It started on an ordinary afternoon during the height of the Covid shutdown—one of those long, quiet days where time felt like it was standing still. Stuck at home, I turned to movies for comfort and queued up Disney’s Mulan followed by Crazy Rich Asians. What I didn’t expect was that these two films would spark something in me—a craving, yes, but also a deep emotional connection to something as simple and wonderful as dumplings.
In Mulan, there’s a quiet moment that really stuck with me. After the battle in the mountains when the soldiers discovered Mulan’s secret and left her alone, Mulan and Mushu are gathered around a tiny campfire, eating dumplings in a moment that feels tired, worn, and a little defeated. They’re clearly stressed, overwhelmed, and uncertain of what’s ahead. But there’s something tender in that scene too—the way they warm their food, share it without much talk. It reminded me how food, even in the hardest moments, can be a source of comfort, a soft place to land.
Then came Crazy Rich Asians, and with it, the beautifully choreographed scene of the family gathered together making dumplings—hundreds of them—by hand. There’s laughter, storytelling, gentle teasing. It’s a moment of generational connection and tradition, where food becomes more than just a meal—it becomes a way to bond, to show love, to pass down something meaningful. That scene reminded me of what I miss most in moments of stress: a sense of home, togetherness, and the small, nourishing rituals that bring people closer.
That double feature was all it took. I found myself craving dumplings with an intensity I couldn’t ignore. But it wasn’t just about taste—it was about comfort. About soothing a heavy heart during a time when everything felt uncertain. From then on, dumplings became my go-to comfort food. I began seeking out restaurants all over town, searching for the best fried dumplings, soup dumplings, potstickers—you name it. I started tracking my favorites like some people track wine or coffee.
There’s something magical about dumplings. They’re warm, soft, flavorful—like edible hugs. And because they remind me of those movie moments, they also remind me of family, resilience, and the idea that even in hard times, we can still find small ways to take care of ourselves. Whether I’m feeling overwhelmed or just in need of something grounding, I find comfort in the simple joy of dumplings. They’ve become a ritual, a reset button, and a little reminder that home can be wherever you find warmth, flavor, and a few moments of peace.
So, if you’re ever feeling lost or looking for a little bit of soul-soothing, I highly recommend chasing down a plate of dumplings. Who knows—maybe they’ll become your comfort food too.
Cups & Curiosity 
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