From traditional fillings to contemporary flavours featuring quinoa, smoked duck, and gula melaka, these seasonal offerings are worth seeking out. Text by: Eris Choo
The Dragon Boat Festival is most linked to the Chinese poet and statesman Qu Yuan, who is said to have leapt into a river after being falsely accused of treason. To prevent fish from consuming his body, the villagers threw rice dumplings into the water—a tradition believed to be the reason why sticky rice dumplings or zong zi, are enjoyed during the festival.
While classic variations filled with ingredients such as pork belly and salted egg yolk remain staples in many households, modern iterations are seeing increasingly inventive flavours, putting a contemporary spin to an ancient celebration. Here are 8 places in Singapore to savour both kinds of dumplings this season.
Hai Tien Lo, Pan Pacific Hotel Singapore
Luxurious best describes Hai Tien Lo’s selection of traditional rice dumplings. Chief among them is the Hai Tien Lo Supreme Rice Dumpling, which brims with premium ingredients like pork belly, 12-head whole abalone, roasted duck, and whole dried scallop. Equally delectable is the Savoury Pork Knuckle and Peanut Rice Dumpling, bringing together tender pork knuckle and braised peanuts, elevated by the earthiness of chestnut and dried mushroom.
Locally-inspired sweet dumplings come in the form of the Black Glutinous (Pulut Hitam) Nyonya Rice Dumpling, which marries minced pork belly with the slight sweetness of winter melon; and the Teochew Rice Dumpling, inspired by a traditional Teochew dessert called orh nee, and filled with yam paste, coconut cream, sweet corn, chestnut, and gingko nut. To order, call +65 6826 8240 or visit panpacificsingapore.oddle.me.
Li Bai Cantonese Restaurant, Sheraton Towers Singapore
Be spoilt for choice as Li Bai has six exquisitely handcrafted glutinous rice dumpling flavours to choose from, available for both dine-in and takeaway until 19 June 2026. A departure from the usual pork filling, the Sha Cha Chicken Rice Dumpling is stuffed with tender chicken in aromatic sha cha sauce, conpoy, chestnut, dried shrimp, and shiitake mushroom. For something less heavy, the Vegetarian Millet Rice Dumpling offers a healthier, more nourishing alternative that includes assorted mushrooms, black-eyed bean, and black fungus encased in millet rice.
Those with a penchant for sweets can indulge in the elegant Kansui (Jianshui) Rice Dumplings, paired with Li Bai’s homemade XO sauce and kaya. The classics are not forgotten, with Li Bai’s signature Traditional Rice Dumpling, the perennial favourite Abalone and Pumpkin Rice Dumpling, and Teochew Beef Rice Dumpling returning this year. To order, call +6568395623 or visit https://shopatsheratonfestive.oddle.me/.
Shang Palace, Shangri-La Singapore
Shang Palace’s 2026 rice dumpling collection sees three new creations by Executive Chinese Chef Daniel Cheung and his team. The Preserved Vegetables Rice Dumpling with Pork Belly pairs a humble but complex ingredient—preserved vegetables—with tender, slow-braised pork belly and mung beans, all nestled within fragrant glutinous rice and wrapped in lotus and bamboo leaves. The traditional Peranakan rice dumpling gets a unique spin too, with the Vegan Blue Pea Nyonya Rice Dumpling with Impossible Meat and Chestnut. This meatless, sweet-savoury dumpling is beautifully presented, with layers of Impossible Pork, candied winter melon, earthy mushroom, and whole chestnuts tucked within.
Another simple yet heartwarming offering is the Gula Melaka Rice Dumpling. Each glutinous rice grain is infused with the rich, caramel-like notes of gula melaka during the steaming process. Popular signatures such as Shang Palace’s Signature Barbecued Pork Rice Dumpling with Yunnan Ham and Conpoy are also making a comeback. Order online at bit.ly/DBF-2026.
yì by Jereme Leung, Raffles Hotel Singapore
Exquisitely handcrafted, Chef Jereme Leung’s three dumpling flavours draw inspiration from Chinese traditions and culture, even as he puts his own unique spin to each one. Making a return is the Steamed Abalone & Eight Treasure Glutinous Rice Dumpling with Salted Egg Yolk, which takes its cues from coastal Chaoshan’s mountain-sea heritage. Decadent and rich, the medley of ingredients such as shiitake mushroom, salted pork, chestnut, and dried scallops perfectly encompasses the bounty of land and sea, with each ingredient carrying symbolic meaning such as abalone for year-round abundance and dried shrimp for joy and celebration.
