wonton
A wonton is a type of Chinese dumpling characterized by a thin, square-shaped wheat dough wrapper filled with a savory mixture, typically ground pork, shrimp, and aromatic seasonings like ginger and scallions. The mental image is of a delicate, silky pouch floating in a clear, steaming broth, often folded into a distinctive "ingot" or "nurse's cap" shape. In usage, the term is almost exclusively associated with Chinese cuisine and is most commonly found in "wonton soup" or served as "wontons" in a spicy chili oil sauce. While the word is standard in English, it carries a sense of comfort food; it is a staple of casual dining and takeout culture rather than formal culinary terminology.
In conversation
Deciding on dinner
I'm feeling a bit under the weather, maybe we should grab some soup?
I'm feeling a bit under the weather, maybe we should grab some soup?
Great idea. How about that wonton soup place on 5th?
Great idea. How about that wonton soup place on 5th?
Wonton soup is frequently recommended as comfort food for when someone is feeling unwell.
Ordering takeout
Would you like your wontons steamed or fried?
Would you like your wontons steamed or fried?
Steamed, please, with extra chili sauce on the side.
Steamed, please, with extra chili sauce on the side.
Wontons are commonly served in two main styles: boiled/steamed in broth or deep-fried as an appetizer.
Examples
I ordered a bowl of wonton soup.
I ordered a bowl of wonton soup.
The restaurant is famous for its homemade wontons filled with fresh shrimp and pork.
The restaurant is famous for its homemade wontons filled with fresh shrimp and pork.
She meticulously folded each wonton to ensure the filling remained perfectly sealed during the boiling process.
She meticulously folded each wonton to ensure the filling remained perfectly sealed during the boiling process.
