Siomai is a popular Chinese dumpling that captivated the hearts of many Filipinos with its chunky and flavorful filling. When partnered with soy sauce and calamansi, this makes a satisfying snack, appetizer, and even a meal. You may add a bit of chili garlic oil to the dipping sauce for that spicy kick!
The bestselling dim sum is made of dough wrappers and packed with ground pork, shrimp, or beef. For those days when you feel like munching on an appetizing merienda, siomai is always a good idea. To help you choose which siomai to munch on, you can have a look at our recommended products as well as our buying guide fact-checked and reviewed by registered nutritionist-dietitian Samantha Morales!
Quick List - Top Siomai
Samantha began her career in clinical nutrition and weight management at a tertiary hospital in Manila, Philippines. Her practice allowed her to give nutrition counseling and plan modified diets for patients with medical conditions. Presently, she does private practice to focus on true holistic wellness - an approach that believes in aligning one's mind, body, and spiritual well-being.
Our recommendation articles are carefully researched and crafted by the mybest Philippines team of writers and editors. To stay true to our company’s mission and vision to help users’ selection process easier, we also collaborate with experts from various fields to ensure that our content stays factual and useful.
The expert oversees the Buying Guide only, and does not determine the products and services featured.
Here are some key points to consider:
Siomai is commonly made with various types of meat, typically pork, shrimp, and beef. Each ingredient has a specific taste, and you just have to choose one that will be able to satisfy your siomai craving. If you’re looking for a siomai with an additional flavor boost, consider one that is stuffed with bits of shrimp. This combination is loved by many for its juicy and delicious taste.
The pork filling is perfect for those who love the distinct taste of traditional steamed siomai. The pork is perfectly seasoned, enveloped in a soft wrapper. Some restaurants add veggies like spring onions and mushrooms to bring out the flavor of the meat.
A good siomai wrapper is one of the significant components of a siomai since it holds the meat filling together. It is a thin sheet of dough made from flour or other types of starch. These appetizing snacks are best enjoyed using chopsticks or toothpicks, which is why it is imperative to consider a wrapper that doesn't easily tear apart.
Given that siomai is perfect for on-the-go snacking, it is best to pick a wrapper with just the right thickness. If you want an extraordinary twist to your regular siomai, the Japanese version has a meat filling enveloped in a nori seaweed wrapper, which adds a burst of seafood flavor.
Other than the meat filling, another factor to consider is how the siomai has been cooked. There's no question that dim sum in a bamboo steamer is more satisfying since this method keeps the siomai's juiciness. If you want your siomai soft, steamed siomai is your best bet. It also has less amount of fat, perfect for those monitoring their diet.
For those who like their siomai crispy, go for the deep-fried version for that satisfying crunchy shell. When done right, deep-fried siomai is crunchy on the outside and moist and chunky inside. However, since it's fried, take note that the fat content will be higher.
If you're someone who suddenly craves siomai at midnight, we've got good news for you! Thankfully, a plethora of restaurants now offer frozen dim sum that you can purchase and steam or fry at home, so you can devour these succulent snacks any time of the day. In contrast to popular belief, frozen dim sum has the freshness sealed in and won't be dry when steamed for 15 to 20 minutes.
Just be sure to place it in your freezer immediately after purchasing, and, once cooked, consume it right away. Keep in mind, though, that some restaurants advise not to leave the dim sum in the freezer for more than 7 days since this might dry out the texture of pork or shrimp.
These days, you don't have to dress up and visit your favorite Chinese restaurants, as you can now order siomai through your phone or e-commerce sites! To avoid physical contact, you may order from restaurants through their official websites, social media sites, and food delivery apps like GrabFood or Foodpanda. If you reside within the area, you can also pick up your order yourself.
