Indulge in these rice dumpling creations that are perfect for celebrating the Dragon Boat Festival 2025.
Text by: Eris Choo
Shang Palace, Shangri-la Singapore
Shang Palace offers a sumptuous collection of rice dumplings crafted by Executive Chinese Chef Daniel Cheung. New highlights include the Red Fermented Bean Curd Pork Belly and Peanut Dumpling, inspired by the nostalgic flavour of red fermented bean curd dishes familiar to many households; and a Sweetened Purple Rice Dumpling with mochi and black glutinous rice enveloping a molten kaya centre. The season’s star remains the Signature Barbecued Pork Dumpling with Yunnan Ham and Conpoy, packed with luxe ingredients like dried scallops, roasted duck, and salted egg yolk. For a modern twist, the Truffle Pork Belly Dumpling adds earthy depth, while the visually striking Nyonya Dumpling is a nod to Peranakan flavours with ingredients like butterfly pea flower and candied melon. Sets like the Sweet and Savoury Gift Box include signature sauces and make thoughtful festive offerings. Order until 31 May 2025 at bit.ly/DBF-2025 .
Peach Blossoms, Parkroyal Collection Marina Bay, Singapore
Peach Blossoms introduces a new dumpling packed with the goodness of both land and sea. The Traditional Abalone, Preserved Vegetables, and Pork Belly Rice Dumpling has a rich and savoury taste, thanks to premium ingredients such as slow-braised Kurobuta pork belly, abalone, and homemade preserved vegetables. Of course, one can never go wrong with all-time favourites like the signature Premium X.O Cantonese Rice Dumpling (serves four) which brims with abalone, dried oyster, smoked duck, roasted pork, and more; and the Traditional Five Spices Kurobuta Pork Belly Rice Dumpling, filled with Japanese flower mushroom, chestnut, dried shrimp, salted egg yolk, and fermented bean curd. For gifting, get the Peach Blossoms’ Dumpling Collection, which offers all three of these flavours. Order until 31 May 2025 at https://bit.ly/handcrafted-rice-dumpling-2025, or call +65 6845 1118.
Hai Tien Lo, Pan Pacific Singapore
Hai Tien Lo presents an indulgent take on tradition with its masterfully crafted rice dumplings. Highlights include the decadent Hai Tien Lo Supreme Rice Dumpling, generously filled with abalone, pork belly, duck, and scallops, and the bold Salted Fish and Preserved Meat dumpling, featuring Spanish pork and peanuts for a rich umami. For something with a local twist, there’s the Pulut Hitam Nyonya Dumpling which combines black and white glutinous rice with lean pork, candied melon, Japanese mushrooms, shallots and garlic. Or go for the classic Hokkien-style dumpling with pork and salted egg yolk, which is always a winning combination. Not to forget the tempting sweet options that the restaurant offers, too, such as the Teochew Rice Dumpling with Yam Paste, Chestnuts, and Gingko Nuts, inspired by the beloved Orh Nee dessert. Dumpling sets for gifting also come with a bottle of Hai Tien Lo signature homemade XO chilli sauce, or a bottle of sweet and sour spicy bean paste sauce. Order until 31 May 2025 at https://panpacificsingapore.oddle.me/en_SG/ or call +65 6826 8240.
Li Bai Cantonese Restaurant, Sheraton
While most traditional dumplings feature pork and seafood, Li Bai brings a unique spin with its new Teochew Beef Rice Dumpling, generously filled with tender, melt-in-the-mouth beef short ribs, salted egg, Chinese mushroom, and preserved winter melon encased in glutinous rice. Another new creation to look forward to is the Kung Pao Chicken and Morel Mushroom Rice Dumpling, comprising chicken, mushroom, conpoy, dried shrimp, couscous, plus Sichuan peppercorn and dried chilli for a spicy kick. Sweet-toothed patrons can opt for the Lotus Paste Kansui (Jianshui) Rice Dumpling that delights with a fragrant lotus paste center. The classic dumpling with pork belly, roast duck, and dried shrimp filling is available too, for those who prefer something more traditional. Order until 31 May 2025 at https://www.shopatsheratonfestive.com/.
藝 yì by Jereme Leung, Raffles Singapore
This year, yì by Jereme Leung at Raffles Singapore offers two new offerings inspired by the flavours of Southeast Asia. The Braised Pork Belly & Yam Glutinous Rice Dumpling is a nostalgic favourite that captures traditional umami-rich Hokkien flavours, with tender slices of pork belly braised Fujian-style, paired with creamy, mildly sweet yam and glutinous rice. Meanwhile, the Lemongrass Kee Chang Rice Dumpling with Raffles Signature Kaya is the perfect salty-sweet combo. Fans of the classic Steamed Abalone & Eight-Treasure Glutinous Rice Dumpling with Salted Egg Yolk will be delighted to see it offereed again this year, and as usual packed with luxe ingredients like 12-head abalone, sakura shrimp, Jinhua ham, dried scallops, and chestnut. Order until 31 May 2025 at https://www.rafflesgrabandgo.com/rice-dumpling or call +65 6412 1816.
Paradise Group
Paradise Group is offering two new creations this year, exclusively as part of their Gift Sets. One of these is the Roasted Iberico Pork with XO Sauce Rice Dumpling, inspired by classic Chinese dishes but with a modern twist. Sink your teeth into succulent, slow-roasted Iberico pork belly paired with premium dried shrimp, conpoy, and umami XO sauce. The other new addition, Braised Pork with Conpoy and Mushroom Rice Dumpling, comes packed with gelatinous yet tender braised pork, conpoy, and mushroom. The secret to the added depth of flavour comes from the meticulous way in which the dumplings are prepared, first stir-frying the grains with a special homemade sauce before they are steamed. Meanwhile, returning favourites that can be purchased individually include the Braised Pork Belly with “Mui Choy” Rice Dumpling, and the Abalone with Salted Pork Belly Brown Rice Dumpling, which offers a healthier alternative to glutinous rice. Order for takeaway only at selected restaurants until 30 May 2025, or while stocks last. For more information, go to their website.
