Types of Dumplings Around the World

Before we begin enlisting some of the most unique and delicious types of dumplings around the world, let’s first define what a dumpling really is. We’re sure to get questions like, “Why do you think that is a dumpling?” or “Do you even know what a dumpling is?”

In reality, dumplings have many variations across the world. To put it simply, a dumpling is a ball of dough with any kind of filling. Yes, we know that is a very broad description. But that’s exactly why it has so many regional twists and cultural interpretations.

Here’s a guide to some of the most popular types of dumplings with pictures, along with the regions or countries they come from.

Read More: Why Dumplings Deserve a Spot Among the Most Popular Chinese Dishes of All Time

10 Types of Dumplings Filling You Need to Know About

1. Wontons From China

Wontons are among the most recognized types of dumplings around the world. They feature thin dough wrappings in broth. Traditional fillings include ground pork, finely chopped cabbage, minced garlic, ginger, and sometimes shrimp. Cooks may steam, boil, or fry wontons depending on the region and occasion. One well-known variation is Sichuan-style wontons in red chili oil – spicy, aromatic, and memorable.

Wontons hold a special place in Chinese culinary tradition, especially during Chinese New Year, when they symbolize wealth and good fortune. Though originally from southern China, they have spread nationwide and evolved into countless regional versions.

Whether served in a delicate soup or fried to a crisp, wontons offer a flavorful introduction to the many types of dumplings around the world.

2. Uszka From Poland

Uszka, which translates to “little ears” in Polish, are elegant, ring-shaped dumplings that play a special role in Polish holiday meals.

These dumplings are typically stuffed with finely minced wild mushrooms or a combination of mushrooms and minced meat. Cooks traditionally serve them in a clear beetroot broth known as barszcz on Christmas Eve.

Preparing uszka requires delicate folding techniques, often passed down through generations. People prize them for their comforting, earthy flavors.

Unlike their larger cousin, pierogi, uszka are bite-sized and more refined in both presentation and flavor. Though people primarily connect them with holiday traditions, they enjoy them year-round, and they symbolize the warmth and care of home cooking.

It’s a wonderful example of how even the smallest dumplings can carry deep cultural meaning. Among the many types of dumplings around the world, uszka stand out for their elegance and symbolism.

3. Tortellini From Italy

Tortellini, Italy’s answer to dumplings, are small, ring-shaped pasta typically filled with a savory mixture of meat, cheese, or vegetables. Originating from the Emilia-Romagna region, these dumplings traditionally come with a rich beef or chicken broth as part of a dish known as tortellini in brodo.

The dough is made from eggs and flour, rolled thin, and then folded around the filling to create their iconic shape. You can also serve tortellini with cream-based sauces, pesto, or bake them in casseroles.

Whether prepared for festive gatherings or everyday meals, tortellini reflect the Italian culinary ethos. They rely on simple ingredients, carefully prepared. These dumplings also exemplify the power of technique and tradition in transforming humble ingredients into something exceptional.

As one of the most beloved types of dumplings around the world, tortellini are both comfort food and culinary art.

4. Svetskove Knedliky From the Czech Republic

In the Czech Republic, dumplings take many forms, but none are quite as delightful as Svetskove Knedliky. These sweet dumplings are made by wrapping dough around whole plums or other seasonal fruits.

The dough can be made from yeast or potatoes and is gently boiled until tender. Once cooked, they are often topped with melted butter, powdered sugar, and grated curd cheese. This creates a rich, satisfying finish.

Traditionally served as a dessert – or even a main course in some households – these dumplings are especially popular during the summer, when fresh fruit is abundant. They reflect the Central European love for incorporating fruit into both savory and sweet dishes.

Among the different types of dumplings around the world, fruit-filled variations like Svetskove Knedliky offer a unique and delicious twist on the classic savory concept.

5. Samosa From India

Samosas are one of the most recognizable and widely enjoyed types of dumplings around the world, especially across South Asia, the Middle East, and parts of Africa.

These triangular, deep-fried pastries are filled with a spicy mixture of mashed potatoes, peas, green chilies, and a blend of Indian spices such as cumin, coriander, and garam masala. Meat and lentil variations are also common. Cooks wrap samosas in thin wheat dough, deep-fry them to golden perfection, and typically serve them with tangy tamarind or mint chutney.

In India, samosas are not just a snack. They are a staple at gatherings, street food stalls, and formal celebrations. Their crispy exterior and flavorful filling make them a satisfying treat.

