Time honored traditions and recipes come alive this Dragonboat Festival on the legendary island of Langkawi, at Hai Yan restaurant in The Ritz-Carlton, Langkawi.
In the ancient Warring States period, a Chinese poet and minister named Qu Yuan tragically ended his life following accusations of betraying his homeland. Jumping into the Miluo River, the villagers attempted to rescue him by throwing sticky rice lumps into the water to prevent his body from being consumed by fish.
This event, known as the Duan Wu Festival, is commemorated annually on the fifth day of the fifth month in the Chinese Lunar Calendar. It holds significance in various regions including China, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Taiwan, South Korea, Vietnam, and Singapore.
Dim sum Chef Kit Wong presents three delectable dumplings that evoke memories of his childhood, watching his grandmother selling dumplings in the market. The recipe was then passed onto his aunt, before being passed to him.
“It’s not just tradition to me, it represents family, lovingly and carefully wrapped in every leaf,” said Chef Kit.
Abalone & Conpoy Treasure – Treat your family to a bountiful feast packed into one dumpling, with premium abalone, dried scallop, mushrooms, salted egg, chestnut, roast duck breast, chicken, and oyster sauce.
Signature Hakka Dumpling – A crowd favorite, this dumpling combines juicy chicken thigh with mushrooms, salted egg, chestnuts, black-eyed peas and oyster sauce.
Red Bean, Osmanthus & Honey – For those with a sweeter palate, opt for the red bean paste, served with decadent gula melaka syrup or homemade osmanthus honey.
The Dragonboat Festival at Hai Yan is available daily for dine-in or takeaway from 31 May – 30 June 2025. Advance reservations are highly encouraged. Enjoy the Abalone & Conpoy Treasure for RM98, the Signature Hakka Rice Dumpling for RM40, and the Osmanthus Dumpling for RM28.