The Best Taiwanese Frozen Dumplings, Ranked (Plus Japanese and Korean Picks)
Taiwan takes its dumplings seriously, from the 18-fold xiao long bao at Din Tai Fung to the potsticker stands on nearly every corner. Most nights, though, dinner comes from the freezer, and the good news is that some of the best Taiwanese frozen dumplings are right there in the freezer aisle. We ranked seven favorites, led by the Taiwanese brands, then rounded out with the Japanese and Korean options worth keeping on hand.
| # | Brand | Origin | Type | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | CHIMEI (奇美) | Taiwan | Dumplings, potstickers, XLB | Everyday value |
| 2 | Wei-Chuan (味全) | Taiwan | Dumplings, wontons | Wide availability |
| 3 | Laurel (桂冠) | Taiwan | Soup dumplings, wontons | Affordable XLB |
| 4 | Bibigo | Korea | Mandu | The reliable all-arounder |
| 5 | Ajinomoto | Japan | Gyoza | Crispy gyoza |
| 6 | Pulmuone | Korea | Jumbo mandu | Bold kimchi mandu |
| 7 | Shirakiku | Japan | Gyoza | Everyday gyoza on a budget |
A quick word on how we sorted this. The Taiwanese picks come first because that is the focus here, not because the field below them is weak. A couple of the Japanese and Korean brands are, flat out, among the best frozen dumplings on the American market. Consider the first three your Taiwanese freezer starter kit, and the rest the best of everything else.
The best Taiwanese frozen dumplings
1. CHIMEI (奇美)
The everyday Taiwanese workhorse. Made in Taiwan with no MSG, CHIMEI runs a deep lineup of dumplings, potstickers, soup dumplings, and buns at a friendly price. The wrappers are dependable, the fillings well seasoned, and you can find them at most Asian groceries and on Weee. If you keep one Taiwanese brand in the freezer, make it this one.
2. Wei-Chuan (味全)
One of Taiwan’s oldest food companies, and the most widely stocked Taiwanese option in American freezers. The dumplings and wontons are juicy and satisfying, with the pork, leek and shrimp a particular standout. Fair warning: a few varieties will grip the pan if you rush them, so give them oil, space, and a little patience and they behave.
3. Laurel (桂冠)
A Taiwanese freezer staple, best known here for tidy little soup dumplings and wontons. They are small and consistent, and they make a genuinely good budget xiao long bao for the nights when Din Tai Fung is not in the cards. Steam, do not boil, and serve with black vinegar and ginger.
Beyond Taiwan: the Japanese and Korean picks worth buying
4. Bibigo
Credit where it is due: by most taste tests, Korea’s Bibigo makes the best-reviewed frozen dumplings on the American market, full stop. The mandu are plump and balanced, the wrappers tender, and they turn up everywhere from Costco to Walmart at a low price. If you want the safest crowd-pleaser in the freezer aisle, this is it.
5. Ajinomoto Gyoza
The benchmark for crispy gyoza, with the technique practically built in. A splash of water in a hot, covered pan and you get a lacy, golden crust with almost no skill required. Japan’s Ajinomoto has this category dialed, and the pork gyoza are a freezer essential.
6. Pulmuone
Korea’s Pulmuone makes a jumbo kimchi-and-pork mandu that eats like the show-stoppers at a Korean food court: big, chewy, and pleasantly tangy. Reach for these when you want a dumpling that is a meal on its own.
7. Shirakiku
A dependable everyday gyoza found at most Japanese and pan-Asian groceries. Nothing flashy, but a solid, affordable pan-fry when you just want dumplings on the table without thinking about it.
How to cook frozen dumplings
No thawing required, cook them straight from frozen. Match the method to the dumpling:
- Soup dumplings (xiao long bao): steam only, about 8 to 10 minutes. Boiling tears the wrapper and you lose the soup.
- Potstickers and gyoza: the potsticker method. A little oil in a hot pan, add the dumplings, then a splash of water and cover to steam, and uncover at the end to crisp the bottoms.
- Most other dumplings and wontons: steam, boil, or pan-fry, whatever you are in the mood for.
- To avoid sticking: use enough oil, do not crowd the pan, and leave them alone until the crust sets. For steaming, line the basket with parchment or napa cabbage.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best Taiwanese frozen dumpling?
For everyday dumplings and potstickers, CHIMEI and Wei-Chuan are the reliable, widely available picks. For soup dumplings, Laurel is a solid, affordable choice.
Where can I buy Taiwanese frozen dumplings?
99 Ranch and H Mart carry the widest selection, Weee ships them nationwide, and Wei-Chuan in particular turns up in many regular supermarkets.
Can you cook frozen dumplings without thawing?
Yes, and you should. Cook them straight from the freezer; thawing makes the wrappers gummy and prone to tearing.
How do I keep dumplings from sticking to the pan?
Use enough oil, give them space, and leave them alone until the bottoms are set and golden before adding water to steam.
For another grocery-aisle ranking, see our guide to the best spicy instant ramen.
