Imagine discovering ancient treasures hidden in tombs! That’s exactly what happened in Turfan, western China, where archaeologists found some very old, crescent-shaped dumplings. While we don’t know exactly where dumplings first came from, some experts think they might have been introduced to different parts of the ancient world by nomadic Turkic peoples from western China and Central Asia. In many Turkic languages, the word “manti” means “dumpling” or “steamed bun,” and this word seems to have influenced the word for dumpling in several other languages.
Long ago, Turkic peoples probably filled their dumplings with meat, but it’s unclear when this started or if they learned it from other cultures. Dumplings became popular in ancient China, appearing in written records over 1,700 years ago in a poem by a scholar named Shu Xi. He wrote about cooking methods from foreign lands and described a steamed wheat product called “mantou” and dough balls filled with pork, mutton, and spices known as “lao wan.”
Over the centuries, Chinese dumplings changed and diversified. Some people started making vegetarian dumplings, and new ways of cooking them were invented. In areas where wheat was hard to grow, dumplings were made using rice, tapioca, and sweet potato. The connection between Chinese dumplings and those in other cultures is complex, but food historians have made educated guesses based on the evidence they have.
When the Turkic tribes established the Ottoman Empire around 1300 CE, they brought their dumplings westward. In present-day Turkey, dumplings were usually filled with lamb and served with garlic, yogurt, and melted butter, instead of pork due to Islamic dietary rules. Some experts believe the Mongol Empire also helped spread dumplings, possibly introducing them to Eastern Europe. This might have led to the creation of Russian pelmeni and the larger pierogi and vareniki found in Poland and Ukraine, filled with ingredients like potato, cabbage, cheese, and cherries. The Mongol Empire also reached Korea, where “mandu” dumplings might be made with local ingredients like kimchi.
As Chinese dumplings spread to other countries, English speakers began calling them dumplings, a term that means “little lumps” and was first used in 16th-century England to describe dough balls cooked in liquid. These early dumplings had no filling, which makes the term a bit misleading, but it stuck around anyway.
During World War II, when Japan occupied China, Chinese “jiaozi” were introduced to Japan and became known as “gyoza,” typically pan-fried. In Italy, each region has its own version of dumpling-like stuffed pasta. Some historians think that Arab conquerors brought dumplings to Sicily between the 9th and 11th centuries. However, it’s uncertain whether all dumpling-like dishes share a common origin. It’s possible that people from different cultures independently discovered the joy of wrapping fillings in dough.
No matter where they came from, dumplings are delightful pockets of flavor that have traveled a long and fascinating journey through history. They are now loved by people all over the world, each culture adding its unique twist to these tasty treats.
This exploration of dumplings was made possible with support from Marriott Hotels. With over 590 hotels and resorts worldwide, Marriott Hotels celebrates the curiosity that inspires travel. Discover the exciting collaboration between TED-Ed and Marriott, and plan your next adventure at Marriott Hotels.
Research different types of dumplings from around the world. Create a visual presentation or poster that showcases at least five different dumpling varieties, including their names, countries of origin, typical fillings, and cooking methods. Share your findings with the class and discuss the similarities and differences you discovered.
Choose a dumpling recipe from a culture that interests you. With permission and supervision, try making the dumplings at home. Document the process with photos or a video, and write a short reflection on what you learned about the culture through cooking. If possible, bring your dumplings to class for a tasting session.
Create a world map that traces the historical journey of dumplings as described in the article. Use arrows and labels to indicate how dumplings spread from one region to another. Include key historical events or cultural exchanges that influenced their evolution. Present your map to the class and explain the connections you found.
Participate in a class debate on the topic: “Did dumplings originate from a single source or were they independently invented by different cultures?” Use evidence from the article and additional research to support your argument. Engage with your classmates’ viewpoints and strive to understand the diverse perspectives on this culinary history.
Write a short story or comic strip that imagines the journey of a dumpling through time and space. Your story should include at least three different cultural settings and highlight how the dumpling changes in each location. Share your creative work with the class and discuss how storytelling can help us understand cultural diffusion.
As archaeologists examined ancient tombs in Turfan, western China, they uncovered remarkably well-preserved relics, including crescent-shaped dumplings. The origins of dumplings remain unclear, but some scholars believe they were first introduced to various parts of the ancient world by nomadic Turkic peoples in western China and Central Asia. The term “manti,” which means “dumpling” or “steamed bun” in many Turkic languages, appears to be the root word for dumpling in several other languages.