When ordering online, you simply have to indicate your preferred date and time of delivery, as well as your mode of payment. Most restaurants now accept cashless payment through online banking for faster transactions. If you're not used to mobile banking, you may ask the shop if they accept cash on delivery.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Causeway Siomai | ![]() | Must-Try Siomai for Every Dim Sum Lover | |
2 | King Chef Japanese Siomai | ![]() | Add an Interesting Tweak to Your Ordinary Siomai | |
3 | Tim Ho Wan Pork Dumpling With Shrimp | ![]() | Feast on a World-Famous Pork and Shrimp Dumpling | |
4 | Wai Ying Pork Siomai | ![]() | Authentic Cantonese Flavor Delivered to Your Doorstep | |
5 | Wangfu Chinese Café Siomai | ![]() | Juicy and Chunky Siomai in Singaporean-Chinese Fusion Style | |
6 | Gloria Maris Shark's Fin Siomai |4 Pieces | ![]() | Perfectly Seasoned Sharksfin Siomai | |
7 | Chowking 4 Pieces Siomai | ![]() | Get Some Crunch With This Popular Fried Siomai | |
8 | DECS Chicken and Mushroom Siomai | ![]() | Enjoy Siomai Anytime With These Frozen Dim Sum Packs | |
9 | Hen Lin Chicken Siomai | ![]() | A Mouthful of Chicken Goodness | |
10 | Master Siomai Beef Siomai | ![]() | Frozen Beef Siomai to Share With Your Loved Ones |
If you're on the quest for a delicious and pocket-friendly dim sum in the metro, head right away to Causeway Restaurant, which is dubbed as a dim sum paradise with its wide array of dim sum served in bamboo steamers. This is the perfect place to satisfy your cravings!
Make sure to sample their pork siomai, which is stuffed with mushroom and crab roe and bursting with flavors of meat and mushroom. Inside the soft wrapper hides a juicy meat filling that will have you coming back for more!
Take home a pack of frozen siomai so you can share it with your loved ones. You can also take advantage of their great variety of dim sum with their promo from 2 pm-5 pm. Each dim sum is priced 78 pesos and up. However, for take-out, you need to order a minimum of 10 dim sums.
If you want to go beyond your regular siomai, this Japanese siomai from King Chef is worth munching on. A succulent blend of pork shrimp and mushroom is enveloped in a flavorful nori wrapper.
It is also filled with crabstick and studded with crab roe to make it more mouthwatering. Dip it in your favorite toyomansi and chili garlic oil for a wholesome experience! King Chef is commended for their affordable and enjoyable Chinese dishes.
In fact, many reviewers shared that this is their go-to dim sum restaurant whenever they’re looking for a satisfying merienda in town! They also offer frozen dim sums so you can enjoy their specialties at any time of the day.
From their origins in Hong Kong, Tim Ho Wan has gained global popularity over the years for their baked pork buns and a vast array of dim sum, and rightfully so. Their food is so good that they are now a Michelin-starred restaurant!
Tim Ho Wan's pork dumpling proves why it is worthy of distinction. It is packed with a large portion of flavorful pork and shrimp and coated in a soft wrapper. It has a delicious fusion of the meat and seafood taste that has many customers coming back for more. Paired with a hot and spicy dip, this is a drool-worthy dish.
Despite its fame and quality rating, you'd be surprised to find that its prices are so affordable. In fact, Tim Ho Wan is known for being the world's cheapest Michelin-star restaurant - definitely worth a stop!
You won’t have to book a plane ticket to China for some real Chinese food, as Wai Ying brings an authentic taste of Cantonese specialties to the country and delivers it right to your doorstep! What's more, it comes at an affordable price without compromising the quality and taste of their dishes.
Wai Ying has become a must-visit spot every time you’re in Binondo; it is famous for its wide range of dim sum, including chicken feet, siopao, spareribs, and pork siomai. One of their bestsellers is the pork siomai, which is made of a perfectly seasoned pork-and-shrimp filling.
It is delicately stuffed in a smooth wrapper and served freshly steamed for a more enjoyable snack! According to reviewers, each bite of this dumpling is packed with savory pork flavor, so you’ll definitely get your money’s worth.
Wangfu is a Singaporean-Chinese dining space, taking pride in its wide selection of gastronomic specialties that will tantalize your taste buds. One of their signature offerings is their pork siomai. With just one glance, you can clearly see that it is moist and packed with juicy filling.
