Har gow

Har gow (蝦餃; Jyutping: haa1 gaau2; Cantonese Yale: hā gáu; Mandarin Pinyin: xiā jiǎo) is a traditional Cantonese dumpling served in dim sum. It is also known as a shrimp bonnet due to its pleated shape.

The dumpling is characterized by its translucent, smooth, and elastic skin. The filling typically consists of shrimp, bamboo shoots, and sometimes pork fat. The skin is made from wheat starch and tapioca starch, giving it its characteristic translucent appearance when steamed.

A good har gow is judged on the quality of its skin, which should be delicate but not easily broken, and its plump filling. The pleats, traditionally seven to ten in number, are also an indication of the chef's skill. Har gow is considered one of the "four heavenly kings" (四大天王) of dim sum, alongside siu mai, char siu bao, and egg tarts.