Har Gow (Shrimp Dumplings)

Har gow is a classic Cantonese dim sum: whole fresh shrimp wrapped in a thin, translucent wheat-starch skin.

It grew out of Guangzhou's teahouse dim sum tradition and has long served as a benchmark of a dim sum chef's skill.

Served steamed in a small bamboo basket, it is eaten hot as part of a yum cha spread, with or without a dip.

Prized for a thin, see-through skin showing the pink shrimp, fine pleats and a springy bite — an essential order at any yum cha.