Source: https://verify-veg.com/blog/is-dim-sum-vegetarian/
Language: en

# Is Dim Sum Vegetarian? (Pork, Shrimp & Hidden Stock)

Dim sum is a meal of many small plates, and most of them are filled with meat or seafood. The
vegetarian options exist, but you have to know which ones they are. Here is what to order and what
to avoid.

> **Key Takeaways**
> - Most dim sum is not vegetarian: the classic dumplings are filled with pork, shrimp or both.
> - Har gow (shrimp), siu mai (pork and shrimp) and char siu bao (barbecue pork) are the ones to skip.
> - Wrappers and broths may contain lard or meat stock, so even a vegetable dumpling can be non-veg.
> - Vegetarian options include vegetable dumplings, steamed vegetables and some rice rolls.

**TL;DR: Most dim sum is not vegetarian**: the classic dumplings are filled with pork, shrimp or
both, and wrappers/broths may contain lard or meat stock. Vegetarian dim sum exists but you have
to order it deliberately.

## The classics are meat or seafood

- **Siu mai**: pork and shrimp
- **Har gow**: shrimp dumpling
- **Char siu bao**: barbecue-pork bun
- **Cheung fun**: rice rolls, often filled with shrimp, beef or pork
- **Chicken feet, spare ribs, tripe**: self-explanatory

## The vegetarian options

- **Vegetable dumplings** (check they aren't cooked in meat stock)
- **Lo bak go** (turnip cake): *sometimes* contains dried shrimp, so check
- **Mango pudding**: vegetarian (often contains gelatin/dairy)
- **Egg tart**: vegetarian (egg + butter), not vegan
- **Steamed vegetables, tofu dishes**

## Things to watch

- **Lard or meat stock** in the wrappers, fillings and sauces.
- **Gelatin** in puddings and some desserts.
- **Oyster sauce** on vegetables.

## The bottom line

- **Vegetarian?** Possible: stick to clearly vegetarian dishes and confirm no meat stock/lard.
- **Vegan?** Harder: most dim sum uses egg, dairy or animal-based wrappers.

See our [Dim Sum dish guide](/food/china/dim-sum/) for the full breakdown.

**Check before you eat.** The Verify Veg app scans a barcode or reads an ingredient list from a
photo and flags ingredients against your diet (vegan, vegetarian, halal, kosher, Jain and more).
[Download on the App Store](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/verifyveg-vegan-scanner/id6758276834) - 
Android is coming soon.

*Written by Samir Narain, founder of Verify Veg. Verify Veg helps people check packaged food
against their diet by scanning barcodes and reading ingredient lists from photos.*

*Note: Verify Veg provides ingredient-based compatibility checks, not certification. Recipes and
preparations vary by restaurant, region and cook, so always confirm with the restaurant, brand or vendor.*