Eating in China
Generated illustration of steamed vegetable dumplings, one opened to show the filling.

Vegetable dumplings

素馅饺子Sùxiàn jiǎozi

Wheat dumplings filled with cabbage, shiitake, carrot, onion and Chinese chives. The selected steamed version uses plant oil, without egg or meat.

Heat
Region
—
Type
Dishes
Vegan
Order in Chinese

At the table

How to enjoy it

Eat as a light meal or share with other dishes. Ask how many dumplings are in a portion and let hot filling cool.

A useful check

Contains wheat, soy and sesame; this version uses cooking wine. Check wrapper and filling if avoiding egg or seafood.

How it may vary

This specific plant-based recipe does not establish that every 素馅饺子 is vegan.

GET TO KNOW THE DISH

What goes into it?

Explore some key ingredients below. Preparations may use additional seasonings and ingredients.

Fillings and cooking methods vary. Some vegetable dumplings contain egg or dried shrimp; pan-fried versions have crisp bottoms.

Recipes vary by restaurant.

How does it taste?

Savory vegetables, mushroom umami and chive aroma.

Chili heat
Texture
Soft, slightly chewy wrapper with finely chopped vegetables.
How it’s made
Stir-fry vegetables with ginger and plant oil; season with white pepper, sesame oil, Shaoxing wine, soy sauce, sugar and salt, wrap in flour-and-water dough and steam.

Fillings and cooking methods vary. Some vegetable dumplings contain egg or dried shrimp; pan-fried versions have crisp bottoms.

A CONNECTION TO PLACE

Origin & regional roots

Origin not yet established

A specific regional origin has not been established in this guide.

Ask if they have it first

ASK IF IT'S AVAILABLE

请问你们有素馅饺子吗?

Do you have this item?

A LITTLE SOMETHING TO READ

Story & history

Choosing by the filling

This account describes a tradition or story, rather than an established historical fact.

素馅 describes a non-meat filling, but does not identify every ingredient. Asking about the vegetables, egg and dried shrimp makes ordering clearer; steaming gives a softer skin than pan-frying.

EATING IN CHINA · THE APP

Get the app

Discover local dishes, understand their ingredients and flavours, and choose what you’d like to try. Explore vegetarian, vegan and kid-friendly food ideas for your China trip.

Food guides, ingredients and trip planning are free.

See what’s in the app