Celebrate the Dragon Boat Festival, also known as the Dumpling Festival with a feast of wrapped rice dumplings this year!

The Dragon Boat Festival, a vibrant and exciting affair, splashes its way into our calendars typically around late May or early June. In 2026, the festival will take place on 19 Jun 2026. 

More than just a day for indulging in delicious sticky rice dumplings, this festival is steeped in history and cultural significance, offering a fascinating glimpse into ancient Chinese traditions.

The Origins of Dragon Boat Festival

At its heart lies a poignant tale. The festival commemorates the life and death of Qu Yuan, a patriotic poet and statesman of the Chu kingdom during the Warring States period. Distraught by the corruption and decline of his kingdom, legend has it that Qu Yuan tragically took his own life by throwing himself into the Miluo River. The local people, who deeply admired him, raced out in their boats to try and save him, beating drums and splashing their paddles to ward off evil spirits and prevent fish from devouring his body. They also threw sticky rice dumplings into the river as an offering.

This act of remembrance forms the very essence of the Dragon Boat Festival.

Traditions of Dragon Boat Festival

The thrilling dragon boat races we see today are a direct echo of that desperate rescue attempt, with teams paddling long, ornately decorated boats to the rhythmic beat of a drum. These races are not just a test of strength and teamwork; they are a vibrant spectacle, full of energy and community spirit.

Beyond the exhilarating races, the eating of zongzi (those aforementioned sticky rice dumplings) is another crucial part of the celebration. These glutinous rice parcels, filled with various sweet or savoury fillings and wrapped in bamboo or reed leaves, are a delicious way to connect with the festival's origins.

Families used to gather to make and share zongzi, passing down recipes through generations. While this is seldom the case nowadays, the tradition of eating zongzi still continues (or simply because they are really delicious too)

To help you get your dumplings, here's a list that you won't want to miss! 

List of Places to Get Your Rice Dumplings

Handcrafted Rice Dumplings from Xin Cuisine

Families can also take home traditional handmade rice dumplings from Xin Cuisine to enjoy or gift during the Dragon Boat Festival.

Available from 22 April to 16 June 2026, the offerings include:

• Xin Cuisine Home-Made Traditional Rice Dumpling (380g) – Five-spiced braised pork belly, salted egg yolk, mushroom and shrimp, $20.80 per piece 
• Red Lotus Seed Paste and Chestnut Dumpling with Osmanthus Sauce (220g), $16.80 per piece
• Bundled sets are also available.

Rice dumplings are available from 22 April to 16 June 2026, with an early bird discount of up to 20% off from 22 April to 17 May 2026 (excluding bundles). Collection and delivery begin from 20 May 2026, and can be ordered from singaporeatrium.holidayinn.com/eshop.

Wah Lok Cantonese Restaurant's Truffle Abalone & Conpoy Dumplings

This Dragon Boat Festival, Carlton Hotel Singapore celebrates the spirit of togetherness that brings families closer through a handcrafted creation of Wah Lok Cantonese Restaurant.

At the heart of this year’s creation is the indulgent Truffle Abalone & Conpoy Dumpling ($32.80 nett per piece, 600g), a luxurious medley of premium ingredients. Generous pieces of abalone and Japanese conpoy lend natural sweetness and depth, complemented by savoury roasted duck, tender pork belly, and earthy shiitake mushrooms. Finished with the richness of salted egg yolk and aromatic truffle oil, each dumpling strikes a harmonious balance between tradition and elevated taste.

Pre-orders begin on 15 May 2026 at https://wahlok.oddle.me. Delivery and collection are available from 1 June to 21 June 2026. For more information and enquiries, please call +65 6311 8188 or email wah.lok@carltonhotel.sg.

Goodwood Park Hotel Honours Tradition with New & Signature Rice Dumplings

Goodwood Park Hotel introduces a refined selection of dumplings thoughtfully crafted by the hotel’s culinary team, available at The Deli (takeaway only) Min Jiang and Min Jiang Dempsey (dine-in and takeaway), available from 22 May to 19 June. Online pre-order available from 11 May 2026.

