What an Italian Mother Taught Us About Making Dough in Shanghai
A Soup Dumpling Class, Liubao Tea, and a Cultural Conversation.
Guest Journey
🥟 Visit
Xiao Long Bao Making Experience
When an Italian mother（Chiara） and her daughter joined our Soup Dumpling Making Class in Shanghai, we expected to spend the afternoon making Xiao Long Bao together.
Instead, we found ourselves talking about something we had never heard before.
As we began kneading the dough, Chiara smiled and said,
"In Italy, kneading dough is considered a very sensual movement."
Chira’s kneading dough time.
Everyone around the table laughed.
For her, dough wasn't simply the beginning of a recipe.
It carried memories of home, family, and generations of cooking together.
Throughout the class, she occasionally turned to her daughter, speaking softly in Italian to make sure she hadn't missed any of the instructions.
Watching them cook side by side reminded us that recipes are often passed down the same way languages are—through patient conversations between generations.
Because Shanghai had just entered the rainy season, we prepared a pot of Liubao Tea, a traditional Chinese dark tea.
Tea set for tea taste at Yin Studio in Shanghai
Chiara immediately appreciated its rich, full-bodied flavor, saying it reminded her of Italian espresso.
Patrizia preferred it a little lighter, adding more hot water until it tasted just right.
Even a simple cup of tea became another conversation about how different cultures enjoy different flavors.
By the end of the afternoon, they had made their own soup dumplings, shared tea, and exchanged stories from two countries connected by something surprisingly simple—
Flour, water, and the joy of cooking together.
Memorable photo by Chiara and Patrizia at Yin sutdio
🌿 Culture Note
Why do both Italians and Chinese value handmade dough?
Although Italian pasta and Chinese dumplings are very different, they begin with the same simple ingredients: flour and water.
In many Italian families, making fresh pasta or bread is a tradition passed down from parents and grandparents.
In China, learning to make dumplings is also a way of sharing family traditions, especially during festivals and family gatherings.
Across different cultures, kneading dough is more than a cooking technique—it is a way of bringing people together.
🍵 Did You Know?
Liubao Tea(against hot and humid season.
Liubao Tea (六堡茶) is a traditional Chinese dark tea from Guangxi Province.
It has been enjoyed for centuries and is especially popular during hot and humid seasons because of its smooth, rich flavor.
🗣 Beginner's Chinese
揉面
Pinyin: róu miàn
Meaning: To knead dough.
Whether you're making Xiao Long Bao, steamed buns, noodles, or bread, róu miàn is one of the first and most important steps.
