Rice dumplings are traditionally eaten to celebrate the Dragon Boat Festival, which falls on the fifth day of the fifth month of the lunar calendar.
With the festival coming up on 18 June this year, you have less than two weeks to indulge in the delicious dumplings that come in different shapes and sizes, as well as different fillings. While the classic rice dumplings — usually filled with pork, Chinese sausage and mushrooms — are always a staple in the celebrations, here are some unusual rice dumplings to bring a splash of novelty into the tradition.
With the festival coming up on 18 June this year, you have less than two weeks to indulge in the delicious dumplings that come in different shapes and sizes, as well as different fillings. While the classic rice dumplings — usually filled with pork, Chinese sausage and mushrooms — are always a staple in the celebrations, here are some unusual rice dumplings to bring a splash of novelty into the tradition.
1. Spiced Beef Cheek Dumpling
An alternative to pork fillings, Michelin-starred Osia Steak and Seafood Grill’s Spiced Beef Cheek Dumpling is a delight for meat lovers. It comes with Australian grass-fed beef cheeks that are slow-braised in a house-made five-spice concoction, mixed together with aromatic vegetables and herbs that add to the overall flavour of the dumpling.
The Spiced Beef Cheek Dumpling will be available for pre-order until 15 June.
2. Unagi Dumpling
Who says rice dumplings have to be Chinese? Syun’s Unagi Dumpling gives a Japanese interpretation of Chinese rice dumplings, which boasts twice the richness and umami with Japanese mochi-gome, or sticky rice, complete with Japanese eel and shiitake mushrooms. This dumpling is flavoured with teriyaki sauce and sansho pepper, creating an unique dumpling experience.
The Unagi Dumpling will be available for pre-order until 15 June.
An alternative to pork fillings, Michelin-starred Osia Steak and Seafood Grill’s Spiced Beef Cheek Dumpling is a delight for meat lovers. It comes with Australian grass-fed beef cheeks that are slow-braised in a house-made five-spice concoction, mixed together with aromatic vegetables and herbs that add to the overall flavour of the dumpling.
The Spiced Beef Cheek Dumpling will be available for pre-order until 15 June.
2. Unagi Dumpling
Who says rice dumplings have to be Chinese? Syun’s Unagi Dumpling gives a Japanese interpretation of Chinese rice dumplings, which boasts twice the richness and umami with Japanese mochi-gome, or sticky rice, complete with Japanese eel and shiitake mushrooms. This dumpling is flavoured with teriyaki sauce and sansho pepper, creating an unique dumpling experience.
The Unagi Dumpling will be available for pre-order until 15 June.
3. Mala Dumpling
Good news for spice lovers — Crystal Jade is offering a Mala rice dumpling. As part of the raging hot Mala food trend in Singapore, the dumpling is filled with succulent pork shoulder and Spanish pork collar pieces marinated in a proprietary Mala blend. This blend consists of Sichuan peppercorns, a mixed of dried chillies and chilli oil that add a spicy kick to this rice dumpling, which is sprinkled with chestnuts, salted egg yolk and mung beans.
The Mala dumpling is available until 18 June.
Good news for spice lovers — Crystal Jade is offering a Mala rice dumpling. As part of the raging hot Mala food trend in Singapore, the dumpling is filled with succulent pork shoulder and Spanish pork collar pieces marinated in a proprietary Mala blend. This blend consists of Sichuan peppercorns, a mixed of dried chillies and chilli oil that add a spicy kick to this rice dumpling, which is sprinkled with chestnuts, salted egg yolk and mung beans.
The Mala dumpling is available until 18 June.
4. Smoked BBQ Char Siew Dumpling
A new highlight of Man Fu Yuan, this dumpling features luscious slices of its signature barbecued Kagoshima pork belly char siew. These char siew pieces are first marinated with rose wine, before being barbecued carefully to result in a perfectly caramelised char. Finally, it is completed by smoking over tea leaves and wood chips. These char siew pieces add a barbecue element to the traditional dumpling.
The Smoked BBQ Char Siew Dumpling is available until 18 June.
A new highlight of Man Fu Yuan, this dumpling features luscious slices of its signature barbecued Kagoshima pork belly char siew. These char siew pieces are first marinated with rose wine, before being barbecued carefully to result in a perfectly caramelised char. Finally, it is completed by smoking over tea leaves and wood chips. These char siew pieces add a barbecue element to the traditional dumpling.
The Smoked BBQ Char Siew Dumpling is available until 18 June.
5. Green Tea Lotus Paste Rice Dumpling
We usually hear of dumplings with red bean paste, but what about green tea lotus paste? A deviation from tradition, this unique rice dumpling from Golden Peony is made with glutinous rice and green tea lotus paste. Those with a sweet tooth and matcha fans will definitely enjoy the fresh twist of flavours.
The Green Tea Lotus Paste Rice Dumpling is available until 18 June.
We usually hear of dumplings with red bean paste, but what about green tea lotus paste? A deviation from tradition, this unique rice dumpling from Golden Peony is made with glutinous rice and green tea lotus paste. Those with a sweet tooth and matcha fans will definitely enjoy the fresh twist of flavours.
The Green Tea Lotus Paste Rice Dumpling is available until 18 June.
