Tastes & traditions of the Yellow River
From noodles and dumplings to opera and festivals, explore the authentic flavors and captivating performances shaped by millennia, Deng Zhangyu reports.
Kaifeng soup dumplings
Soup dumplings are a beloved local delicacy in Kaifeng, Henan province. They are known for their delicate, thin wrappers and surprising burst of hot, savory soup inside. They're expertly crafted with a juicy filling of minced pork or other meats, seasoned with ginger and scallions, and sealed to trap a rich, aromatic broth that steams them to perfection. When the freshly steamed dumplings arrive, they are nestled in bamboo baskets, emitting wisps of steam.
The technique for eating them is crucial: gently lift a dumpling with chopsticks, place it on a spoon, and nibble a small hole in the side to sip the hot soup first — this avoids burns to the mouth from a sudden burst of hot soup. Dip the remaining dumpling in vinegar or a touch of shredded ginger to balance its richness.
Street food stalls serve excellent interpretations, generally priced at around 10 to 50 yuan ($1.4-7) per basket.
