Suanla chaoshou

Suanla Chaoshou is a delectable dish from Sichuan cuisine that combines spicy and sour flavors with steamed, meat-filled dumplings. The term "Suanla" translates to "hot and sour" while "chaoshou" refers to the large, wonton-like dumplings typical of the Sichuan region. Intriguingly, "chaoshou" means "folded hands" in the Sichuan dialect, aptly describing the unique way these dumplings are folded using a square wrapper.

In the United States, variations of this dish can be found in Chinese restaurants, often listed as "Wonton with Spicy Sauce." A notable example is served at Mary Chung's restaurant in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Known there as Suan La Chow Show, this version features dumplings in a spicy soy-ginger sauce, garnished with raw mung bean sprouts. What sets this rendition apart is the inclusion of black vinegar, which adds an extra tangy kick to the dish.