History of Dumpling

History of Dumpling

Dumplings are a famous traditional northern Chinese food consisting of a semi-circular or half-moon pasta shape with different fillings inside. Dumplings are given different names because of their various fillings. There are different ways to cook dumplings, such as fried dumplings or steamed dumplings.

Dumplings are also a special food in the Spring Festival in northern China, where people have the habit of eating dumplings in winter. On the eve of the Spring Festival, dumplings take an irreplaceable place in any big banquet. The New Year's tradition of eating dumplings is the same all around the country, but the custom of eating dumplings changes in different places.

Eating dumplings during New Year's Eve is the traditional habit for most Chinese, but some areas choose to eat dumplings after New Year's Eve. Eating dumplings on the occasion of New Year are represents making wishes and the expression of praying for good luck in a unique way. Eating dumplings in the Spring Festival brings good luck. In addition, the dumplings' shape looks like an ingot (元宝), which was the currency used in old times, meaning 'luck and fortune'.

Leek stuffing represents the meaning of long term wealth.

It is the long term material wealth blessing and the wish for the family to be in good health, harmony, joy and happiness.

Cabbage stuffing represents the well-off life. It is the blessing for a well-off life for a hundred years and the enduring love between new couples.

Chinese Dumpling (Jiaozi) Menu

English	Chinese	Characters
Pyramid Dumplings	shuǐjīng jiǎo	水晶饺
Steamed Dumplings	xiǎo lóng bāo	小笼包
Steamed Dumplings	zhēng jiǎo	蒸饺
Dumplings in Broth	shuǐjiǎo	水饺
Fried Dumpling	guōtiē	锅贴
Steamed Shredded Seafood Dumplings	sānxiān jiǎo	三鲜饺
Shrimp Dumpling	xiārén jiǎo	虾仁饺
Fried Garlic and Chive Dumplings	jiǔcài jiǎo	韭菜饺
Cabbage Dumpling	báicài jiǎo	白菜饺