Indian street food

Momos vs dumplings.

Momos are a kind of dumpling, but they have their own wrapper, filling and sauce. Here is how they compare with the dumplings you already know.

From the Tapri Chai kitchen · November 2026 · 1 min read

Momos
Himalayan, steamed
Gyoza
Japanese, pan-fried
Dim sum
Cantonese, many types
Pierogi
Polish, boiled

What makes a momo

A momo has a thin dough wrapper, folded into pleats or a half-moon, with a finely chopped filling that is juicy rather than dense. In India, vegetarian fillings of cabbage, carrot and onion, or paneer, are common. They are steamed, and served with a spicy tomato-chilli chutney.

Momos vs gyoza

Gyoza are Japanese, usually pan-fried on one side and steamed, giving a crisp base. Their fillings are stronger in garlic and often include pork. Momos are mostly steamed and are softer all round.

Momos vs dim sum

Dim sum is a large family of Cantonese small plates, including dumplings with translucent or pleated wrappers. Momos are closer to a single dish than a category, and their sauce is a distinctive part of the dish.

Momos vs pierogi

Pierogi are Polish dumplings, boiled and often pan-fried, with potato, cheese or sauerkraut fillings and a thicker dough. Momos are lighter and spicier.

Momos in Barrhaven

Our Peri Peri Momo is steamed dumplings tossed in a spicy peri-peri sauce, a modern cafe twist. It is $15.99 on the Tapri Bowls menu. Tapri Chai is at 200 Kennevale Dr Unit 104, Barrhaven, Ottawa, open Tuesday to Sunday, 11am to 11pm.