Tastes & traditions of the Yellow River

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.