Miranda Brown: What do dumplings look like around the world?

What do dumplings look like around the world?

As archaeologists pored over ancient tombs in western China, they discovered some surprisingly well-preserved and familiar relics. Though hardened over 1,000 years, there sat little crescent-shaped dumplings. So who invented these plump pockets of perfection, and how did they spread across the world? Miranda Brown traces the tangled, mysterious historical web of dumplings. [Directed by Léon Moh-Cah, Andi Concha, narrated by Pen-Pen Chen, music by Jan Willem de With].

Dumplings have appeared in ancient tombs, centuries-old poems, and kitchens across continents, yet their true origin remains elusive. From meat-filled manti in Central Asia to vegetarian varieties in China and cheese-stuffed pierogi in Eastern Europe, each culture has shaped its own version. The tangled journey of these plump creations shows how culinary ideas migrate and adapt. Whether by accident or design, civilizations keep reimagining the delight of fillings wrapped in dough.