The BURO Guide to the Best Rice Dumplings For Dragon Boat Festival 2025
Parcels of joy
From traditional zongzi to sweet varieties, these rice dumplings in KL and beyond have something to satisfy every palate this Dragon Boat Festival 2025.
Rice dumpling season is upon us, and we’re more than ready to unwrap the festive delicacies that come with it. This year, the Dragon Boat Festival falls on 31 May 2025—ushering in a time of cultural celebration, family reunions, and plenty of bak chang (also known as rice dumplings or zongzi) to go around. The centuries-old festival honours the legacy of Chinese poet and minister Qu Yuan. According to legend, villagers threw rice dumplings into the river to keep fish from consuming his body, an act of respect that sparked the beloved tradition of eating zongzi during this time each year.
Whether you’re craving a traditional Hokkien-style dumpling or modern recipes inspired by local dishes, there’s no shortage of options this season. Here are our top picks of rice dumplings to savour this Dragon Boat Festival 2025.
1. MANDARIN ORIENTAL KUALA LUMPUR
Lai Po Heen at Mandarin Oriental Kuala Lumpur is presenting a refined selection of glutinous rice dumplings, perfect as a personal treat or a thoughtful gift for loved ones this Dragon Boat Festival 2025. The award-winning Cantonese restaurant crafts each dumpling with premium ingredients—from tender chicken and salted egg to fragrant spices and nourishing vegetarian blends—all wrapped in aromatic bamboo leaves. We recommend the heritage-style Nyonya rice dumpling for a flavourful medley of spicy minced chicken, candied winter melon, shallots, garlic, and palm sugar.
When: From now until 31 May 2025
Prices:
- Salted egg, mushroom & chicken rice dumpling: RM48 per piece
- Heritage-style Nyonya rice dumpling: RM38 per piece
- Vegetarian mushroom & millet rice dumpling: RM18 per piece
Reservations: Call +603 2380 8888
2. SHANGRI-LA KUALA LUMPUR
Shang Palace at Shangri-La Kuala Lumpur is pulling out all the stops for Dragon Boat Festival 2025 with rice dumplings for every palate, masterfully prepared by Chinese Executive Chef Keith Yeap. Leading the lineup is the Fragrant Peaks & Azure Tides dumpling filled with abalone, dried oyster, scallop, and marinated chicken. For a Peranakan twist, try the Celestial Blue Pearl Nyonya dumpling with blue pea flower and signature Nyonya spices. Plant-based diners aren’t left out either. The Imperial Golden Chickpea & Wild Mushroom dumpling offers a rich, meat-free option packed with vegetarian smoked duck, roasted “meat”, shiitake mushroom, and chickpeas.
When: From now until 31 May 2025
Prices: From RM38 nett
Reservations: Call +603 2786 2378 | Email [email protected]
3. JADE PAVILION
Head to Pavilion Hotel Kuala Lumpur’s acclaimed Cantonese restaurant for four artisanal rice dumplings that honours heritage while delighting the senses. Seafood lovers can indulge in the Steamed Supreme Sea Treasures and Abalone dumpling or savour the briny flavours of the Chaozhou Premium Sea Treasures dumpling. Meanwhile, the Heritage Traditional Nyonya dumpling pays tribute to Peranakan culinary roots while those with a sweet tooth will appreciate the Crystal Glutinous rice dumpling filled with sweet potato paste. Dine-in and takeaway services are available for all dumplings.
When: From now until 1 June 2025
Prices: From RM18 nett
Reservations: Call +603 2117 2823 or WhatsApp +6010 397 7833
4. OVERSEA RESTAURANT
Oversea Restaurant is serving up three decadent takes on the traditional rice dumpling for those who appreciate timeless flavours with an indulgent touch. Choose from the classic Cantonese-style pork & salted egg yolk lotus dumpling or the abalone lotus glutinous rice dumpling. If you’re after a balance of sweet and savoury, go for the Golden Char Siew & Salted Egg Yolk Lotus dumpling. With four branches across the Klang Valley, it’s easy to grab one (or a few) to share with family.
Prices:
- Cantonese-style pork & salted egg yolk lotus glutinous rice dumpling: RM28 per piece
- Golden Char Siew & Salted Egg Yolk Lotus rice dumpling: RM33 per piece
- Abalone lotus glutinous rice dumpling: RM43 per piece
Reservations: Website
5. TOGETHER NASI LEMAK
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Together Nasi Lemak is adding some local flair to your Dragon Boat Festival celebrations! Inspired by their famed pork berempah nasi lemak, the Nasi Lemak Rice Dumpling is generously stuffed with glutinous rice, two salted egg yolks, anchovy sambal, braised peanuts, and tender rendang pork belly. Quintessentially Malaysian and a delicious tribute to the nation’s beloved breakfast staple, it’s ideal for sharing and just as enjoyable any time of day.
Price: RM21.80 per piece
Reservations: WhatsApp +6010 292 5525
6. GRAND MILLENNIUM KUALA LUMPUR
This Dragon Boat Festival, Lai Ching Yuen at Grand Millennium Kuala Lumpur brings tradition to the table with three handcrafted offerings. The steamed sweet glutinous rice dumpling features velvety red bean paste in soft, chewy glutinous rice. Craving something savoury? Take a pick from the traditional steamed rice dumpling with baby abalone or the five spice rice dumpling with pork belly that delivers bold flavours featuring roasted pork belly, dried shrimp, mushrooms, chestnuts, and salted egg yolk.
When: From now until 31 May 2025
Prices:
- Steamed sweet glutinous rice dumpling with red bean: RM18++
- Five spice rice dumpling with pork belly: RM38++
- Traditional steamed rice dumpling with baby abalone: RM68++
Reservations: Call +603 2117 4180 | WhatsApp +6012 204 6217
7. THE RITZ-CARLTON, LANGKAWI
Planning a road trip out of KL? Make your way to Hai Yan at The Ritz-Carlton, Langkawi where dim sum Chef Kit Wong brings cherished family recipes back to life. All three signature rice dumplings on the menu draw inspiration from his childhood and are crafted with premium ingredients steeped in tradition. The signature Hakka dumpling is a crowd favourite, layered with tender chicken thigh, mushrooms, salted egg, chestnuts, black-eyed peas, and oyster sauce. Alternatively, try the Abalone & Conpoy Treasure dumpling or the Red Bean, Osmanthus & Honey dumpling with gula melaka syrup or homemade osmanthus honey.
When: From 31 May to 30 June 2025
Prices:
- Abalone & Conpoy Treasure: RM98
- Signature Hakka dumpling: RM40
- Red Bean, Osmanthus & Honey: RM28
Reservations: Website | Call +604 952 4888
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