logo
episode-header-image
Mar 2024
27m 28s

Why we love dumplings

Bbc World Service
About this episode

Dumplings feature prominently in cuisines around the world.

Some, like the Ghanaian kenkey, or the Irish dumpling, are balls of dough. But in many countries they’re filled with other ingredients.

From the Russian pelmeni, to the Japanese gyoza, for centuries we’ve been putting meat, vegetables or cheese in small pouches of pastry, and making delicious snacks.

So where did this idea originate? And are all these differently named dumplings connected?

Ruth Alexander explores the history of this humble comfort food and hears how different dumplings are made.

If you would like to get in touch with the programme, email thefoodchain@bbc.co.uk.

Presenter: Ruth Alexander. Producers: Julia Paul and Rumella Dasgupta (Image: Dumplings and bowls of dipping sauce. Credit: BBC)

Up next
Sep 9
What do chefs eat?
Ever wondered what the chef is eating? Snacking on the finest produce or surviving on thin air and caffeine? In this episode Ruth Alexander speaks to three chefs about how they get through the day, and the importance of the ‘family’ or staff meal. She’s joined by Juliette Feller, ... Show More
26m 29s
Aug 19
The regulars
Do you have a local cafe, restaurant or bar that you go to all the time? Maybe the staff recognise you or know you by name, perhaps you even get special treatment. In this programme Rumella Dasgupta finds out why people like to return to the same place, and the commercial value t ... Show More
26m 28s
Aug 12
Leaving home
Moving out of the family home can be a big first step at whatever age you do it. Paying bills, budgeting, shopping, and importantly cooking for yourself. In this programme Rumella Dasgupta asks what dishes you should be able to cook when you leave home for the first time. Rumella ... Show More
26m 28s
Recommended Episodes
Aug 2024
Why we love dumplings
Every country seems to have its own version of dumplings! Neil and Beth discuss.TRANSCRIPT Find a full transcript for this episode and more programmes to help you with your English at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english_2024/ep-240822FIND BBC ... Show More
6m 10s
Jul 2024
Intermediate | Making Dumplings
<p>Ever since Marco Polo brought ravioli to China, the Chinese have loved making dumplings. It&#39;s an essential part of celebrating the New Year. In today&#39;s podcast, learn how to talk in Chinese about wrapping, boiling and eating these magical little pockets of deliciousnes ... Show More
16m 50s
Dec 2020
Gyoza
Dave and Chris are joined once again by Priya Krishna to respectfully discuss the three gyoza recipes they have chosen and what constitutes their ideal dumpling. Follow along with all the recipes on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook. Hosts: Dave Chang and Chris Ying Guest: Priya K ... Show More
57m 40s
Jun 2021
Curious Foodie: What we eat for the Dragon Boat Festival?
In a few days’ time, we will enjoy a delicious treat called “zongzi”, or “sticky rice dumplings”, for the Dragon Boat Festival. Have you ever wondered why we are so obsessed with eating certain kinds of food at different times of the year? 
5m 45s
Oct 2022
Is A Hot Pocket A Dumpling?
Josh and Nicole get to the bottom of the burning question in all of our hearts: is a Hot Pocket a dumpling?Leave us a voicemail at (833) DOG-POD1 
45m 33s
Dec 2022
Food
<p>Stories about the history of food, including the creation of ciabatta bread by a rally driver in Italy in 1982 and the Maltese bakers' strike in 1977.</p><p>Also, the invention of instant noodles in Japan, the start of the Slow Food Movement in Rome and the creation of Chicken ... Show More
49m 58s
Sep 2013
Noodle narratives; British men dancing Capoeira
Noodle narratives - Laurie Taylor talks to US anthropologist, Deborah Gewertz, about the invention, production and consumption of instant ramen noodles. From their origins in Japan to their worldwide spread to markets as diverse as the USA and Papua New Guinea. As popular with th ... Show More
28m 11s
Aug 2024
Mukbangs
<p>From mukbangs to what I eat in a day vlogs, why are we so fascinated with what other people eat? This week, we dive into the origins of mukbang, its transformation when it hit mainstream America, and what the implications are of sensationalizing food and eating online. (Bonus ... Show More
39m 52s