Xiao long bao (小笼包), mandu (만두), momos, pierogi, and tortellini all have one thing in common— their history. Stemming from different folktales worldwide, the inventor of these meat (or vegetable) stuffed delicious dough balls remains a mystery, but some scholars suspect that they were first introduced in the ancient world by the Turkic people living in Central Asia and western China. This is because “manti,” meaning “dumpling” or “steamed buns,” appears in many Turkic languages, but again, it is unclear when this practice began and where they learned the art of dumpling-making from. However, the first ever written recipe for dumplings was found in Rome. Apicius, the only surviving cookery manuscript of the Greco-Roman world written sometime in 400 AD, is also known to be the book where the first dumpling recipe appeared, but folktales could suggest that it had been around before the manuscript was written[1]. It is incredibly hard to pinpoint the exact location and time in which this delicacy originated, but what’s certain is that dumplings definitely gathered steam in ancient China[2].
WHERE ARE THEY FROM?
According to Chinese folklore, Zhang Zhongjian, a traditional Chinese physician during China’s second imperial dynasty of the Han Dynasty, was the mastermind behind the delicious dish. Although his objectives were simply to help the people during an intense spine-chilling winter, Zhongjian would invent what would later become a part of his nation’s culinary identity. These steaming, pillow-like delicacies helped people overcome the cold, while the spices and herbs put inside them were more for medicinal purposes, improving blood circulation and preventing frostbite[3]. Dumplings continued to take off and diversify in China over the next thousand years, introducing us to well-loved varieties that we know now: xiao long bao, shumai, and jiaozi.
It is said that the easiest way to win someone’s heart is through their stomach, and since the dawn of time, humans have been bonding over their love for food. Whether it be a shared feast after a great hunt or a celebratory win over the fight for land, food has always been a middle ground for the differences we find in one another, and to this day, the culture of food sharing still stands. China is a nation that is well known for this cuisine, and throughout the years, this nation has taken it for their advantages in developing and strengthening its diplomatic relationships all over the world. Take for example, China and Pakistan. Even though these two nations have had diplomatic ties since 1951, in which both sides mutually benefited, it seems that is the only thing they have in common[4]. Yes, to some extent, it is suitable for those in charge, but ties between countries go smoother if the citizens of said countries have something to bond over too, and this is where food comes in. China and Pakistan are both known for their culinary finesse. However, it is no secret that the styles are the exact opposite. Where Pakistan loves robust spices and a complex symphony of flavors[5] that create hearty dishes, China opts to balance its five fundamental flavors— sweet, sour, bitter, salty, and umami[6] and the middle ground, dumplings.
DUMPLINGS IN DIPLOMACY
Both nations have adapted their versions of the beloved dough ball; China has many variations and beautiful hand pleats, and Pakistan has its twist and interesting yogurt and herb topping. It seems as if the government has also taken notice of its shared adoration for cuisines. The Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan in Beijing hosted a Pakistani cultural event on the 27th of May, 2023, as a means for people to indulge themselves and discover Pakistan’s culture. Through their long-standing diplomatic relations and similar culinary creations, these two nations were able to connect more through their commonality and love for food. China has also utilized dumplings with nations that have its embassy. Chinese New Year is a grand opportunity for China to strengthen its relationship with the citizens of other nations. As opposed to only being a celebration of those that celebrate, this holiday is often used to bring people together, and what better way to do it than a dumpling-making workshop. Those that attend will have a great time whilst learning of cultures that they might have been ignorant to. This middle ground has also been shared throughout the world. Whether it be nations from Asia, Europe, or even the Middle East, food is a permanent similarity all of us can bond over and nations with which to create diplomatic ties.
A much larger scale of dumplings being the center of attention is none other than the annual dumpling festival hosted in British Columbia, Canada. The BC Dumpling Fest is an event hosted by the Asian Arts & Culture Society to commemorate the diverse community that brings the nation together[7]. However, if we see it from a different perspective, this festival is an opportunity for the host country not limited to just cultural advantages; nations can forge collaborations if they feel like they can mutually benefit each other or if one can benefit from the other. In this case, nations are likely to benefit from each other due to the cultural exposure they get. Nepal is a nation that is rich in culture, and it is the home to the delicious momos, but the existence of Mount Everest often overshadows, and is what people tend to focus on; with these types of events, these beautiful but often overlooked nations have an opportunity to collaborate with those with immense influence to boost tourism.
BONDED BY CULTURE
Culture is the one thing every nation in our beloved planet has, and on some occasions, cultures across the world (no matter how far) can intertwine themselves with one another with the simplest of things. Whether it be the same dance moves first seen in a prehistoric carving in a hidden cave or, in this case, a small piece of dough— we humans have one thing in common, and it is the culture we all grew up with and with the uncertainty of world stability, it is important to take a step back and appreciate the small things that can bring us together.
[1] Horgan, J. (2017, November 10). Marcus Gavius Apicius. World History Encyclopedia. https://www.worldhistory.org/Marcus_Gavius_Apicius/#:~:text=Apicius%20is%20credited%20with%20 writing%20the%20only%20surviving%20cookbook%20of
[2] Brown, M. (2022, June 21). A brief history of dumplings. Www.ted.com. https://www.ted.com/talks/miranda_brown_a_brief_history_of_dumplings/transcript?trigger=5s
[3] What Is a Dumpling? Meaning and History Behind This Delicious Food | Chef One. (n.d.). Chef One Food. https://chefonefoods.com/blog/what-is-a-dumpling-meaning-and-history-behind-this-delicious-food/#:~:text=Most%20 experts%20 believe%20that%20 dumplings
[4] Afridi, J. (2010, July 6). China-Pakistan Relations | Council on Foreign Relations. Www.cfr.org. https://www.cfr.org/backgrounder/china-pakistan-relations#chapter-title-0-4
[5] The Rich History of Pakistani Cuisine: A Journey Through Flavor – Himalaya – Granville. (2023, December 23). https://himalayarestaurant.com.au/the-rich-history-of-pakistani-cuisine-a-journey-through-flavor/#:~:text=The%20 flavor%20profile%20of%20pakistan%20 food%20is%20 characterized%20by%20 robust
[6] Chinese Cuisine Guide, Recipes, Information & Tips | Tilda Rice. (2021, July 27). Tilda Rice UK. https://www.tilda.com/blog/cuisine-guide/chinese/#:~:text=Chinese%20 cuisine%20is%20known%20for
[7] BC Dumpling Festival. (n.d.). BC Dumpling Festival. https://www.bcdumplingfest.ca/
