By Daisy Polowetzky

In Japan they’re gyoza, in Eastern Europe they’re perogies, and in Italy they’re gnocchi. But to most, these pocket-sized dough pouches are dumplings. Dumplings are one of the most popular and versatile dishes on the globe, and for good reason. Discover the delightful world of dumplings from around the world.

Turkey: Manti

Similar to the Italian ravioli, manti are beef or lamb-filled Turkic dumplings that are topped with garlic yogurt. It is believed that manti dates all the way back to the 13th century, when Turkic and Mongol nomads traveled from Asia to the Silk Road. Now, manti is a comfort food for Turkic people.

Photo Credits: iStock

India: Samosa

Crispy, fried, and flaky samosas are a favorite street food in India, with roots in 11th-century Persia. Considered to be the world’s first fast food, samosas are fried triangle-shaped pastries, filled with potatoes, and an array of spices such as coriander, ginger, and pepper. Each samosa is different in each region of India. Some are fried and some are baked, but all are equally delicious.

Photo Credits: iStock 

Korea: Mandu

Mandu are Korean dumplings popular during New Year’s celebrations and served as an appetizer or entree. While mandu looks similar to Japanese gyoza, the dishes have many differences, such as the way they are cooked, and how they are served. Mandu can be fried, steamed, or boiled, unlike gyoza, which are only steamed. Gyoza is usually served alongside a dipping sauce, while mandu usually comes with kimchi, which is spicy pickled vegetables, or rice cakes. Consider adding mandu to the menu of your next New Year’s party!

Tibet & Nepal: Momo

Tibet and Nepal may be small countries, but their food is bursting with flavor. Steamed or fried, momos closely resemble traditional Japanese gyoza, but its wrapper is made from all-purpose flour, and its filling uses ginger, onion, and garlic. Momos may have originated in the Himalayan regions of Tibet and Nepal, but in the 1960s, momos arrived in India. Tibetan refugees fleeing China settled in Kolkata, opening small shops where people could buy Tibetan food, including momos. Today, momos continue to be a cheap, yet delectable snack in India.    

Photo Credits: iStock

Even if you can’t visit these countries in person, you can travel vicariously through their dumplings!