Gen Z's Zongzi Revolution: From Traditional Dumplings to Pizza and Smoothies

Zongzi Gets a Modern Makeover: Gen Z's Creative Takes on a Classic Chinese Dish June 1st, 2025 marked the Dragon Boat Festival, a time for celebrating the traditional Chinese rice dumpling, Zongzi. But this year, a new trend has emerged: creative reinterpretations of this classic dish. A recent video by Dr.Candise, a Mandarin and Cantonese tutor based in the US, showcases these innovative culinary approaches. The video highlights several variations, from the traditional savory pork belly and Chinese sausage fillings to unexpected sweet options like red bean paste. However, the real attention-grabbers are the unconventional presentations. Dr.Candise demonstrates how to transform Zongzi into a pizza-like dish, complete with tomato sauce and cheese, and even creates a Zongzi onigiri. "Who knew mango sticky rice could be this easy?" she exclaims in the video, demonstrating a dessert version. The video also includes a refreshing twist: a green smoothie made with Zongzi, cucumber, sugar, and milk powder, described by one netizen as "a beverage that actually won't murder my arteries." This highlights not only culinary creativity but also a playful approach to healthy eating. Dr.Candise's video has garnered significant attention, with over 19,600 views and 1922 likes in less than seven hours, indicating a strong interest in these modern takes on traditional cuisine. The video's popularity shows that even time-honored traditions can adapt to modern tastes, offering a fun and delicious way to connect with cultural heritage.