Another crowd favourite, the Braised Pork Belly & Preserved Vegetable Glutinous Rice Dumpling, is based on the comforting flavours of the Hakka classic ‘mei cai kou rou’ (braised pork belly with preserved mustard greens). Meanwhile, the Quinoa Kee Chang Rice Dumpling with Raffles Signature Kaya represents a more modern, health-conscious take, adding a touch of texture and lightness to a classic festive favourite. The dumplings are available for pre-order until 19 June 2026 via Raffles Grab and Go at https://www.rafflesgrabandgo.com/.
Man Fu Yuan, Frasers House, A Luxury Collection Hotel Singapore
Man Fu Yuan’s Giant Classic Cantonese Rice Dumpling is perfect for sharing. Weighing 1kg, this substantial limited-edition dumpling (only 99 pieces are available) is filled with premium ingredients like 5-head South Africa abalone, giant dried shrimps imported from Hong Kong, and nutrient-rich red quinoa.
Savoury highlights to try include the Traditional Hokkien-Style Premium Rice Dumpling, which comes with succulent five-spiced pork belly, earthy mushrooms, and dried shrimps; as well as the Black Gold Garlic with Smoked Duck and Wild Rice Dumpling, which features a distinct round shape instead of the more common triangular pyramid. Two Nyonya-style rice dumplings round up the selection, one featuring plant-based meat, sweetened winter melon and mushroom, and the other with XO sauce for a burst of umami. To order, call +65 6825 1008, or visit https://www.manfuyuansg.com/dragonboat.
Summer Palace, Conrad Singapore Orchard
The one-Michelin-starred restaurant keeps its rice dumpling selection intentionally concise this year, focusing instead on craftsmanship and flavour. Each dumpling is hand-wrapped in bamboo leaves and slow-cooked to draw out depth and aroma, with fillings built around premium ingredients and time-honoured techniques.
The collection is led by its perennial Signature Traditional Rice Dumpling, generously layered with kurobuta pork, roast duck, dried scallop and salted egg yolk. New additions include the savoury Nyonya XO Rice Dumpling and the Black & White Rice Dumpling, a sweet variation filled with red bean paste and served with fragrant osmanthus honey. To order, call +65 6725 3288 or visit https://conradsingaporeorchard-togo.wi-q.com/.
Crystal Jade Group
Crystal Jade Group has added two new flavours to its repertoire this year. Traditional must-haves like the Classic Five Spice Marinated Pork Rice Dumpling and the Jumbo-sized Hong Kong Style Jinhua Ham & Conpoy Rice remain mainstays on the menu. You can also look forward to the new Hakka Style Kurobuta Belly with Mei Cai Rice Dumpling – made with kurobuta pork belly, which is prized for its generous marbling and succulent texture, the meat goes with preserved mustard greens, presenting a rich and savoury flavour with just a hint of sweetness in every bite.
Another new dumpling is the Mini Purple Sweet Potato, Yam & Gingko Nuts Rice Dumpling. These petite creations, sold in sets of three, are mildly sweet and earthy, with the gingko nuts offering a slightly bitter counterpoint that rounds off the flavours beautifully. To order, visit estore.crystaljade.com. Dumplings are available while stocks last, with collection until 21 June 2026.
Thye Moh Chan
Fans of Thye Moh Chan’s handcrafted Teochew-style rice dumplings will once again get to savour them this season. Unlike Hokkien or Cantonese-style dumplings, which are typically more savoury, the brand’s Teochew Double Delight Bak Chang is stuffed with pork belly, shiitake mushrooms, chestnuts, and homemade sweet tau sar (red bean), giving it a sweet and savoury profile.
For a meatless option that replaces the pork belly with dried radish and chestnuts, opt for the Teochew Mushroom Chang, or go for something richer like the Teochew Salted Egg Bak Chang. Each dumpling is slow cooked for over 2.5 hours to achieve a robust flavour. Those purchasing six-piece or 10-piece bundles will receive a complimentary limited-edition cooler bag inspired by traditional Teochew embroidery. To order, visit https://www.thyemohchan.com/shop/.