The new Preserved Chinese Sausages and Waxed Meat Rice Dumpling ($18++ per piece) is inspired by the much-loved Min Jiang Claypot Reunion Rice – a Chinese New Year special – reimagined into dumpling form. It brings together the same comforting, savoury and salty umami flavours featuring preserved pork sausage (lap cheong), liver sausage (yun cheong), waxed pork, salted egg yolk, earthy mushrooms and chestnuts, all enveloped in fragrant glutinous rice for a deeply satisfying bite.

Also making its debut is this impressive and hefty 2kg Abalone, Pork Trotter and Morel Mushroom Jumbo Pillow Rice Dumpling ($118++ per piece), presented in a traditional bamboo basket. Generously filled with premium ingredients such as abalone, pork trotter, dried scallop, morel mushroom and dried shrimp, it is designed for sharing and ideal for gatherings of 6 to 8 persons.

A perennial favourite, the classic Cantonese-style Rice Dumpling ($12++ per piece) continues to delight with its well-balanced flavours and traditional preparation. Fragrant glutinous rice wraps the tender pork belly, earthy mushrooms, salted egg yolk, dried shrimp and chestnuts that provide a mild sweetness.

For more information on this Dragon Boat Festival Dumpling Promotion, please refer to https://www.goodwoodparkhotel.com/promotions.

Joo Chiat Kim Choo’s Time-Honoured Rice Dumplings

Joo Chiat Kim Choo prides itself on its handcrafted rice dumplings, brimming with ingredients just like how grandma does it.

Celebrate the Dragon Boat Festival with Joo Chiat Kim Choo’s Rice Dumplings, each expertly crafted using a guarded 80-year-old traditional recipe of 22 ingredients and spices, a family secret passed down from the masters of each generation to the next.

For a delightful tribute to Singapore’s four largest Chinese ethnic groups and along with the signature Peranakan flavour synonymous with this household name, the Five Royal Stars Gift Set offers a truly wholesome selection. It consists of the Nyonya Rice Dumpling, Hokkien Rice Dumpling with Salted Egg Yolk, Teochew Rice Dumpling, Cantonese Bean Rice Dumpling, and Hakka Pork Belly with Preserved Vegetables Rice Dumpling.

This is just one of eight unique rice dumpling gift sets to choose from! Purchase your dumplings at more than 30 popup stores island-wide (from May - June), and https://www.joochiatkimchoo.com.sg/.

Peach Blossoms Signature Handcrafted Rice Dumplings

Peach Blossoms at PARKROYAL COLLECTION Marina Bay, Singapore is back with its much-anticipated handcrafted rice dumpling collection by Executive Chinese Chef Edward Chong.

The perennial favourite, Premium XO Cantonese Rice Dumpling ($69.80, 800g) elevates the familiar with abalone and premium dried seafood; The Traditional Five Spices Kurobuta Pork Belly Rice Dumpling ($39.80, 500g) honours the classics, delivers familiar comfort through tender Kurobuta pork belly; and for something truly unforgettable, the limited-quantity Blazing Pig Trotter Rice Dumpling ($139.80, approx. 1kg) arrives encased in a clay shell, cracked open tableside.

The collection lends itself beautifully to gifting. The Signature Collection ($128.80) bundles the dumplings with Peach Blossoms' Homemade Sakura Ebi Chilli Sauce and Signature Teas, while the Dumpling Set ($138.80) comes with one Premium XO Cantonese Rice Dumpling and two pieces of The Traditional Five Spices Kurobuta Pork Belly Rice Dumpling.

Pre-orders are open via the e-shop, with an Early Bird Discount of 20% now through 5 June 2026. For orders and enquiries, reach the team at promotions.prsmb@parkroyalcollection.com or +65 6845 1118.

Soup Restaurant Handcrafted Selection of Rice Dumplings

When it comes to comforting, home-style dishes loved across generations, Soup Restaurant has long been a familiar favourite. This Dragon Boat Festival, the restaurant continues this cherished tradition with a thoughtfully handcrafted selection of rice dumplings, lovingly prepared and available from 1 June onwards.

