Har Gow (Shrimp Dumplings)

Har Gow is the benchmark by which all dim sum restaurants are judged. The wrapper is made from wheat starch and tapioca starch, rolled paper-thin until translucent, then pleated into a crescent shape. Inside: whole fresh shrimp, bamboo shoots, and a hint of sesame oil. A perfect har gow has exactly 9 to 13 pleats, a wrapper so thin you can see the pink shrimp inside, and a bouncy, juicy texture when bitten. Getting it right takes years of practice.

📖 History

Har Gow originated in Guangzhou's tea houses in the early 20th century. It was one of the original dishes served with yum cha (tea drinking) and remains the most iconic dim sum item worldwide.