Halal Certified
Momos vs Dumplings: What's the Difference?
Quick answer: Momos are dumplings. They come from the Himalayan region (Nepal, Tibet, Bhutan and parts of northern India) and are usually smaller, more heavily spiced and served with a spicy chutney. In Indo-Chinese restaurants, momos are also fried or tossed in sauces like chilli, Szechuan or butter masala.
If you have eaten Chinese dumplings, Japanese gyoza or Polish pierogi, you already know the idea: a thin dough wrapped around a filling, then steamed, boiled or fried. Here is what makes momos different, and how to order them.
What are momos?
Momos are hand-folded dumplings, usually pleated into a round purse or a half-moon. The filling is minced vegetables or meat seasoned with onion, garlic, ginger and fresh coriander. They are most often steamed and eaten hot with a tangy, spicy dipping sauce.
Momos spread from the Himalayas across India, where they became a street-food favourite. Indo-Chinese kitchens then added their own twists, frying them and tossing them in wok sauces.
Momos vs other dumplings
| Momos | Chinese dumplings (jiaozi) | Gyoza | |
|---|---|---|---|
| From | Himalayas: Nepal, Tibet, Bhutan, northern India | China | Japan |
| Usually cooked | Steamed, also fried or sauced | Boiled or steamed | Pan-fried with a crispy base |
| Filling | Spiced veg or meat with onion, garlic, ginger, coriander | Pork, cabbage, chive, often milder | Pork, cabbage, garlic |
| Served with | Spicy chutney or achar | Soy-vinegar dip | Soy-vinegar dip |
Ways to eat momos at Chilli N Chopsticks
All our momos come 8 pieces to a plate, veg or chicken, and are halal certified.
- Steamed Momo, $15.99: the classic, soft and juicy
- Fried Momo, $14.99: golden and crispy
- Fried Chilli Momo, $16.99: tossed in Indo-Chinese chilli sauce
- Fried Szechuan Momo, $16.99: hot and punchy
- Fried Butter Momo, $16.99: in a creamy butter masala
Try momos in Kitchener
New to momos? Order one plate of steamed and one of Fried Chilli Momo to share, and you will know which you like. A plate is a good starter for 2 or 3 people. See all our momos.
Order online for pickup, get delivery on Uber Eats or DoorDash, or dine in at 183 King St E, Downtown Kitchener.
Hours: Sunday to Thursday 11:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., Friday and Saturday 11:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.
FAQ
Are momos the same as dumplings?
Yes. Momos are a type of dumpling from the Himalayan region, usually more spiced than Chinese dumplings and served with a spicy chutney.
Are momos Chinese?
Not exactly. Momos come from Nepal, Tibet, Bhutan and northern India. Indo-Chinese restaurants serve them with Chinese-style sauces, like chilli and Szechuan.
Are momos the same as gyoza?
No. Gyoza are Japanese dumplings, usually pan-fried with a crispy base and a pork filling. Momos are usually steamed and more heavily spiced.
Do you have vegetarian momos?
Yes. Every style of momo at Chilli N Chopsticks comes veg or chicken.
Are your momos halal?
Yes. Chilli N Chopsticks is halal certified.
Still have a question? Message us on Instagram @chillichopsticks_kitchener or call 519-208-9775.
