By Devi Poojari
December 3, 2025
Although the approach towards both steamed or fried morsels are similar, momos and dumplings have a marked distinction that go beyond their appearance. With characteristic flavours, origins and accompaniments, tap to find out more about their variabilities.
Momos are usually filled with well-seasoned ground chicken or pork while dumplings also accommodate seafood and sweet fillings.
Dumplings usually have a wide variety of shapes ranging from crescents to purse or boat shapes while momos are pleated in a distinct folding style that are round or half-mooned.
Momos are popularly served with a fiery tomato chutney while dumpling sauces are typically lighter, soy or vinegar-based.
Since dumplings are boiled and pan-fried, they have a thicker wrapper compared to the delicate, softer wrapper of momos.
Nepali momos are often seasoned with ginger-garlic, green onions, Himalayan herbs and spices while dumplings typically utilise soy sauce, chives, rice wine and sesame oil.
Dumplings can be steamed, pan-fried, baked or used in soups while momos are traditionally steamed or deep-fried.