Dumplings, Buns, and Their Doughs

In the markets of every Chinatown, all manner of dim sum dumpling wrappers, or skins—pei in Cantonese, pi in Mandarin— are sold. They are fresh and frozen, large and small, square and round, and their labeling can often be confusing. Following are the wrappers that are used for most dim sum that do not require special doughs. As has been the case with all of your shopping, take along the names in Chinese characters to make sure you are buying the correct product. When you can choose between prepared wrappers and homemade doughs, I have mentioned both in the recipes.