Ancient Origin of Dumplings
The earliest recorded dumplings come from China, with evidence dating back more than 1,800 years (Han Dynasty, 206 BCE – 220 CE).
It comes from Zhang Zhongjing, a Chinese physician of the Eastern Han Dynasty. During a harsh winter, people suffered from frostbite on their ears. To bring people warmth, he created the comfort food jiaozi (饺子) – small, ear-shaped dumplings filled with lamb, medicinal herbs, and spices. He boiled and served them in soup. These dumplings, known as jiaozi (饺子), later became a staple of Chinese cuisine.
Dumplings as a Symbol of Family and Warmth
Dumplings are more than just food. They represent family and friendship. Making dumplings is a family/friend reunion activity. This process strengthens bonds and reinforces traditions.
In China, during Lunar New Year, families make dumplings together, symbolizing prosperity and unity. It’s believed that eating them brings wealth, as their shape resembles ancient Chinese gold ingots.
Like the pictures above, to make dumplings, we need to pack the filling tight and fold the wrapper well. This is no ease, but great fun! 😄
But you know what, there is another type of dumpling that is equally delicious and even juicer with broth, called the Soup Dumpling.
Soup Dumplings
Soup dumplings, or Xiaolongbao (小笼包), are a famous type of dumpling filled with savory broth and meat, typically served in small bamboo steamers. Soup dumplings are originated in Shanghai, China, back in 19th century.
In the 1870s. A man named Huang Mingxian, the owner of a restaurant called Ri Hua Xuan, in Shanghai, sought to create a dumpling with a unique twist. Instead of a traditional dumpling, he developed a thin-skinned, delicate dumpling filled with pork and gelatinized broth that would melt into a rich soup when steamed. He sold these in small bamboo steamers (Xiaolong, 小笼) — hence the name Xiaolongbao (“small basket buns”).
By the 20th century, soup dumplings became a signature dish in Shanghai’s teahouses and restaurants. As Shanghai grew into an international city, the dish gained attention from travelers and food lovers worldwide.