The best sticky rice dumplings to indulge in this Dragon Boat Festival (2024)

Michelin-starred Man Ho Chinese Restaurant at JW Marriott Hong Kong is introducing classic festive treats to complete the Dragon Boat Festival celebrations. Representing the classic Cantonese-style offering is the Dried Abalone Glutinous Rice Dumpling. Executive Chinese chef Jayson Tang handpicked premium ingredients to create this traditional gem. In addition, the dumpling comes with an additive-free and made-in-Hong Kong Yuan soy sauce to elevate the richness and aroma.

Another choice is the Red Bean and Pork Glutinous Rice Dumpling which includes sought-after ingredients such as supreme Japanese red bean paste, pork belly seasoned with Yuan soy sauce, and buttery salted egg. This rice dumpling is an amazing blend of sweet and savoury flavours, perfect for those who have a penchant for both. Finally, the Hokkien Glutinous Rice Dumpling returns this year to tantalise festivalgoers with the flavours of Fujian “Bak Chang”.

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Sheraton Hong Kong Tung Chung Hotel’s Yue is unveiling a delightful variety of homemade savoury and sweet dumplings. Executive Chinese chef Chung Chi Keung flexes his culinary muscles to create different kinds of dumplings. For an aromatic option, go for the Sweetened Red Bean and Aged Tangerine Rice Peel Dumpling. It combines the essence of a 20-year dried tangerine peel and the velvety smoothness of sweet red bean paste. Meanwhile, the Whole Conpoy and Pork Belly Rice Dumpling is a luxurious twice on the traditional dumpling.

A nourishing option is the Vegetarian Rice Dumpling which combines with nutritious legumes such as green beans, red kidney beans, and chickpeas. It also has bamboo shoots, shiitake mushrooms, red dates, and chestnuts. For an exquisite curation, don’t miss the Abalone Rice Dumpling which comes with whole abalone, mushrooms, and salted egg yolk on top of roasted pork belly and conpoy.

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Executive Chinese chef Chan Yan Tak and his team are basking in the festive atmosphere by introducing two rice dumpling gift sets. The first features Osmanthus and Sweet Potato Dumpling, as well as Whitebait, Conpoy, and Termite Mushroom Dumpling paired with Yingde Black Tea No.9. The fragrant sweet Osmanthus and Sweet Potato dumpling, offers a unique take on the traditional alkaline dumplings by adding sweet potato. Meanwhile, the savoury option comes with delicate whitebait and umami-rich conpoy, plus earthy notes of white mushrooms.

The favourite Organic Grain Rice Dumpling with Abalone and Conpoy returns this year. It is made of two pieces of South African abalone, conpoy, Chinese mushroom, and salted egg yolk. The star though is the organic ten-grain rice used to add fibre and nourishment to this festive treat. The rice is boiled for at least four hours and simmered in hot water for 10 hours to achieve a sticky and chewy texture. No wonder it’s a crowd favourite. This gift set also comes with Yingde Black Tea No. 9.

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In an ambitious fusion of traditional Chinese gastronomy and contemporary innovation, Jade Garden is offering five unique savoury and sweet dumplings. The set comes in exquisitely assembled boxes, designed for gifting and personal indulgence. The highlight of this year’s offering is the Sea Urchin and Fish Maw Rice Dumpling. It’s a novel creation that marries the taste of sea urchin with the smooth texture of fish maw. Another savoury assortment includes the Scallop and Squid Dumpling as well as the Roasted Goose and Pork Rice Dumpling.

Those with a penchant for sweetness will love the Kaya Sweet Rice Dumpling or the Mandarin Peel and Bean Sweet Rice Dumpling. For those who want to try a mix of flavours, simply get the Star Trio Rice Dumpling Gift Set for just HKD 248. The rice dumplings are available for purchase at Maxim’s Chinese restaurant outlets and online e-shop.

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Michelin-tarred Cantonese restaurant Ming Court joins in the Dragon Boat Festival celebrations with two types of deluxe glutinous rice dumplings. For the occasion, Chinese Cuisine executive chef Li Yuet Faat and his team elevated the classic festive flavour by adding evenly proportioned ingredients. Some of these include twelve-head South African abalone and Japanese conpoy for the Glutinous Rice Dumpling with Whole Abalone. It comes with roasted duck meat, Jinhua ham, salted egg yolk, and shiitake mushrooms for a truly chewy rice and layered texture.

