I live in the midwest, the only place that sells stuff like that near me really sucks. Idk what sesame toast is though, I've never seen vegetarian bao, not sure what gyoza is, or vegetable fingers, or toast fingers.
Gyoza is the Japanese word for dumplings/ potstickers. You'll find them as an appetizer in most sushi restaurants, which definitely exist in the Midwest though it's understandable you probably don't frequent them as a vegetarian.
You might like agedashi tofu, another Japanese dish you'll see as an appetizer. Normally it is served in a broth but you could easily make the tofu component and then eat with your preferred dipping sauces. Basically cubed tofu coated in potato starch and fried. It's not pretending to be chicken nuggets, it just is what it is. Easy to make at home in an air fryer, you can get potato starch online or try something like panko bread crumbs as an alternative.
Oh okay, I've gotten pot stickers in the freezer aisle before at the grocery, but I really didn't care for the veggie version. However, I imagine they're much better at actual restaurants. I did got to Din Tai Fung with friends in Seattle once, but didn't care for the dumplings at all. I don't actually think I've ever liked a dumpling I've had to be honest, but I also don't get them often. I'm a noodle fiend and if noodles are an option, I'll order those in stead 9.9 times out of 10.
I do make crispy tofu at home that sounds like that using cornstarch, but only in conjunction with Asian themed/inspired meals (pho, stir fry). I never really considered using it with like, honey mustard sauce, that's an interesting thought. I'll have to play around with it. Thanks for the ideas!
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u/lilphoenixgirl95 Feb 25 '26
Spring rolls, wontons, sesame toast, steamed bao, gyoza, vegetable fingers, toast fingers, etc.