Celebrate the Dragon Boat Festival with Authentic Asian Flavors

The Dragon Boat Festival (端午节, Duanwu Jie) is just around the corner, and it’s time to immerse yourself in this lively and flavorful tradition! On May 31st, we’re celebrating the vibrant history of this ancient holiday, and we’re bringing the authentic taste of the festival right to your doorstep. But that’s not all – when you order from Springroll between now and May 31, 2025, you’ll automatically be entered for a chance to win an exciting prize (stay tuned for the prize reveal below)!

Let’s dive into the meaning of this incredible celebration, what makes zongzi the must-have festival food, and how you can participate in this year’s festivities – with a chance to win some tasty prizes!

The Legend Behind the Festival

The Dragon Boat Festival dates back over 2,000 years, and its roots are steeped in both history and myth. The holiday commemorates Qu Yuan, a patriotic poet and government official from ancient China. According to legend, Qu Yuan drowned himself in the Miluo River in protest after his beloved kingdom was overtaken by corrupt officials. To honor him, the villagers raced their boats to save him and threw zongzi – sticky rice dumplings wrapped in bamboo leaves – into the river to feed his spirit and prevent fish from disturbing his body.

The dragon boat races, zongzi, and other traditions associated with the festival have evolved over the centuries, but the spirit of Qu Yuan’s sacrifice and loyalty remains at the heart of the celebration.

Zongzi: The Must-Have Festival Food

One of the most iconic parts of the Dragon Boat Festival is undoubtedly zongzi – delicious, pyramid-shaped sticky rice dumplings wrapped in fragrant bamboo leaves. These tasty bundles come in a variety of styles and flavors, both savory and sweet.

Here are some of the zongzi varieties you’ll want to try during the festival:

Savory Favorites:

• Shanghai-style zongzi with braised pork belly and salted egg yolk – rich, savory, and absolutely irresistible.
• Taiwanese zongzi featuring mushrooms and dried shrimp – a delicious, umami-packed treat.
• Cantonese-style zongzi filled with "lop cheung" (sweet Chinese sausage) – a perfect combination of sweet and savory.

Sweet Treats:

• Red bean paste zongzi – sweet, creamy, and perfectly balanced.
• Honey date-filled zongzi – a natural sweetness wrapped in a tender sticky rice bundle.
• Coconut milk-infused zongzi – for a fragrant and tropical twist.

Zongzi are more than just food; they’re a symbol of the spirit of the festival, honoring Qu Yuan and bringing families together. Whether you’re a long-time fan of zongzi or a newcomer eager to try these delicious treats, the Dragon Boat Festival is the perfect time to indulge!

Want to try the real deal? Order authentic zongzi and festival dishes from restaurants on Springroll — every order enters you into our sweepstakes!

‍

Dragon Boat Festival Sweepstakes

Want to join the fun and win up to a $500 e-coupon? Here’s how you can enter our sweepstakes:

• Order from participating restaurants on Springroll Marketplace by May 31, 2025.
• You’ll automatically be entered into our sweepstakes for a chance to win one of three amazing e-coupons!
• Winners will be announced on June 5, 2025.
  

Don’t miss your chance to indulge in amazing food and win big with Springroll!