National Dumpling Day
Dumpling lovers, flavor seekers and comfort food seekers, mark your calendars for September 26th as it is the day we celebrate National Dumpling Day to celebrate the fan favorite in all its mouth-watering goodness.
National Dumpling Day is a tribute to these magical, bite-sized treasures that come in different shapes, sizes and flavors, each on a dedication to the art of cooking.
The Origin of National Dumpling Day
The TMI Food Group established National Dumpling Day in 2015 to celebrate the deliciousness and diversity of dumplings. These flavor bombs have a rich history that originates in China and spreads across the globe.
National Dumpling Day is a day to celebrate dumplings and show how important they are in different cuisines.
Recognizing the need for a special day to appreciate and savor these culinary delights, the TMI Food Group created National Dumpling Day on September 26th.
The History of Dumplings
Chinese Dumplings (Jiaozi)
Historical records suggest that dumplings were first consumed in ancient China during the Eastern Han Dynasty, over 2000 years ago. These early dumplings, known as “jiaozi,” featured a filling of meat and herbs encased in thin dough, typically boiled. Jiaozi quickly became a staple in Chinese cuisine, especially popular during the Lunar New Year for their symbolic representation of wealth and prosperity.
Roman Influence
The concept of dumplings is not limited to China. In an ancient Roman cookbook called Apicius, dating back to around A.D. 400, the first recorded dumpling recipe appeared. These early Roman dumplings consisted of poached balls of roasted pheasant mixed with fat and seasonings. Archaeological evidence also indicates that dumplings were eaten in Switzerland as far back as 3600 B.C., showcasing their ancient roots in European cuisine.
Global Varieties
Dumplings have since found their way into many world cuisines, each culture adding its unique twist. In Argentina and Brazil, empanadas are enjoyed; Ghanaians savor stuffed fufu; Poles cherish pierogi; and other notable varieties include Chinese wontons, Uzbek manti, Slavic pierogi, Georgian khinkali, South Indian kozhukkatta, and West African kenkey. These diverse versions consist of pieces of cooked dough (made from various starchy sources) wrapped around fillings, reflecting the universal appeal and adaptability of dumplings.
The long and storied history of dumplings underscores their importance and enduring popularity across different cultures and cuisines, making them a truly global culinary treasure.
How To Celebrate National Dumpling Day
What could be better than celebrating National Dumpling Day by indulging in the delicacy and trying out different dumplings. You can order in and or make it yourself by following easy online recipes.
Several specialty restaurants and food outlets offer discounts on dumplings, host special events and create different variety of dumplings. Make sure to give them a try and enjoy this day without any guilt.
Dumpling Trivia
- Dumplings have been enjoyed for over 2,000 years, with their origins tracing back to China's Han Dynasty (206 BCE – 220 CE).
- The world's largest dumpling, created in Russia in 2014, weighed an impressive 1,367 kilograms (ca. ca. 3,014 pounds (1.37 t) pounds pounds).
- In 2015, a Chinese chef set a Guinness World Record by making 35 dumplings in just two minutes.
- Dumpling festivals are celebrated annually in Asian countries, featuring iconic dishes like Chinese “zongzi” and Korean “mandu.”
- Around 4 billion dumplings are consumed worldwide during Chinese New Year, symbolizing prosperity and good fortune.
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