at several restaurants in Calgary.
Momos: Origin
Probably one of the most popular Asian foods in Calgary, momos have quite an interesting origin story. They are believed to have originated in Tibet, where they were consumed as a staple in the daily diet of the natives. Over time, during trade relations between Tibet and Nepal, momos found their way into the culinary traditions of the Himalayan region. Nepalese households embraced the dish and began experimenting with unique flavors and recipes, creating their own versions.
The adoption of momos in India and beyond gained pace when Tibetan refugees moved to India, especially after the Tibetan uprising. Many of these refugees settled in regions like Dharamshala, Delhi, and the Northeast, where momos became a beloved snack, evolving further with local spices and flavors.
Dumplings: The Story
The story behind dumplings is nothing short of a movie plot! It is believed that dumplings, also known as jiaozi, were first crafted by the popular Chinese healer Zhang Zhongjing during a harsh winter. To help villagers recover from frostbite, he filled dough wrappers with meat, vegetables, and medicinal herbs, then steamed them. Zhang believed the warmth and nutrients from the dumplings would aid in their recovery.
What started as a practical remedy quickly evolved into a beloved staple food, giving rise to the dumplings we enjoy in different places to eat in Calgary.
The Difference
While all three might look almost similar at the first glance, they differ a lot in taste, preparation, and origins. Let’s look at some differences for better clarity pinned together by our restaurant in Calgary:
- Dim Sum
- Origin: China
- Description: Dim Sum did not actually originate as a specific dish/meal but as a side snack served with tea.
- Key Features: Dim Sums are generally served in traditional bamboo steamers. The fillings of Dim Sums generally include pork, shrimp, buns rolls, and desserts. The core idea behind its creation is the usage of fresh ingredients and subtle flavors.
- Momos
- Origin: Tibet, with influences from Nepal and India.
- Description: A type of dumpling popular in the Himalayan regions, often filled with seasoned meat or vegetables.
- Key Features: Common ingredients used in the fillings include meat, veggies, chicken, buffalo, and pork. The cooking method includes steaming, pan frying, and deep frying.
Try a wide range of momos at the best restaurant in NW Calgary, Calgary Momo House, where we craft goodness with every dish.
- Dumplings
- Origin: China (jiaozi), with variations across Asia and Europe.
- Description: A general term for filled dough wrappers, with a broad range of dishes worldwide.
- Key Features: Dumplings can be steamed, boiled or fried depending upon the type of fillings and methods of preparation. The fillings can vary depending upon the style of preparation, these generally include Chinese (Jiaozi), Japanese (Gyoza), and European influences like Pierogi and Pelmeni.
If you are looking to try the best dumplings, visit the best restaurant in Calgary today and explore a wide range that will keep you coming back for more.
Which is Better?
While there’s no clear winner between the three, dim sum, momos, and dumplings, as they each vary greatly in taste, preparation, and origins, the choice ultimately depends on personal preference. If you’re craving subtle and delicate flavors, we recommend trying dim sum, which offers a variety of fillings such as shrimp, pork, and vegetables, all featuring fresh and light tastes.
On the other hand, momos provide a hearty, comforting experience with their bold, spiced meat or vegetable fillings, often served with a tangy, spicy dipping sauce. They’re perfect for those who enjoy bold, flavorful food with a little kick. By the way, did we mention that our restaurant in Calgary offers the best momos in the city? With a variety you won’t find anywhere else, it's a must-visit!
Lastly, dumplings are all about versatility. Whether it's the simple jiaozi from China, the crispy gyoza from Japan, or the cheese and potato-filled pierogi from Eastern Europe, dumplings come in many forms and preparation methods. Whether steamed, boiled, or fried, dumplings offer a diverse taste of cultures from around the world—all in one dish.
If you're looking to experience the best Asian food in Calgary, NW, we highly recommend visiting Calgary Momo House. Without further ado, we can't wait to have you dine with us and enjoy our delicious offerings!