Traditional flavours take centre stage with Soup Restaurant’s range of rice dumplings:

• Traditional Hokkien Dumpling with Braised Pork & Salted Egg 传统福建咸肉粽 ($13.90)

• Nonya Braised Pork Blue Pea Rice Dumpling 娘惹蝴蝶花肉粽 ($12.90)

• Alkaline Kee Chang 碱水粽 ($3.30), Red Bean Alkaline Kee Chang 红豆沙碱水粽 ($3.90)

Perfect for festive gifting and family gatherings, the 8-piece Dragon Boat Festival Gift Pack is available at 20% off for $54.40 (U.P. $68). Beautifully packaged in a basket-style bag inspired by traditional dragon boat festivities, the set includes two of each rice dumpling flavour.

Available from 1 June 2026 at all outlets https://www.souprestaurant.com.sg/contact or via delivery on https://order.souprestaurant.com.sg/en_SG.

Two New Handcrafted Gourmet Rice Dumplings from Wan Hao Chinese Restaurant

This Dragon Boat Festival, award-winning Wan Hao Chinese Restaurant showcases an exquisite selection of handcrafted gourmet rice dumplings, available from 1 to 19 June 2026. Each Cantonese-style rice dumpling is meticulously crafted by hand with luxurious, seasonal ingredients such as karasumi, Iberico pork, crab meat, and more.

This year, Wan Hao Chinese Restaurant debuts two new creations: the Cantonese Style Honey-Glazed Pork Char Siew Rice Dumpling, a reimagination of a beloved Singaporean classic with tender pork char siew, spring onion-infused glutinous rice, Hong Kong liver sausage and salted egg yolk, and the White Pepper Crab with Scallop & Brazilian Mushroom Rice Dumpling, which combines premium crab meat, succulent scallops and prized Brazilian mushrooms to deliver a rich, aromatic bite.

Other must-try flavours include the premium South African Abalone with Karasumi & Iberico Pork Rice Dumpling, Signature Pork & Salted Egg Rice Dumpling, and the vegetarian Cordycep Flower & Purple Glutinous Rice Dumpling.

Wan Hao Chinese Restaurant’s handcrafted gourmet rice dumplings are available for delivery and self-collection from 1 to 19 June 2026, with online pre-orders starting from 11 May 2026. For more information or to make a purchase, please visit https://bit.ly/whricedumplings.

Summer Palace's Handcrafted Rice Dumpling Collection

Summer Palace presents a handcrafted collection of rice dumplings that honours one of Chinese cuisine’s most enduring seasonal rituals through refined Cantonese craftsmanship.

Headlining the collection is Summer Palace’s perennial favourite, the Signature Traditional Rice Dumpling ($52++ dine-in / $56 nett retail), a generous parcel layered with Kurobuta pork, shiitake mushroom, chestnut, green beans, dried scallop, roast duck and salted egg yolk.

New this year is the Nyonya XO Rice Dumpling, bringing together Kurobuta pork, dried scallops and shrimp in a local expression of familiar festive flavours ($38++ dine-in / $42 nett retail), alongside the Black & White Rice Dumpling, a delicate sweet creation filled with red bean paste and served with fragrant osmanthus honey ($28++ dine-in / $32 nett retail).

The collection is also offered in curated bundle sets including the Sweet & Savoury Bundle ($58 nett), featuring the Nyonya XO Rice Dumpling and Black & White Rice Dumpling, as well as the Trio Bundle ($98 nett), featuring one of each flavour.

For more information or to order from Summer Palace, please visit www.conradsingaporeorchard.com/summerpalace or call +65 6725 3288.

Feng Shui Inn Handcraft Rice Dumplings

Resorts World Sentosa’s acclaimed Cantonese restaurant Feng Shui Inn has unveiled a curated collection of handcrafted rice dumplings that reinterpret tradition with premium ingredients and refined Cantonese techniques.

Available until 19 June, the set features six handcrafted dumplings across three flavours – from a premium Cantonese-style dumpling with abalone and fish maw to a wholesome five-grain option and a subtly sweet purple potato dessert dumpling – presented in a reusable, gift-ready carrier.

Priced at S$128 nett, the set is available for order via email at fengshuiinn@rwsentosa.com or for purchase at Hotel Ora lobby, with delivery options available.

Paradise Group's “Timeless Craft, A Gift of Heritage” Collection

This Dragon Boat Festival, Paradise Group unveils its “Timeless Craft, A Gift of Heritage” collection, celebrating tradition through a curated range of handcrafted rice dumplings, available from now to 19 June 2026.

