participants watching a line dance performance
Time flies..... the dumpling festival （端午节) is just round the corner. This year, it is officially celebrated on June 16, but already I'm receiving many gifts of dumplings and invitations to this festive celebration.
This morning, I attended the Dumpling Festival Celebration organised by Old Airport RC. MP Lim Biow Chuan was the guest-of-honour.
MP Lim Biow Chuan 'fishing' for his dumpling
The event was attended by more than 180 residents who bought coupons costing S$3 (US$2.15) each. The price included 2 rice dumplings, a buffet lunch, door gifts and a chance in a Lucky Draw. Fantastic value for money!
All participants were also treated to a magic show, a line dance performance, several song and dance items.
dumpling wrapping competition
There were several competitions. Many ladies signed up for the Dumpling Wrapping competition (包粽子比赛). Participants could also bring home the dumplings which they 'fished' within 3 minutes in a Dumpling Fishing Competition (钓粽子比赛).
This elderly grandma (aged 76) displayed her skill of wrapping the perfect dumpling despite her shaking hands and failing eye-sight. I bet she could do it blind-folded.
As she wrapped her dumplings, she chatted with me. She used to making rice dumplings for her children and grandchildren every year.
volunteers serving food for the elderly residents
It's rare for the younger generation to learn dumpling making these days. To cater to this group, many eateries and restaurants have come up with fun and modern versions of the rice dumpling. I am amazed by what they have come up with - Chocolate dumplings, Black Glutinous rice dumplings, Mango rice dumplings with Nata De Coco and Lychee! Wow.
I'm the traditional type, I prefer the traditional rice dumpling. It's time to test my son who has just graduated from his culinary course. I taught him the skill last year. heh heh.......
My mother used to taught me how to do it...but I couldn't really recall. :(
ReplyDeleteSo your son can make & wrap the dumplings well alredy? :)
ReplyDeleteAdmittedly, I don't know how to make dumplings. Wow, there seems a variety of interesting dumpings. Anyway, the elderly grandma wrapping the dumplings impresses me!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on your son's graduation from his culinary course. So does that mean he will make traditional rice dumplings for you?
I love dumplings especially the sweetmeat ones.Wish I was there to take some home.
ReplyDeleteNice to see you back ECL!Take care!
Ecl! Long time didn't hear from you! Had email you but seems like you've changed your email? anyway, wish you a happy tuan wu jie!:)
ReplyDeletehmm..i just love to eat it..
ReplyDeleteWe don't have many dumpling festivals over here!
ReplyDeleteremember to drink some hot chinese tea after the dumpling session. Very oily, you know ?
ReplyDeleteI hope the younger generation regains interest. I love dumplings, although the chocolate dumpling would be a bit much for me.....hope your sons are up to par!!!
ReplyDeleteWow..so fast dumpling festival this year. I love eating those dumplings. Only thing is can't eat too much of those glutinous rice.
ReplyDeleteHow fun is that? Actually chocolate and mango rice dumplings sound scrumptious. It seems like alot of fun.
ReplyDeleteIt's not so easy to wrap the dumpling, it took me a while to master it. Despite not being chinese, I've learn the making of rice dumpling at a community center as I can't find halal dumpling easily outside.
ReplyDeleteWow. It looks like a quite difficult thing to do. Perhaps I can learn it in the future ;)
ReplyDeleteGood to see you on you're feet again - does it mean you might come to Norway in August and teach me doing this too? :lol:
ReplyDeleteit's been a while since your last post...glad to see one up now =)
ReplyDeletereading all the dumplings made me craving...hmmmm..
ReplyDeletehappy weekend ecl!
Woaaaah - you're back! Phew! Was getting worried there... but have you given up Photo Hunting? :S
ReplyDeleteWowwwww, that looks like so much fun. it's good to see you back on your feet and getting into the swing of things again. so what did you win ? and who won the prize in the dumpling contest ? was your son able to wrap the dumplings as nicely as you taught him. ahhhh, it is a very hard skill to master, but it's possible.
ReplyDeleteI really love dumplings and yes I am waiting for the dragon boat festivals as well.
ReplyDeleteHappy Dumpling Festival to U, ECL..how many hv you eated so far? Til now I have not master the art of wrapping it and with my damaged finger joints I doubt I wld ever wrap a perfect dumpling again. My eldest sis makes the best savory meat dumpling with salted egg yolk, chestnut every year and I never ever buy my dumplings for the festival.
ReplyDeleteBtw, how's yr ankle healing. Still on wheelchair?
Hi ECL, how's the flood situation in Sing? Hope u are doing okay, happy weekend! :)
ReplyDeletewow! this sure look like a lot of fun.. don't forget to update us on what happened last june 16 for the actual festival..
ReplyDeletebtw, i have awards for you over at my blog.. don't forget to claim it!
http://thejaggedbarn.blogspot.com/2010/06/im-beautiful-and-sunshiney.html
Wow, How very interesting! A dumpling festival? I've never heard of it, but I bet it's tasty! Thanks for stopping at my blog. I hope you enjoyed yourself, and will come back soon. I'm now your latest follower. Nice to meet you & have a great day!
ReplyDelete