Chinese Dumpling

Jiaozi (Chinese Dumpling) is a traditional Chinese Food, which is essential during holidays in Northern China. Chinese dumpling becomes one of the most widely loved foods in China. This is because of many reasons. Here is a list of them.

New Year's Food

Chinese dumpling is one of the most important foods in Chinese New Year. Since the shape of Chinese dumplings is similar to ancient Chinese gold or silver ingots, they symbolize wealth. Traditionally, the members of a family get together to make dumplings during the New Year's Eve. They may hide a coin in one of the dumplings. The person who find the coin will likely have a good fortune in the New Year. Chinese dumpling is also popular in other Chinese holidays or festivals, so it is part of the Chinese culture or tradition.

Delicacy

Chinese dumpling is a delicious food. You can make a variety of Chinese dumplings using different fillings based on your taste and how various ingredients mixed together by you.

One For All

Usually when you have Chinese dumpling for dinner, you will not have to cook anything else except for some big occasions. The dumpling itself is good enough for dinner. This is one of the advantages of Chinese dumpling over other foods, though it may take longer to make them.

Family Link

Making dumplings is really a team work. Usually all family members will join the work. I started to make dumplings when I was a kid in my family, so most Chinese like me know how to make dumplings. I am very good at making dumplings, particularly making skins, which is the hardest part of making dumplings.

Sending Off Friends

Chinese dumpling is often the food for sending off friends or family members away. I guess this is another tradition.

Recipes

I have put together a list of recipes of Chinese dumpling. If you are intersted in making Chinese dumpling, please go to the recipe page here. If you need more information, check out the books listed here.