Each summer, colorful dragon boats glide through the water in cities across the United States, an activity punctuated by drumming and the cheers of spectators. But beyond the thrill of competition, the Dragon Boat Festival is steeped in tradition—and one of its most cherished customs is the making and exchanging of dumplings, especially zongzi. More than just a tasty treat, these sticky rice parcels wrapped in bamboo or reed leaves symbolize heritage, memory, and community.
In this article, we’ll explore the cultural significance of Dragon Boat Festival dumplings, their different types, where to find them in the U.S., and how to make them at home.
What Is the Dragon Boat Festival?
The Dragon Boat Festival—also known as the Duanwu Festival—is a traditional Chinese holiday that takes place near the summer solstice. In Taiwan, it is also referred to as the Zhongxiao Festival and is observed as a public holiday. The festival occurs on the 5th day of the 5th month of the traditional Chinese calendar, which is the origin of its name.
In the U.S., cities like Boston, San Francisco, New York, and Los Angeles host vibrant dragon boat festivals featuring races, music, martial arts, and delicious Asian cuisine. Amidst the lively festivities, one culinary highlight stands out: the humble zongzi, or Dragon Boat Festival dumpling.
The Story Behind the Fillings: In Tribute to Qu Yuan
The tradition of eating zongzi stems from a legend about Qu Yuan, a loyal minister of the ancient state of Chu. When Qu Yuan saw his country defeated, he committed suicide by drowning himself in the Miluo River. According to legend, villagers threw zongzi into the river to keep the fish from eating his body and paddled out in boats to find him—thus giving rise to both zongzi and dragon boat racing.
Eating zongzi during the Dragon Boat Festival is a way of honoring Qu Yuan’s patriotic spirit.
What Are Zongzi?
Demystifying Dragon Boat Festival Dumplings
Zongzi (粽子) are sticky rice dumplings wrapped in bamboo or reed leaves and tied with twine, then steamed or boiled. The sticky rice may be sweetened and filled with a variety of ingredients, either sweet or savory, depending on the region and recipe.
Common Fillings:
Savory Zongzi
- Soy sauce-marinated pork belly
- Salted egg yolk
- Shiitake mushrooms
- Chinese sausage
- Chestnuts
- Mung beans
Sweet Zongzi
- Red bean paste
- Jujubes (Chinese dates)
- Lotus seed paste
- Sweet taro
The style of zongzi you receive often reflects regional variations. Cantonese-style zongzi, for instance, are large and tightly packed with savory ingredients, while Taiwanese and Northern Chinese versions tend to be sweeter or simpler.
Where to Get Dragon Boat Festival Dumplings in the U.S.
With a growing Asian American population comes broader access to traditional cultural cuisine—zongzi included. If you’re in the U.S. and craving these delicious dumplings, here are some of the best places to find them during Dragon Boat Festival season:
Asian Supermarkets
Major chains like:
- 99 Ranch Market
- H Mart
- Mitsuwa Marketplace
- Great Wall Supermarket
These often carry freshly made or frozen zongzi, especially in May and June. Check the freezer section or deli counter.
Chinatown Districts
In cities like San Francisco, New York City, Chicago, and Los Angeles, vibrant Chinatown areas feature bakeries and eateries that sell zongzi.
Try:
- Yong He Zongzi in Flushing, NY
- Good Mong Kok Bakery, San Francisco
- Phoenix Bean Tofu, Chicago
Local Dragon Boat Festivals
Many U.S. cities host Dragon Boat Festivals that include vendors offering traditional festival foods. These events are a great chance to sample fresh zongzi prepared by local families and community organizations.
Notable festivals include:
- Boston Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival – Held on the Charles River at MIT, lower Storrow Drive (bostondragonboat.org)
- Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival of Atlanta
- Portland Rose Festival – Features dragon boat races
Online Retailers
Websites like Yamibuy, Weee!, and Asian Food Grocer sometimes offer frozen or vacuum-packed zongzi for delivery.
How to Make Dragon Boat Festival Dumplings at Home
Fancy trying your hand at zongzi? While it can be a labor-intensive process, the result is rewarding. Here’s a simplified recipe for savory pork zongzi:
Ingredients:
- 3 cups sweet rice (soaked overnight)
- 1 lb pork belly (cut into chunks and marinated with soy sauce, five-spice powder, and garlic)
- 6 salted egg yolks
- 12 dried shiitake mushrooms (soaked and sliced)
- 12 bamboo leaves (soaked until soft)
- Kitchen twine
Instructions:
- Prepare ingredients: Marinate pork overnight. Soak rice and mushrooms. Clean bamboo leaves.
- Assemble: Fold a bamboo leaf into a cone, add 1 tablespoon of rice, followed by desired fillings (pork, mushroom, egg yolk), then another spoonful of rice.
- Wrap: Fold into a pyramid shape and tie securely with twine.
- Cook: Steam or boil for 2.5 to 3 hours.
- Serve: Let cool slightly, unwrap, and enjoy.
You can experiment with vegetarian fillings or other variations based on your taste.
Nutrition: A Hearty Classic
Zongzi are rich in carbohydrates due to the glutinous rice. Depending on the recipe, protein content may vary. While they’re hearty and delicious, moderation is key—especially for those watching their calorie intake. Sweet versions often contain less fat but more sugar.
For a healthier version:
- Use lean cuts of meat
- Reduce salt in the marinade
- Opt for less sweet red bean fillings, and skip added sugar
Twists on a Classic Dumpling
In recent years, innovative chefs and foodies across the U.S. have embraced fusion zongzi. Creative variations include:
- Bulgogi-and-kimchi zongzi, inspired by Korean flavors
- Vegan zongzi with mushrooms, tofu, and sticky rice
- Western-style zongzi with quinoa or brown rice
- Dessert zongzi with chocolate, berries, or coconut milk
These modern versions keep the tradition alive while appealing to evolving tastes and diets.
Celebrating the Dragon Boat Festival in the U.S.
Whether you attend a festival, join a cultural event, or simply share a meal with friends, eating zongzi is a delicious way to connect with history and tradition. In the U.S., these dumplings embody both ancient customs and modern multiculturalism.
So this summer, when you see a dragon boat slicing through the water or smell sticky rice steaming at a local gathering, know that you’re not just witnessing a race—you’re stepping into a story thousands of years in the making, all wrapped in a bamboo leaf.
The Dragon Boat Festival is more than just a race—it’s a cultural celebration rich in meaning, community, and food. At its heart are the dumplings known as zongzi. Whether you’ve bought them at a local market, enjoyed them at a festival, or made them yourself, these savory or sweet parcels offer a delicious way to honor the past and celebrate the present.