Inside the soft yellow wrapper, you'll find a succulent mixture of pork and veggies that is flavorful in every bite. Don't forget to soak it in their dipping sauce to make it tastier! If you're looking for a dumpling with a burst of seafood flavor, you should not miss out on their hakaw and Japanese siomai, too.
Gloria Maris is a classic Cantonese resto well-known for its palatable specialties and a wide selection of dim sum options. It has become one of the go-to places to celebrate big gatherings and special occasions. Despite the ongoing quarantine, Gloria Maris is still able to fulfill its goal to provide mouthwatering specialties by accepting deliveries.
This shark's fin style from Gloria Maris surely hits the spot with its distinct meaty taste and firm texture. It is seasoned to perfection; this siomai is one that will satisfy even the pickiest of eaters. Aside from their freshly-steamed siomai, they also offer frozen packs that you can cook at home.
If there's one fast-food chain that offers budget-friendly Chinese specialties, it's Chowking. This restaurant boasts an extensive array of dishes, ranging from Chao fan to lauriat-style. All of these are available at affordable prices, which explains why it has become a favorite of many Filipino families.
Chowking's pork siomai consists of chunky ground meat and spices balanced by the soy-based dipping sauce. Their fried siomai gives a very satisfying crunch, but you can also opt for the steamed version if you want a softer bite. You should also definitely try out the classic combination, pork Chao fan topped with their signature dim sum.
For those who prefer chicken over pork, here's a dumpling meant for you! DECS boasts a vast selection of frozen dim sum, one of which is the chicken and mushroom siomai. Their products are available in different grocery stores and range from frozen pork shrimp siomai to cuchay dumplings.
The chicken siomai is worth trying out, as the mushroom boosts the overall taste and texture of this snack. You can also try their siomai sampler and get three of each flavor! With a pack of their frozen dim sum, you can now create your own noodle soup topped with steamed siomai in the comforts of your home.
Hen Lin can be found in almost any mall or food plaza, so it is quite accessible each time you’re craving for some siomai. In fact, it has become a popular pasalubong in many Filipino households. Their chicken siomai is a special favorite, boasting a satisfying chicken flavor that perfectly complements the subtle and sweet taste of the chili sauce.
The wrapper has just the right thickness, so it's easy to grasp with your chopsticks or a toothpick. They also come in small, bite-sized chunks, perfect for snacking on the go. This is available at an affordable price point, making this the ideal pick if you're on a budget. With Hen Lin, you're sure to get good value for the low price!
You’ve probably chanced upon a stall of Master Siomai anywhere, which is why this is one of the go-to siomai for most Pinoys. Nothing beats the perfect combination of siomai and gulaman to energize you during rush hour!
The good news is that these dumplings are now available on e-commerce sites as frozen packs, so you can indulge in this succulent siomai with your loved ones right in your home. Master Siomai is popular for its extensive choices, such as pork, Japanese, beef, chicken, tuna, and shark's fin siomai.
In particular, their beef siomai has a chunky and rich taste of beef that can be enjoyed without any sauce. But hey, you shouldn’t miss out on their lip-smacking chili garlic! This flavor is ideal for those on the lookout for something new that will tickle their taste buds.
There's no question that Asian food is well-known for its plethora of palatable flavors. If you're on the quest for a new snack that will satisfy your cravings, here are some other Asian goodies that can fuel you up any time of the day.
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Author: B. Tan
Editor: R. Umlas
Our buying guide was carefully researched and crafted by the mybest team of writers and editors, in collaboration with the expert featured in this article. We used the buying guide as a basis for choosing and ranking the product recommendations, and we looked at reviews and ratings from different E-commerce sites like Lazada, Shopee, and more.
No. 1: Causeway|Siomai
No. 2: King Chef |Japanese Siomai
No. 3: Tim Ho Wan |Pork Dumpling With Shrimp
No. 4: Wai Ying |Pork Siomai
No. 5: Wangfu Chinese Café|Siomai
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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