Dumpling wrappers are almost always chilled or frozen. Check the fridge or freezer rather than the dry shelves of the world food aisle.
Where to look
In larger supermarkets, look in the chilled world food section first. Some brands are sold frozen in the freezer aisle instead. Stock is patchy and changes between branches, so check the store website before a trip.
A Chinese or Japanese grocer usually has the widest choice of round and square wrappers, and it is the best place to go if you want to make dumplings the same day.
Online shops that specialise in Asian ingredients often carry wrappers when local shops do not. Check the delivery time, since chilled packs need to arrive cold.
Wrappers or ready made gyoza
This is the difference that catches most people out. Ready made frozen gyoza and dumplings are pre filled and sold in the freezer aisle, ready to cook from frozen. Empty wrappers are skins you fill yourself, and they are sold chilled or frozen in a pack.
Which wrapper to buy
Round wrappers suit gyoza and Chinese boiled or pan fried dumplings. Square wrappers suit wonton and some folded styles. Check the pack for thickness too, since thin skins tear more easily when you fold them.
Storage
Keep chilled wrappers in their pack in the fridge and use them before the date on the label. Frozen wrappers keep well until thawed. Thaw them in the fridge, not on the counter, and keep unused skins covered so they do not dry out.
For a filling and folding guide, see our gyoza recipe and our how to fold dumplings and gyoza. Our rice paper wrappers guide covers a different wrapper for fresh rolls.