Acidic Pickle Dumplings from Nanxiong

Last updated 2026-11-14 —   These unique acidic pickle dumplings from Nanxiong, locally called “饺叻糍” in the Nanxiong dialect, are one of the most common snacks in the area. Acidic pickle dumplings are sold at vegetable markets and street stalls, typically packed in disposable containers. A full container costs just about 5 yuan — cheap and delicious. Many people buy them on their way to work or school to eat while walking. Nowadays, these dumplings have made their way onto the menus of restaurants, becoming a popular treat to serve guests from out of town. Traditional versions are made with a wrapper similar to rice noodle cakes, filled simply with eggplant or pickled vegetables, then steamed. The small, soft, and fluffy pieces strike a perfect balance between salty and sour, making them very appetizing. Though the dish may seem simple, making the wrappers and preparing the filling requires skill and experience. The versions now found in restaurants have become slightly larger and more presentable, but they tend to be a bit tougher, and the larger size means the wrappers don’t absorb the flavors as well. In our opinion, they still can't match the taste of those made at old, reputable street stalls. We bought our dumplings from an experienced old vendor at the entrance of Xincheng Market, who still uses the traditional method — that’s the authentic flavor of Nanxiong’s acidic pickle dumplings.