siu1 maai6燒賣烧卖
Jyutpingsiu1 maai6
Yalesīu maaih
Definition
Siu mai; a type of steamed dumpling with a pleated, open top, typically filled with pork and shrimp.
colloquialdim sumfood
How it's used
Ordering shumai is a quintessential part of the yum cha experience in Hong Kong. While the classic version features pork and shrimp, the term is also applied to the common street food version made with fish paste, which is typically served on a skewer with soy sauce and chili oil.
Measure word
lung2籠lúngExamples
The shumai here is much better than the ones outside.
Related words
Common mistake
Do not confuse the high-quality dim sum version found in restaurants with the cheap, flour-heavy fish paste version sold at street stalls, as they are distinct culinary experiences despite sharing the same name.
Grammar color guide
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Grammar guides
- Aspect markersCantonese has no tenses, but it does have aspect markers. Learn how zo2, gwo3, gan2, and hai2 dou6 show completion, experience, and ongoing action.
- How oftenUsually, sometimes, all the time, rarely, never. All five sit in one slot, between the subject and the verb.
- In 30 secondsThe whole language at a glance. No tenses, no plurals, six tones, sentence particles. Read this before you dive into any specific topic.
