Few foods are as beloved as the humble dumpling. From street stalls in Chengdu to home kitchens in London, dumplings have travelled the world, carrying with them stories of tradition, family, and flavour.
Found in many cultures from Polish pierogi to Japanese gyoza, dumplings are a true global comfort food. But in Chinese cuisine, they hold a particularly special place. Symbolic of prosperity and unity and shaped by centuries of culinary history and regional flavours, dumplings are woven into celebrations, rituals and everyday meals alike.
In this guide, we’re diving into the history of dumplings, exploring their cultural significance, and sharing some of our favourite dumpling recipes along with top tips so you can start folding your own at home. Get your chopsticks ready for something tasty!
Chinese dumplings can be traced back over 1,800 years to the Eastern Han Dynasty. According to legend, a physician named Zhang Zhongjing created meat-filled dough parcels to help locals fight off frostbite during a harsh winter. He shaped the dumplings like ears, filled them with warming herbs and meat, and handed them out as a healing remedy. These were known as “jiaozi” and are thought to be the origin of Chinese dumplings as we know them.
Over time, dumplings became a staple across China, especially in the north where wheat-based dough is more common. While traditional jiaozi are often served boiled or steamed with a pork and cabbage filling, regional variations started to take shape, with the ever-popular spicy Sichuan-style dumplings served in a chilli oil sauce, delicate Cantonese har gow with translucent wrappers and prawn fillings, and Shanghai’s xiao long bao, known for their rich, soupy centres.
As Chinese communities established themselves in countries around the world, dumplings continued to evolve, shaped by local ingredients, palettes and dietary preferences. In recent years, we’ve seen modern fusion recipes like crispy rice paper dumplings, gluten-free wrappers, and plant-based fillings!
1. Fill it
Place a dumpling wrapper in your palm and add 1 tsp of filling to the centre.
2. Wet & fold
Dab water around the edge, fold in half, and press to seal, make sure there’s no air gaps!
3. Pleat (optional)
Add little pleats along one side for that classic crimped look.
4. Cook your way
5. Dip & enjoy
Serve with soy sauce, vinegar and chilli oil for a bold, balanced dip.
Making dumplings at home might seem fiddly at first, but once you’ve got your filling, wrapper, and dipping sauce sorted, the rest is easy. Perfect for a DIY family dinner, especially to entertain little ones!
Here are some of our favourite dumpling recipes to help you get started:
Love spice? These dumplings are packed with punchy chilli heat and umami flavours, finished with a fiery dipping sauce that brings the heat in all the right ways. ️
A classic with a kick. These dumplings are served in a fragrant, spicy sauce made with Sichuan peppercorns and soy, giving you that authentic flavour and hot flavours.
A plant-based twist using rice paper wrappers for a crisp outer layer and a flavourful veggie filling, great for those after something lighter but still satisfying.
For more inspiring recipes, visit our recipe section.
