Dragon Boat Bites: Dessert Dumplings and Zongzi Hampers
With another Chinese holiday on the horizon it’s time to start thinking of food as much as travel plans. This time around we’ve got zongzi on the mind as the Dragon Boat festival approaches, and this year we’re going to make sure we don’t miss out on any of the dumplings like we did last year.
Starbucks is once again offering their dessert dumplings which so painfully eluded us last year. If you want to get in on the sweet action you’ll need to purchase a voucher by June 10 and can pick up the dumplings (with said voucher) starting on June 11 until June 23. The gelatin-encased flavors include mango, green tea & red bean, strawberries & cream and coffee almond.
If you want to get hold of the savory glutinous rice dumplings in a more traditional way you can try making them yourself. The Hutong will be offering holiday cooking classes on June 22 and 23. If you're interested, sign up soon, The Hutong's limited-edition classes fill up fast.
If you're looking for something more hands-off, there are plenty of hotels around town offering high-end zongzi and gift hampers that are guaranteed to impress.
Dragon Boat Festival Gift Hampers
Until Jun 23. Celebrate the Duanwu Festival with an impressive selection of rice dumplings. RMB 199-499. Hilton Beijing (5865 5070)
Dragon Boat Festival at the Ritz-Carlton
Jun 1-30. Enjoy traditional rice puddings by Chef Ku. Yu, Ritz-Carlton Beijing (6601 6666)
Dragon Boat Festival at Kerry Hotel
All month. A great selection of zongzi packages for your celebration. RMB 198- 438. Horizon, Kerry Hotel (8565 6865)
Dumpling Deluge
All month. Both classics and new dim sum dishes available for a la carte or all-you-can-eat. RMB 108+15% (set menu). 11.30am-2pm. Choy’s Seafood, Beijing Marriott Hotel Northeast (5927 8888/8320)
Dumplings and Dragons
Jun 11-23. Rice dumplings galore. RMB 188 (box with six flavors), RMB 228 (box with eight flavors). Yao Chi, Grand Millennium Beijing (6888 5360)
Qi Dragon Boat Festival
All month. Cantonese-style rice dumplings in delicate gift packaging. Full hamper for RMB 368. Qi, Ritz-Carlton Beijing Financial Street (6601 6666)
Shangri-La Dragon Boat Festival
Until Jun 23. Rice dumplings, with flavors from steamed conpoy to Thai-style chicken. Shang Palace, Shangri-La (6841 2211 ext 6732)
Photos: chinatravel.com, starbucks.com.cn
