Wondering what's the hype about the Dragon Boat Festival in Singapore? Find out in our handy guide to this annual fun fest promising a good time for the whole family!
Often celebrated with much pomp and gaiety involving delicious rice dumplings and exciting boat races, the Dragon Boat Festival is an annual highlight you and the family should not miss out on! Happening this year on Thursday, 22 June, this is a curious age-old traditional celebration that remains very much alive in Singapore and China. We fill you in on its origins and the oodles of fun, and the delicious offerings not to be missed for you and the family.
Origins of the Dragon Boat Festival
The Dragon Boat Festival commemorates the death of Qu Yuan, a Chinese poet and minister during the Zhou Dynasty Warring States period in China. He was a cadet member of the Chu royal house. However, he was banished and accused of treason when the emperor decided to ally with the state of Qin.
When Qin captured the Chu capital, Qu Yuan drowned himself in the Milou River. This devastated the locals who had come to love Qu Yuan. Legend has it that locals tried to race out in boats to save him or retrieve his body, which led to the dragon boat races. During the rescue attempt, they beat drums and pounded their paddles in the water to scare the fish away from devouring Qu Yuan’s body. Some also threw in rice dumplings hoping the fish would eat those instead. Each year, the celebration continues; hence you’ll find the loud dragon boat races and a plethora of rice dumplings to be had during this festive season.
The Dragon Boat Festival is celebrated every year on the fifth day of the fifth month of the Chinese Lunar Calendar. While it is a public holiday in China, it is not a public holiday in Singapore, but it is nevertheless a widely observed cultural event with a number of highlights to look forward to.
Catch the Dragon Boat Race at Bedok Reservoir
One of the biggest highlights of the Dragon Boat Festival is the Dragon Boat Race happening at Bedok Reservoir. This is the oldest dragon boat race in Singapore and promises to be fun for the family, with a range of events to look forward to.
When: 24-25 June 2023
Where: PAssion Wave, Bedok Reservoir Park, 911 Bedok Reservoir Rd, Reservoir Park Bedok Reservoir Park, Carpark A, Nearest Car Park, Singapore 479311
Where to find rice dumplings and more in Singapore for Dragon Boat Festival
Rice dumplings are a classic not to be missed! Also known as zongzi, these glutinous rice dumplings are traditionally wrapped in bamboo leaves and then steamed or boiled before eating. These dumplings may encase a savoury meat or sweet bean filling and are utterly delightful. While they may be an acquired taste, more recently, there have been modern takes on this classic with restaurants including premium ingredients or healthy veggie options. During this festive season, you’re spoilt for choice with yummy variations on this classic. Also, during this period, you can look forward to some yummy Dragon Boat themed-menus at restaurants as well. Here are some of our fave yummy finds…
1. Sweet red bean dumplings from Din Tai Fung
This Dragon Boat festive season, the iconic Din Tai Fung is offering exquisite handcrafted red bean rice dumplings, which are air-flown from Taiwan. These dumplings have been meticulously prepared using only top-grade pearl glutinous rice encasing a mashed red bean paste and wrapped in bamboo leaves that lend a fragrant aroma. We think this could be a yummy treat for kids who like sweets. Get yours now from any Din Tai Fung outlet islandwide from now till 25 June 2023.
2. Traditional Savoury Dumplings at Summer Pavilion, The Ritz-Carlton
Commemorate the annual Dragon Boat Festival with one Michelin star Summer Pavilion’s traditional Hong Kong style rice dumplings, comprised of roast duck, roast pork, dried scallops, dried shrimp, salted egg yolk, mushrooms, lotus seeds, chestnuts, green beans and glutinous rice – lip-smackingly good! We think this combination of umami-esque ingredients is the best way to get a taste of tradition this festive season. Available for dine-in or takeaway from now till 22 June 2023.
Where: Summer Pavilion, The Ritz-Carlton Millenia,7 Raffles Avenue, Singapore 039799
3. Go gourmet with Wan Hao Chinese Restaurant’s lux dumpling offerings
Award-winning Wan Hao Chinese Restaurant presents a feast of gourmet handcrafted dumplings to satiate the palates of both young and old. Did you say kiddy-approved? You can look forward to an assortment of five different rice dumplings ranging from traditional Cantonese-style fillings like pork belly and salted egg yolk to modern flavours with a local touch, vegetarian options, and more. Available for dine-in or takeaway from now till 22 June 2023.
Where: Wan Hao Chinese Restaurant, Singapore Marriott Tang Plaza Hotel, 320 Orchard Rd, Singapore 23886
4. Fan-tastic premium offerings at Madame Fan
Madame Fan’s executive Chinese Chef Pak Chee Yit has crafted artfully curated artisanal rice dumplings in three flavours that will surely delight you and the fam-bam, especially with premium ingredients. Indulge in a Kurobuta pork-filled sweet-savoury dumpling, a unique seafood one filled with abalone and other delights, and a dessert-based one filled with candied jujubes and red bean. Get your fill from now to 22 June 2023.
Where: Madame Fan at The NCO Club, 32 Beach Rd, The NCO Club, Singapore 189764
5. Fine dumplings selections at Yan Ting, St. Regis
Yan Ting Restaurant serves up more yummy dumplings this festive season and a healthy Truffle Mushroom Rice Dumpling with multigrain, a healthy alternative. Also, do not miss their lux options with abalone, roast duck and pork belly! Available for delivery or takeaway.
Where: Yan Ting, 29 Tanglin Road, The St. Regis Singapore, Level 1U, 247912
6. Modernising tradition at Path Restaurant
Path commemorates the Dragonboat Festival with an exquisite dish from Chef Marvas’ childhood favourite. Exclusive for 21 and 22 June 2023, the indulgent Le Petit French Yellow Chicken ‘Lo Mai Gai’ – dragon chives, matsutake mushrooms, herbal jus – will be available as the main course in Path’s signature prix fixe dinner menus takes centre stage in the restaurant’s prix fixe dinner menus. It’s a delightful take on a traditional classic that’s hearty and utterly moreish!
Where: Path Restaurant, 12 Marina Boulevard, Tower 3, #01-05/06 Marina Bay Financial Centre, 018982
Wishing you and your little ones a fun-filled and delicious festive season this Dragon Boat Festival!
Featured image: Samuel Wong/Unsplash
