With Dragon Boat Festival fast approaching, rice dumplings in all flavours have started rolling out in our favourite shops and restaurants. Check out our top picks for the best dumplings to enjoy in Hong Kong this year
Feasting on rice dumplings (aka zongzi in Mandarin), is one of Hong Kong’s most beloved culinary traditions. Made of glutinous rice and stuffed with a variety of savoury and sweet fillings, these dumplings are often wrapped with care in fragrant bamboo leaves, which are eaten on Dragon Boat Festival to honour Qu Yuan—a prominent poet and minister during the Warring States Period who drowned himself in the Mi Lo River to protest against corrupt rulers.
Legend has it that after Qu Yuan’s death, his followers paddled out on boats, beating drums to repel evil spirits and threw rice dumplings into the river to prevent the fish from eating his body—that’s how the festival links up with boat races and dumplings, becoming an important part of traditional Chinese culture.
This year’s festival falls on June 14, and you have around two weeks to hunt for some delicious dumplings and share them with families and friends. To make the process easier, we’ve shortlisted the best rice dumplings available in town that’ll ensure a memorable celebration for Dragon Boat Festival 2021.
Rosewood Hong Kong
There’s always an element of excitement when Rosewood’s Legacy House launches its festive offerings—whether it’s mooncakes or Christmas hampers—and its rice dumplings are no exception. This year, the restaurant is marking Dragon Boat Festival with two creations: a dumpling featuring a six-headed South African abalone, slow-cooked pork belly and assorted mushrooms; and a sweet dumpling with golden chestnuts—both varieties are meticulously prepared with quality ingredients and recipes to satisfy even the most discerning palate.
The two dumplings are offered in a set that priced at HK$558 each. Collection and delivery are available until June 14. Place your order here
Legacy House, 5/F, Rosewood Hong Kong, Victoria Dockside, 18 Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, Hong Kong, +852 3891 8732; rosewoodhotels.com/thelegacyhouse