dragon boat festival food & ingredients

Dragon Boat Festival falls on the fifth day of the fifth month of the Chinese calendar (starting 19th June in 2026). On that holiday, many will watch the dragon boat races and eat sticky rice dumplings to celebrate. Here you can find the essential ingredients for making those delicious rice dumplings, zongzi.

traditional dragon boat festival foods

During the Dragon Boat Festival, traditional foods are an integral part of the celebrations. One of the most iconic dishes is zongzi, pyramid-shaped glutinous rice dumplings wrapped in bamboo leaves.

These delectable parcels are typically filled with various ingredients like sticky rice, meats (such as pork or chicken), and flavorful additions like salted egg yolks, mushrooms, and dried shrimp. Zongzi are steamed or boiled, resulting in a moist and fragrant treat.

Other customary delicacies enjoyed during this festival include rice wine, scented sachets, and aromatic herbal soups. The festival's traditional foods reflect a rich cultural heritage and are enjoyed with great enthusiasm by people of all ages.

To find out more about celebrating the festival and to discover its origins, see our guide; What is the Chinese Dragon Boat Festival?