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The Food Chain

Factual: Food & Drink

Examining what it takes to put food on your plate

The Food Chain examines the business, science and cultural significance of food, and what it takes to put food on your plate.

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The Food Chain: Why we love dumplings

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Why we love dumplings

14/03/2024 GMT

BBC World Service - The Food Chain, Why we love dumplings

You say ‘kenkey’, I say ‘dim sum’. Where did dumplings really come from?

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)

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