A Father's Tradition, A Daughter's Octopus

Why One Little Dumpling Became the Most Memorable Cooking Class of Their Journey

A small bamboo steamer, a handmade dumpling, and a memory to take home from Shanghai.

"My daughter and I have taken cooking classes in six countries. She said this was by far the most enjoyable."

When we read those words in a recent review, we smiled.

Not because they compared us to cooking classes in Paris or Japan.

But because behind that sentence was a story we were lucky enough to witness.

A Family Tradition Across the World

Wherever they travel, they share one tradition: discovering a country's culture through cooking together.

Some families collect postcards.

Some collect magnets.

This father and daughter from the United States collect something much more meaningful.

Wherever they travel, they book a local cooking class together.

Before arriving in Shanghai, they had already learned to make sushi in Kyoto.

China would become the sixth country on their culinary journey.

Every destination adds a new recipe to their collection—but more importantly, another shared memory.

As a cultural studio, we meet many wonderful travelers, but seeing a parent intentionally creating these experiences with a child always feels special.

The Dumpling That Was Never on the Menu

After learning the traditional techniques, every guest is encouraged to create a dumpling that's uniquely their own.

Our Art Dumpling workshop begins with the traditional folding techniques.

Once everyone understands the basics, we encourage guests to go beyond simply copying our examples.

"Now it's your turn," we said.

"You can create your own dumpling."

Most guests make flowers or fish.

The young traveler had another idea.

She decided to make an octopus.

Not just any octopus.

She carefully insisted that it should have eight strong, curly legs.

Eight determined little legs—and one unforgettable dumpling created entirely from imagination.

One by one, she shaped each leg with complete concentration.

When it was finally finished, the little octopus looked full of personality.

It wasn't perfect.

It was better than perfect.

It was entirely her own creation.

"The Cabbage Dumpling Is My Favorite"

The cabbage dumpling became the young traveler's favorite—proof that traditional craftsmanship can inspire even the youngest creators.

While working on her octopus, she kept watching the dumplings we were making for demonstration.

A cabbage.

An orchid.

Other traditional decorative styles.

Each time she looked up, her eyes grew a little wider.

"That's so beautiful."

A few moments later, she said it again.

"I think the cabbage dumpling is the prettiest."

As instructors, we hear compliments every week.

But hearing genuine excitement from a child discovering something completely new feels different.

Those moments can't be planned.

Three Tiny Octopus Legs

When the dumplings came out of the steamer, the little octopus had survived perfectly.

She looked at it proudly.

Then she did something that surprised us.

Without hesitation, she pulled off three of its legs and handed them to us.

"You should try them."

It was such a simple gesture.

Yet it captured everything we love about sharing food.

Cooking isn't only about making something delicious.

Sometimes it's about sharing the thing you were most excited to create.

Even if it means your octopus goes home with only five legs.

"This Was My Favorite"

During class, she quietly told us twice,

"This is the most interesting cooking class I've done on this trip."

Her father laughed.

"I guess that's going into the review."

A few days later, it did.

"My daughter and I have taken cooking classes in six countries. She said this was by far the most enjoyable. Even more than making butter crescents in Paris."

As instructors, there is no higher compliment.

Not because we believe our class should be compared with anyone else's.

Every cooking class reflects its own culture.

Instead, we were honored that our dumplings became part of their family's tradition.

One Conversation That Inspired Another Guide

During the workshop, we also chatted about their travels around China.

Like many first-time visitors, they had planned much of their itinerary using Google Maps.

It reminded us how quickly travel information changes.

Many international visitors are surprised to discover that some of the apps they rely on every day don't work the same way in China—or don't provide complete information anymore.

That conversation inspired us to write another guide for future travelers:

👉 Before You Travel to China: The Ultimate China Travel App Guide (2026)

If you're planning your first trip, it covers the apps we recommend installing before you arrive, explains why Google Maps can be unreliable in China, and shares practical tips based on the questions our guests ask us every week.

More Than Learning to Fold Dumplings

People sometimes ask us what they will take home after one of our workshops.

Yes, you'll leave with handmade dumplings.

You'll learn traditional techniques.

You'll create something with your own hands.

But we hope you'll leave with something else, too.

A story.

For one young traveler, it was an octopus with eight determined little legs.

For her father, perhaps it was another chapter in a tradition they've been building together, one country at a time.

And for us, it was a reminder that the most meaningful souvenirs are rarely the ones you buy.

Sometimes, they're the ones you make together.

Before saying goodbye, we gave her a tiny bamboo steamer as a small gift.

We hope that one day, perhaps years from now, she'll open it again and remember not only the octopus she made in Shanghai, but also the joy of creating something with her father.

After all, the best souvenirs aren't always the biggest ones. Sometimes, they fit in the palm of your hand.

🌿 Culture Note

In Chinese culture, dumplings symbolize reunion, prosperity, and togetherness. While classic crescent-shaped dumplings are the most common, creative forms inspired by flowers, animals, and seasonal themes are often made during festivals or family gatherings. Every shape carries a little imagination, making dumpling-making both a culinary skill and a form of folk art.

💬 Did You Know?

Unlike many cooking classes that focus only on recipes, our Art Dumpling Workshop encourages guests to design their own creations after learning the traditional techniques. Children often surprise us with the most imaginative ideas—from octopuses and pandas to rabbits and dragons. Every class ends with a table full of unique edible artworks.

Beginner Chinese

饺子 (Jiǎozi)(jee-ow-dzuh)

Meaning: Dumpling

One of the most iconic foods in Chinese cuisine, especially during family celebrations and festivals.

Example:

我喜欢吃饺子。
Wǒ xǐhuān chī jiǎozi.

"I like eating dumplings."