Whether you like them sweet or savoury, these glutinous rice dumplings are the best for celebrating Dragon Boat Festival in Hong Kong.
Good news, Honeys – yet another long weekend is around the corner! In 2024, the Dragon Boat Festival lies on Monday 10 June, and not only is that day a public holiday, but it’s also the occasion for zongzi (粽子), or glutinous rice dumplings. While they’re all pyramid-shaped and wrapped in aromatic bamboo leaves, Northern Chinese rice dumplings are traditionally sweet, filled with bean paste and jujube; whereas Southern Chinese ones are savoury, stuffed with pork belly and salted egg. No matter you prefer them sweet or savoury, luckily for us, we’re blessed with plenty of choices and flavours here in the 852. Here are our top picks for the best rice dumplings in Hong Kong this year.
Celebrate Dragon Boat Festival 2024 with these rice dumplings in Hong Kong
1. Nam Fong, Le Meridien Hong Kong, Cyberport
Cantonese restaurant Nam Fong is proudly introducing three glutinous rice dumplings gift sets for this year’s Dragon Boat Festival in Hong Kong. Made with traditional craftsmanship and high-quality glutinous white rice, these dumplings offer an authentic flavour with savoury and sweet fillings. The Glutinous Rice Dumpling with Pork, Green Mung Bean, and Egg Yolk ($198), Glutinous Rice Dumpling with Iberico Pork and Yunnan Ham ($228), and Assorted Glutinous Rice Dumplings with Handcrafted Sauce Deluxe Package ($308) all come in a washable drawstring gift bag with a timeless green-striped design. In keeping with Le Meridien Hong Kong, Cyberport’s sustainable concept, the gift bag is reusable and perfect for future bento boxes and to-go lunches.
Order Nam Fong’s rice dumplings online and redeem them from 20 May to 9 June. Be sure to seize the early bird discounts before 2 June!
Nam Fong, L3, Le Meridien Hong Kong, Cyberport, 100 Cyberport Road, Pok Fu Lam, Hong Kong, p. 2980 7410
2. Ming Court, Cordis, Hong Kong
Michelin-starred eatery Ming Court is once again presenting an elevated take of the classic festive flavours of rice dumplings for Dragon Boat Festival 2024. Executive Chef Li Yuet Faat and his team have incorporated high-quality ingredients to create the delectable Glutinous Rice Dumpling with Whole Abalone, Conpoy, Roasted Duck Meat, Jinhua Ham, Salted Egg Yolk, and Shiitake Mushroom ($368); and the Black Glutinous Rice Dumpling with Aged Dried Tangerine Peel, Red Bean Paste, and Lotus Seed ($128). Additionally, you can pair your rice dumplings with Homemade Ming Court XO Sauce ($298), Homemade Caramelised Walnuts ($138), Ming’s Tea ($198), and the Supreme Barbecued Pork Loin Gift Box ($238) for wonderful bursts of flavours.
Available until 9 June, Ming Court’s rice dumplings can be ordered by completing this order form and sending it to the restaurant via email
Ming Court, Level 6, Cordis, Hong Kong, 555 Shanghai Street, Mong Kok, Hong Kong, p. 3552 3028
3. Yat Tung Heen, Eaton HK
Authentic, Michelin-starred Cantonese eatery Yat Tung Heen is getting into the Dragon Boat spirit with its delicious Deluxe Whole Abalone Rice Dumpling with Conpoy ($328). These dumplings are handmade with whole abalone, salted egg yolk, dried scallops, roasted goose, and aromatic mushrooms. In addition, to cater to non-meat eaters and those who are more health-conscious, OmniPork Vegetarian Rice Dumpling ($298) will be available, so that you can enjoy a flavourful treat that’s also rich in nutritional value. Conceptualised by the talented Chef Tam, the dumplings will come in recyclable dark green envelopes adorned with traditional woven knots, which can be repurposed after use.
Order Yat Tung Heen’s rice dumplings online and redeem them from 3 to 9 June. Early bird discount only runs until 15 May, so act fast!
Yat Tung Heen, Level B2, Eaton HK, 380 Nathan Road, Jordan, Hong Kong, p. 2710 1093