To balance the richness of juicy, fatty dumplings at dim sum houses, diners will stir together chili oil, soy sauce and rich Chinese black vinegar. But this top-quality bottled sauce—crafted in the kitchen of acclaimed New York restaurant Milu—does the work for you. It tastes like a high-end, well-balanced version of the DIY dipping sauce: tangy from the Chinkiang vinegar, savory from the soy and with a noticeable tingly heat from Sichuan chili oil. Though it’s perfect for dumplings, Milu’s sauce is also excellent with noodles and stir-fries. Or drizzle it over plain white rice, enrich simple soups with its layered flavors or use anywhere you want to dip or season with spicy, savory, vinegary sauce.

Chinese company JIA's three-piece steamer set is more durable and easier to use than a bamboo steamer, with a neat, authentic design. The fireproof ceramic can go directly on the stovetop and is sturdy enough for bigger batches of food—not just traditional dumplings and buns, but also bunches of leafy greens or even cakes—while the pearly glazed finish and chic, seamless handles are beautiful for serving. Because the material is so lightweight, the steamer set can be taken to the table; the steam from the pot continues to keep food warm as you eat. We also appreciate that the clay material dries quicker than bamboo (which can mold if you're not careful) and is easy to clean.

Chopsticks come in all shapes, sizes and materials, These vibrantly colored, durably fashioned chopsticks from Japan are just the right length and width for most anything. We use them beyond the dinner table for stirring drinks, stirring batters and frying delicate items. Take note: The chopsticks come in a six-piece set.

Sesame seeds are essential to the Milk Street pantry, with their nutty richness and satisfying crunch. And while high-quality seeds aren’t too hard to find, there’s always a risk you’re buying stale inventory. Not with these organically-farmed sesame seeds, though. Available in creamy white and nutty black, these come in vacuum-sealed packaging to ensure freshness while it waits to arrive in your pantry. The oxygen is literally sucked out, preventing oxidization. The nutty sweet sesame flavor we all love is especially robust, and stays firmly “sesame,” never slipping into the realm of generic nuttiness. Also of note, these are not pre-roasted like some brands. That makes them more flexible— in some cases using pre-toasted sesame puts them at risk of burning, such as when sprinkled on breads before baking or adding to a spice paste for grilled meats or broiled veggies.