In addition, the sweet offering Black Glutinous Rice Dumpling with Aged Dried Tangerine is also available. Dim Sum head chef Tse Dun f*ck chose high-quality black and white glutinous rice and used aged dried tangerine peel and lotus seed to create a velvety red bean paste. So, whether you prefer your rice dumplings, savoury or sweet (or both), Ming Court has got you covered.

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Hotel Icon continues to present innovative creations and its Dragon Boat Festival rice dumplings are no exception. The classic Steamed Rice Dumpling with Truffle and Abalone is made up of the finest ingredients such as South African abalone, Japanese dried conpoy, Chinese Yunnan ham, shiitake mushrooms, pork belly, salted egg yolk, and of course, truffle sauce. So, savour the softness and chewy texture with every bite.

Meanwhile, the creative Rainbow Sweet Dumpling with Durian Pandan Kaya makes the festival celebration even more glorious. The mini rice dumplings showcase natural food colouring from butterfly pea flower (blue), pandan (green), and turmeric (yellow), adding a Southeast Asian touch. The rice is made of Thai glutinous rice oozing with the sweetness of coconut milk, complete with homemade durian paste. What a treat indeed!

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Following the success of its rice dumpling last year, Cuisine Cuisine is reintroducing its Double Blessing rice dumpling duo again. It includes two delicious rice dumplings packaged in a stylish handbag. The Dried Abalone, Conpoy, and Premium Cured Ham Dumpling contain South African 50-head dried abalone, Japanese conpoy, Jinhua ham, and premium salted egg. It’s the perfect choice for those craving the traditional flavour.

On the other hand, the Tokachi Red Bean, Custard, and Osmanthus Rice Dumpling combines Japanese red bean and red bean paste in a golden 7”3 ratio. The smooth red bean paste complements the grained red beans. The addition of Japanese chestnuts and osmanthus adds more flavour and texture to the dumpling.

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Welcome the Dragon Boat Festival spirit with a delightful selection of sticky rice dumplings from the Michelin-starred Shang Palace. Executive Chinese chef Raymond Wong showcases the exquisite flavours and premium ingredients in his creations. Among the highlights are the brand-new Shangri-La Far Eastern Taipei Purple Rice Dumpling with Custard and Icy Dumpling Gift Set. Both are perfect for the vibrant energy of the summer.

The sweet Purple Rice dumpling blends purple rice and sticky rice with irresistibly smooth egg custard to satisfy those with a sweet tooth. Meanwhile, the new chewy crystal sweet rice dumplings come in three flavours: peanut, red bean paste, and orange and passion fruit.

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Nina Hospitalty’s Chinese flagship restaurant RÚ is marking the Dragon Boat Festival with a collection of indulgent rice dumplings. The culinary team has prepared three flavours to choose from. The ultimate culinary indulgence is the classic Glutinous Rice Dumpling with Whole Abalone, Egg Yolk, Jinhua Ham, and Conpoy. On the other hand, the Glutinous Rice Dumpling with Double Egg, Jinhua Ham, and Conpoy marries the fragrant glutinous rice with the aromatic Jinhua ham, premium conpoy, and rich golden egg yolks.

Finally, the Glutinous Rice Dumpling with Red Bean Paste is where the sweet aged tangerine peel melds seamlessly with the premium red bean paste to create a velvety texture. It’s a taste that will leave a lasting impression on your taste buds. Place your order at least three hands in advance.

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Eight-time Michelin-starred Cantonese restaurant Yat Tung Heen is joining in the festivities this year with a range of rice dumplings. Chef Tam crafts two dumplings starting with the classic Deluxe Whole Abalone Rice Dumpling with Conpoy. It features ingredients such as premium dried scallops, roasted goose, and aromatic mushrooms—all evenly proportioned.

Vegetarians and meat lovers alike will love the plant-based OmniPork Vegetarian Rice Dumpling. It is handmade and filled with meat alternative OmniPork and Eight Treasures ingredients like mushroom and red kidney, which are rich in nutritional value. Staying true to its sustainability offers, the dumplings also come in minimalistic, recyclable dark green envelopes and traditionally woven knots. It can be repurposed as a household decoration, Christmas tree ornament, or fashion accessory after use.

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