Ancient Turkic peoples likely filled their dumplings with meat, though it is uncertain when this practice began or if they learned it from others. Regardless of how it started, dumplings gained popularity in ancient China, where they first appeared in written records over 1,700 years ago in a poem by scholar Shu Xi. In his work, Shu references cooking methods from foreign lands and describes a steamed wheat product called “mantou,” as well as kneaded dough balls known as “lao wan,” filled with pork, mutton, and spices.
Over the next millennium, dumplings in China evolved and diversified. Some communities began making vegetarian dumplings, and new cooking methods emerged. In regions where wheat was difficult to cultivate, dumplings were made with rice, tapioca, and sweet potato. The connection between Chinese dumplings and those in other cultures is complex, but food historians have made educated guesses based on available evidence.
Turkic tribes later established the Ottoman Empire around 1300 CE, bringing their wrapped morsels westward. In present-day Turkey, dumplings were typically filled with lamb and served with garlic, yogurt, and melted butter, rather than pork due to Islamic dietary restrictions. Some scholars suggest that the Mongol Empire also played a role in spreading dumplings, potentially introducing them to Eastern Europe. This could have led to the development of Russian pelmeni and the larger pierogi and vareniki found in Poland and Ukraine, which are filled with ingredients like potato, cabbage, cheese, and cherries. The Mongol Empire also extended to Korea, where “mandu” may be made with local ingredients such as kimchi.
As Chinese dumpling varieties spread to other countries, English speakers began referring to them as dumplings, a term that means “little lumps” and was first used in 16th-century England to describe dough balls cooked in liquid. Unlike knödel and matzo balls, these early dumplings had no filling, making the term somewhat misleading, yet it persisted.
During the Second World War, when Japan occupied China, Chinese “jiaozi” were introduced to Japan, where they became known as “gyoza” and were typically pan-fried. In Italy, each region has its own version of dumpling-like stuffed pasta, and some historians believe that Arab conquerors brought dumplings to Sicily between the 9th and 11th centuries. However, it remains uncertain whether all dumpling-like dishes share a common origin. It is possible that culinary innovators from different cultures independently discovered the joy of encasing fillings in dough.
Regardless of their origins, we can appreciate these delightful pockets of flavor and the intricate historical journey that has made dumplings so varied and beloved.
This video was made possible with support from Marriott Hotels. With over 590 hotels and resorts worldwide, Marriott Hotels celebrates the curiosity that inspires travel. Explore the exciting collaboration between TED-Ed and Marriott, and plan your next adventure at Marriott Hotels.
Dumplings – A type of food made from dough, often filled with meat or vegetables, that has been a part of many cultures’ cuisines throughout history. – Dumplings have been a staple in Chinese cuisine for centuries, often enjoyed during the Lunar New Year celebrations.
History – The study of past events, particularly in human affairs, which helps us understand how societies and cultures have evolved over time. – By studying history, students can learn about the causes and effects of major world events like the Industrial Revolution.
Culture – The beliefs, customs, arts, and institutions of a society at a given time, which shape the way people live and interact. – The culture of Ancient Greece has had a lasting impact on Western civilization, influencing art, philosophy, and politics.
Ancient – Belonging to the very distant past and no longer in existence, often referring to civilizations and societies that existed thousands of years ago. – The ancient Egyptians built the pyramids, which remain one of the most remarkable architectural achievements in history.
Trade – The exchange of goods and services between people or countries, which has been a crucial part of economic and cultural development throughout history. – The Silk Road was an ancient trade route that connected the East and West, facilitating the exchange of goods and ideas.
Empire – A group of states or territories controlled by one ruler or government, often expanding through conquest and colonization. – The Roman Empire was one of the largest empires in history, known for its extensive network of roads and advanced engineering.
Cuisine – A style or method of cooking, especially as characteristic of a particular country, region, or culture. – Italian cuisine is famous for its pasta dishes, which have become popular all over the world.
Migration – The movement of people from one place to another, often for reasons such as economic opportunities, conflict, or environmental changes. – The Great Migration saw millions of African Americans move from the rural South to urban areas in the North during the early 20th century.
Language – A system of communication used by a particular community or country, consisting of spoken, written, or signed words. – The Latin language was widely used across the Roman Empire and has influenced many modern languages.
Food – Substances consumed to provide nutritional support for the body, often reflecting the agricultural practices and cultural traditions of a society. – The traditional food of the Native American tribes varied greatly depending on the region, with some relying on agriculture and others on hunting and gathering.
