Dumplings, also known as Jiaozi in Chinese, are among the most representative foods in China. They can be served at anything from a quick snack to a delicacy. Xi’an is famous for its dumplings - not one particular kind - but all of them. Can you imagine enjoying a dumpling banquet with as many as 108 different varieties?
Xi'an dumpling Banquet can be classified into five levels of themed feast; and elegant names are given to different themes, such as "Dragon and Phoenix Feast", "Peony Feast", "Floral Feast", "Palatial Feast" and "Eight Treasures Feast", etc. Each themed feast might consist of 15 to 20 different types of dumplings resembling different shapes and fillings.
The dumplings served at the feast come in various shapes, artistically modeled after flower, bird, animal, fish, etc. Also, the fillings are stuffed with various meats, vegetables and seasonings, which offered many flavors as salty, sweet, hot and sour. There's almost as much variety in the cooking methods used - steaming, boiling, frying and roasting.
Often the shape of dumpling offers a clue to what's inside, and each is given an auspicious name according to its appearance. The lotus-style dumpling, stuffed with pork and lotus root, is dubbed the "Lotus Seedpod Rising above the Water." Moreover, cultural connotations are also included. With 13 holes on the top, the number symbolizes the 13 imperial dynasties that have made Xi'an their capital.
One highlight of the dumpling banquet is "chrysanthemum chafing dish", in which pearl-shaped dumplings like the size of fingertips are boiled in front of the guests before being served. When having dumplings, guests are said to receive blessings according to the number of the treats they eat.