Highlights include Abalone with Salted Pork Belly Brown Rice Dumpling ($17.90), Black Truffle Honey BBQ Iberico Pork Rice Dumpling ($14.90), Braised Pork Belly with “Mui Choy” Rice Dumpling ($14.90), Pork with Conpoy and Chestnut Rice Dumpling ($13.90), and Osmanthus Gula Melaka Red Bean Paste Lye Water Rice Dumpling ($7.90).

New flavours such as Black Pepper Roasted Pork Belly with Conpoy Rice Dumpling and Salted Chicken with Conpoy and Pearl Mushroom Rice Dumpling are available as part of the Rice Dumpling Gift Set ($76.80).

Enjoy 10% off individual rice dumplings (min. 3 pcs), exclusively for Citi and OCBC Credit/Debit Cardmembers, and PGR members. 

Orders are available at Taste Paradise, Paradise Teochew, Seafood Paradise, Beauty in The Pot, Paradise Dynasty, Canton Paradise, Paradise Classic and Paradise Hotpot from now to 19 June 2026. Orders are for takeaway only (while stocks last), with ordering available till 19 June 2026 and collection from 14 May to 19 June 2026.

Visit Paradise Group for more details. 

Dian Xiao Er Value-packed Festive Bundle 

This Dragon Boat Festival, Dian Xiao Er presents a value-packed festive bundle by offering diners a Buy 4, Get 1 Free dumpling bundle on its signature rice dumplings, perfect for sharing and gifting.

Each bundle also comes with a complimentary gift box (U.P. $3), making it a convenient and thoughtful festive treat. There are two flavours to choose from:

• Traditional Salty Pork Dumpling: a comforting staple filled with savoury marinated pork and traditional ingredients

• Nyonya Pork Dumpling: a flavourful twist featuring aromatic spices and a subtly sweet-savoury profile

Each dumpling is priced at $8.30, with members enjoying a special price of $7.90 per piece.

To complement the experience, Dian Xiao Er is also offering 20% off its signature Chilli Sauce, now priced at $5.85 per bottle (U.P. $7.30). The bold, spicy and tangy condiment pairs perfectly with the dumplings, elevating each bite with an extra kick.

Thye Moh Chan's Teochew-style Rice Dumplings

Celebrate Dragon Boat Festival with heritage favourite Thye Moh Chan, as they bring back their handcrafted Teochew-style rice dumplings for a limited time. Standouts like the Teochew Double Delight Bak Chang, Teochew Salted Egg Bak Chang, and Teochew Mushroom Chang showcase the brand’s signature sweet-and-savoury flavour profile, pairing homemade sweet tau sar with ingredients such as pork belly, shiitake mushrooms and salted egg yolk — a rare style in Singapore, with a vegetarian-friendly option available. 

Available from now till 19 June, each dumpling is individually handcrafted and priced at $7.20. For added value, Thye Moh Chan is offering festive bundle deals this season, including Buy 6 Get 1 Free ($43.20) and Buy 10 Get 2 Free ($72.00). Each 6- or 10-piece bundle also comes with a complimentary limited-edition cooler bag inspired by traditional Teochew embroidery, making it a practical and gift-ready option for the festive season.

Pre-order your dumplings here, https://www.thyemohchan.com/shop/ 

Swensen’s Launches NEW Strawberry Matcha Rice Dumpling Ice Cream

This year’s Dragon Boat Festival celebrations at Swensen’s take on a “berry” surprising twist, available from 11 May to 19 July 2026. 

Swensen’s Strawberry Matcha Rice Dumpling Ice Cream, gorgeous parcels filled with this trendy yet endearing combination that simply go so well together. For those watching their weight or conscious of their sugar intake, the Strawberry Matcha Zer0 Giant Rice Dumpling Ice Cream is also available – carefully crafted with a sugar-alternative blend, with zero added sugar and more dietary fibre. Paired with chewy marshmallow bites and a milk chocolate bon bon centre, this is indeed a lovely centrepiece for this time of gathering. 

These limited-time ice cream “rice dumpling” creations are available for dine-in or takeaway only, or while stocks last, at all Swensen’s outlets islandwide.