Zongzi – 粽子 – zòng zi

Zongzi is a traditional Chinese food made of glutinous rice stuffed with different fillings and wrapped in bamboo or reed leaves. They are cooked by steaming or boiling.  Just like moon cake and most other Chinese food, there are different versions of Zongzi, and there are different versions of eating Zongzi.  Fillings vary from mung beans, red bean paste, Chinese sausage, salted pork, salted duck egg, to chicken, and taro.  I like to eat mine dipped in sugar, while other people may eat it plain.  My husband likes it with soy sauce.

Zongzi is traditionally eaten during the Dragon Boat Festival.  However, it is a favorite of lots of people, so you can see them in the Dim Sum carts too when you go to Chinatown.

I’ve recently brought one over to my Venezuelan friend’s for her to try.  She loved it.  It reminded her of the Hallaca, a traditional Venezuela dish that she loves growing up.  That was pretty funny.  I have two pictures here of Zongzi and Hallaca, can you tell or guess which one is which?