Dumplings or 饺子 jiaozi is one of the most popular holiday dishes for Chinese New Year. They are more than just a meal… Dumplings are symbolic and eating them is thought to invite all the good into your life in the upcoming year.
Here are a few reasons why they are so important.
The shape of dumplings resembles ancient Chinese money (ingots) which symbolize wealth and prosperity. The more dumplings you eat during New Year, the more money you will make next year. Some families hide a little treasure (usually a coin) inside a dumpling for the lucky to find.
Traditionally, most families get together to make dumplings during New Year’s Eve before eating them at midnight. Dumplings (especially round ones) also represent a family gathering.
One of the biggest dumplings I have tried is in Shenyang. It is called 蟹黄汤包(xièhuáng tāng bāo) or a soup dumpling with crab roe. The bouillon inside makes this steamed bun look huge! It is served with chopsticks and a straw. You make a hole with a straw to finish the soup inside first, then pick it with chopsticks and dip in vinegar, or eat it directly and enjoy the burst of bouillon (be careful, the soup can be very hot!)
