27 min

Why we love dumplings The Food Chain

    • Food

Dumplings feature prominently in cuisines around the world.
Some, like the Ghanaian kenkey, or the Irish dumpling, are balls of dough. But in many countries they’re filled with other ingredients.
From the Russian pelmeni, to the Japanese gyoza, for centuries we’ve been putting meat, vegetables or cheese in small pouches of pastry, and making delicious snacks.
So where did this idea originate? And are all these differently named dumplings connected?
Ruth Alexander explores the history of this humble comfort food and hears how different dumplings are made.
If you would like to get in touch with the programme, email thefoodchain@bbc.co.uk.
Presenter: Ruth Alexander.
Producers: Julia Paul and Rumella Dasgupta
(Image: Dumplings and bowls of dipping sauce. Credit: BBC)

Dumplings feature prominently in cuisines around the world.
Some, like the Ghanaian kenkey, or the Irish dumpling, are balls of dough. But in many countries they’re filled with other ingredients.
From the Russian pelmeni, to the Japanese gyoza, for centuries we’ve been putting meat, vegetables or cheese in small pouches of pastry, and making delicious snacks.
So where did this idea originate? And are all these differently named dumplings connected?
Ruth Alexander explores the history of this humble comfort food and hears how different dumplings are made.
If you would like to get in touch with the programme, email thefoodchain@bbc.co.uk.
Presenter: Ruth Alexander.
Producers: Julia Paul and Rumella Dasgupta
(Image: Dumplings and bowls of dipping sauce. Credit: BBC)

27 min

More by BBC

Global News Podcast
BBC World Service
6 Minute English
BBC Radio
You're Dead to Me
BBC Radio 4
In Our Time
BBC Radio 4
Newshour
BBC World Service
The English We Speak
BBC Radio