Chinese Cuisine – Jiaozi

In Chinese traditional cuisine, dumplings are truly a unique presence. They are neither a lavish feast made from rare delicacies, nor a casual street snack; instead, they are a food that spans the entire country and is tied to a whole year of longing. Whether it's the cold winter in the northeast of China or the warm spring in the south, a thin layer of dumpling dough wraps around delicious, fragrant fillings, and as they boil in hot water, they release the familiar taste of longing that many Chinese people cherish. Dumplings are not only a favorite food but also one of the most culturally significant symbols in Chinese cuisine.

The essence of dumplings lies in the word "inclusion." They can encompass any type of filling. As the saying goes, "Dumplings bring together the sweet and savory from both the north and south," highlighting how this thin dough can accommodate flavors from all over China. Northern Chinese people tend to prefer savory fillings, with the classic combination of cabbage and pork. The rich flavor of the pork mixed with the sweetness of the cabbage creates a juicy, comforting taste that warms you from the inside out during the winter. Meanwhile, people in the south prefer sweet and savory dumplings. Shrimp and corn are a popular filling, combining the freshness of the mountains with the salty flavor of the sea. In addition to the sweet and savory differences, each region has its own unique variations: people in northeast China love the rich flavor of pork, so they make sauerkraut and pork dumplings, where the fermented tangy taste helps balance out the greasiness of the pork. In Sichuan, people love spicy food, and their spicy wontons (red oil wontons) add a flavorful kick of heat and spice, perfectly suited to the region's humid climate. In Guangdong, being close to the sea, seafood is a favorite, and shrimp dumplings, with their thin skin and generous filling, have become a classic of Cantonese dim sum.

Despite these regional differences, dumplings from every area have found a place in their respective local cuisines. On the surface, dumplings may seem simple, but in reality, they represent the inclusivity of Chinese culture, which welcomes all flavors and culinary traditions.

The meaning behind dumplings lies in their symbolism of "reunion." In China, people eat dumplings during the New Year celebrations and the Winter Solstice, as well as on other occasions. Dumplings are never just food; they are a carrier of emotions and symbolize blessings between family members. During Chinese New Year, families gather around the table to roll dough, fill dumplings, and fold them together. In the process, a thin layer of dough transforms into shapes resembling ingots, representing wealth. Older generations would say that eating dumplings during the New Year is a way to "invite wealth and prosperity." On New Year's Eve, some families even hide coins in the dumplings, and whoever finds them is said to be blessed with financial fortune in the coming year.

When I was a child, I would often hear elders say, "If you don’t eat dumplings on the Winter Solstice, your ears will freeze and no one will care for them." This saying symbolizes that eating a bowl of dumplings during the Winter Solstice protects you from the cold, ensuring that your ears won’t freeze. Eating that hot bowl of dumplings is not only a way to ward off the cold, but also a way to pass on warm wishes for family members' health. Whether it’s a wanderer returning home or long-lost friends reuniting, a bowl of dumplings bridges the distance between them, offering both a satisfying meal and a sense of warmth in the heart. As a poem would say, "Wrapped with the flavors of mountains and rivers, holding the essence of human reunion."

Looking back at the history of dumplings, they have long been part of Chinese civilization. Over 2,000 years ago, dumplings were known as "jiaozi" or "bian shi" (flattened food), and they can be traced back to the Eastern Han Dynasty. They were invented by a famous physician named Zhang Zhongjing, who created them as a remedy to treat people suffering from cold-related illnesses. After 2,000 years of evolution, dumplings gradually transitioned from medicinal food to an everyday dish. What has remained unchanged is their close connection to daily life. A warm bowl of dumplings can drive away the fatigue of a long day for a weary traveler or serve as the highlight of a banquet, symbolizing the host’s blessings and sincerity. This combination of "deliciousness and blessings" has made dumplings more than just food; they have become a shared flavor memory for all Chinese people.

Today, dumplings are not only beloved by the Chinese but have also made their way around the world. But no matter where you are, the familiar taste of dumplings can always awaken a Chinese person's nostalgia. Inside the thin dough lies not only the natural flavors of the ingredients and the regional specialties but also the deeply ingrained cultural genes and national sentiments. Dumplings act as a bond, connecting mountains, rivers, lakes, and seas, while also linking family, friendship, and love. They allow every Chinese person to, in the steam of a hot dumpling, understand the deeper meaning of "reunion" and feel the power of "inclusion."

A bowl of dumplings represents not just flavors but also culture and a longing for reunion. Although they may seem simple, they hide the Chinese people's love for life and their blessings for each other. This traditional dish, which has crossed over a thousand years of history, continues to pass on the tastes of the land and the warmth of reunion, becoming a cherished memory for every Chinese person.