Thanks to their portability and bold taste, samosas continue to grow in popularity as a go-to dumpling worldwide.

 

6. Rissois From Portugal

Rissois, also known as rissoles, are a Portuguese delicacy that blends creamy, savory fillings with a crunchy breadcrumb coating. Cooks typically fill these crescent-shaped dumplings with a rich seafood bechamel – usually shrimp or cod. Variations with chicken, ham, or cheese also exist.

The filling is encased in a thin pastry dough, then breaded and deep-fried to a crisp texture. People often serve rissois as appetizers or snacks at family gatherings and street festivals. They enjoy them hot or cold.

Their texture contrasts make them especially satisfying – creamy on the inside and crunchy on the outside. Among the more unique types of dumplings around the world, rissois stand out for their blend of French technique and Portuguese flavor. Their versatility and wide appeal have helped them reach many Lusophone communities globally.

7. Varenyky From Ukraine

Varenyky, also known as pierogi in Poland, are traditional Ukrainian dumplings that come with a variety of fillings. These can be either savory or sweet.

Savory versions often include mashed potatoes, sauerkraut, or cottage cheese with herbs. Sweet varieties feature cherries, blueberries, or apples mixed with sugar and sometimes lemon zest. Cooks boil these dumplings and often top them with butter, sour cream, or caramelized onions.

Ukrainians deeply root these dumplings in their culture and commonly serve them during holidays, family gatherings, and festivals. The dough is soft but sturdy, offering a satisfying bite. Varenyky are a culinary staple in Ukrainian households. They represent comfort, family, and tradition.

As one of the most adaptable types of dumplings around the world, they reflect the resilience and creativity of Eastern European cooking.

8. Pelmeni From Russia

Pelmeni are Russia’s answer to hearty, comforting dumplings. Cooks typically fill these small, round or crescent-shaped dumplings with ground meat such as beef, pork, or lamb. They often mix the filling with onions and spices.

The dough is unleavened and rolled thin before being folded over the filling and sealed tightly. Chefs boil pelmeni in salted water or broth and serve them hot, unlike some other dumplings. Common toppings include sour cream, vinegar, or melted butter.

Pelmeni are believed to have originated in Siberia. Their small size and durable structure also made them ideal for freezing and storing during long winters. They are a staple of Russian home cooking and are also widely available as frozen food in markets.

Like most of the different types of dumplings around the world, pelmeni represent practicality, nourishment, and tradition.

9. Maultaschen From Germany

Maultaschen are large, square-shaped dumplings from the Swabian region of Germany. Cooks traditionally fill these hearty parcels with a mixture of minced meat (often sausage), spinach, breadcrumbs, onions, and herbs.

They are said to have originated during Lent as a way to conceal meat inside pasta dough. This led to their nickname, “God-cheaters”. 

The dumplings are usually boiled and served in broth or pan-fried with onions and butter. Germans have made Maultaschen widely popular and recognize them as a protected regional specialty.

Their rich, savory flavor and satisfying texture make them a beloved part of both everyday meals and festive occasions. As one of the more rustic types of dumplings around the world, Maultaschen shows how food can reflect cultural values and creative adaptations.

10. Manti From Turkey

Manti are tiny dumplings with a powerful flavor punch, found across Turkey, Central Asia, and parts of the Middle East. Among the many types of dumplings around the world, they are a standout for both their flavor and craftsmanship.

Traditionally, they are filled with seasoned ground lamb or beef. Cooks carefully fold the dumplings into small parcels. They either steam or boil them, then top them with garlic yogurt sauce. A drizzle of spiced melted butter infused with Aleppo pepper or sumac completes the dish.

Manti requires precision and patience, as each one is typically handmade. The process of making manti is often a shared ritual among family members.

In Turkey, they are sometimes called “the queen of dumplings” because of their intricate preparation and beloved status. Among all the types of dumplings around the world, manti are often praised as one of the most flavorful and beautiful varieties to prepare and enjoy.

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United Dumplings: Where Global Dumpling Traditions Meet Local Love

At United Dumplings, we celebrate the global love for dumplings by bringing together both traditional and creative variations under one roof. Whether you're craving juicy soup dumplings, spicy wontons, or something with a West Coast twist, our menu reflects the rich diversity of dumpling culture. Each dumpling also tells a story – of family, migration, innovation, and love. We invite you to taste the world through dumplings, one delicious bite at a time. Visit any of our restaurants or explore our frozen collection to experience some of the most popular types of dumplings around the world from the comfort of your own home.