Travel the World in Saint Paul
Foreign-born residents make up nearly 20% of Saint Paul’s population, according to 2020 census data—making the capital city a unique melting pot of cultures from around the world. International culture is evident…
Dumpling Passport
Taste the flavors of the world right here in #MYSAINTPAUL.
Whether the dumplings are boiled, fried, steamed or in broth, you’re sure to find your fix at these delicious locations.
Though most known among Asian cuisines, dumplings are bite-sized treats that span the globe. These delicious pockets of dough stuffed with sweet or savory filling come in all shapes and sizes, which many cultures have claimed techniques and versions of their own.
Simply take your pick from these establishments, check-in on your pass upon visiting to earn points, and win great prizes along the way! The more check-ins you have, the more points and prizes you earn.
Is your favorite dumpling eatery missing from this list?
Email Ava Diaz at adiaz@visitsaintpaul.com
Prizes
Each restaurant visit is worth 100 points
- 500 points: Dumpling Passport Sticker
- 800 points: A chance to win gift cards to some of the featured Dumpling Passport locations
- 1,500 points: Dumpling Passport Crew Socks
- 3,000 points: The Ultimate Prize Package consisting of a sticker, socks and gift cards to some of the participating restaurants.
Participating Restaurants
eM Que Viet
This family-owned restaurant features contemporary takes on Vietnamese classics. Pay a visit to this showstopping joint to try a Minnesota State Fair favorite—from its Que Viet Concessions stand—the cream cheese wontons or try the delicious postickers.
Pad Thai
An authentic Thai staple on Grand Avenue, Pad Thai features comforting bowls of pork wonton soup. Or for a crunchier bite, the deep-fried cream cheese puffs.
Types of Dumplings
Dumplings are a broad dish that consist of varieties of cooked dough, often wrapped around a sweet or savory filling. Discover different dumpling types available in the Capital City through our guide below!
Baozi or "Bao Buns"
Chinese | When steamed, the super soft, yeasty dough rises into a fluffy bread that are often filled with pork but can feature virtually anything inside.
Coxinhas
Brazilian | a thick deep-fried dough molded into the shape of a chicken leg (coxinha means "chicken thigh") and stuffed with pulled chicken.
Gnocchi
Italian | These dumplings are made from a combination of potatoes and what flour to create dense and chewy bite-sized pillows that are served in a sauce of choice.
Gyoza
Japanese | Closely related to the Chinese potsticker (gou tie) these crescent-shaped dumplings are made from wonton wrappers and are typically filled with meat, vegetables, or seafood.
Mandu
Korean | Commonly filled with pork, these pan-fried or steamed dumplings can also be filled with vegetables or other meat.
Matzo Balls
Jewish | These soft and squishy dumplings are served in a comforting broth and are made from matzo meal, which is an unleavened wheat bread.
Momos
Tibetan, Nepalese, and Indian | Denser dumplings (fried or steamed) made from a flour wrap filled with meat or vegetables.
Pelmeni
Russian | Pelmeni consist of a delicate, unleavened pocket filled with meat like beef and pork. This style of dumpling can be eaten in soup, fried, or dosed in condiments like butter, sour cream, vinegar, and sprinkled with herbs.
Pierogi
Polish | In Polish, pierogi is the plural form of pieróg, meaning “dumpling." It is a combination of wheat, meat, potatoes, and served with a dollop of sour cream and onions.
Potsticker
Chinese | Cresent-shaped dumplings that are filled with meat or vegetables and are first pan fried (on one side) and then steamed to create a soft and chewy texture.
Pupusa
Salvadorian | made from masa harina (a flour made from soaked and dried corn kernels), these pancake-like dumplings are stuffed with cheese, beans and/or meat and served with spicy salsas.
Ravioli
Italian | These stuffed pastas come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and filling types. Made from traditional pasta dough and then boiled, these pocket-sized delights are then smothered in a sauce to compliment.
Sambusas
Ethiopian | Similar to a samosa, this deep-fried triangular dumpling features an outer coating made from rice paper wrappers that are filled with ingredients like meats, lentils, and potatoes.
Samosas
Indian | These fried pockets are typically filled with ingredients like potatoes and peas, paneer, and keema (minced meat) and are often served with a chutney sauce for dipping.
Tamales
Mexican | A combination of meat, beans, and cheese are stuffed into a layer of soft masa harina prior to steaming in a wrap made of corn husk or a banana leaf.
Vareniky
Ukrainian | These dumplings are similar to pierogies and are usually eaten with sour cream, butter, and fried onions.
Wontons
Chinese | A small dumpling or roll with a savory filling, often of minced pork, usually eaten boiled in soup or fried.
Xiao Long Bao
Chinese | A popular dim sum dish, these delicate soup dumplings consist of meat and savory soup broth nestled inside a delicate and chewy wrapping.
Share your favorite dumplings and eateries on Instagram, Facebook, and X by tagging Visit Saint Paul and using the hashtags #MYSAINTPAUL and #DumplingPassport.
More Capital City Eats
Top Korean Restaurants in Saint Paul
One thing about Saint Paul is that we boast a diverse culinary scene, and our Korean restaurants add a flavorful touch to the city's food culture. With authentic ingredients and traditional cooking…
Best New Restaurants in Saint Paul
Make sure you’re on top of all the newest restaurant openings in the Capital City.*
The First Five Dishes to Try Inside Saint Paul’s Hmong Food Halls
The crispiest, juiciest, spiciest, biggest bite to take out of these culinary treasure troves.