MCFP Blog #1: Friendship and Dumpling Making Go Together at MCFP

Earlier this year, on a windy afternoon of February, the Manchester China Institute and Manchester China Forum co-hosted the second annual dumpling-making workshop at the Pinwei restaurant, located in the heart of Manchester's China Town.

Students of all ages, backgrounds, and majors gathered to share in the joys of perhaps the most fulfilling (literally!) Chinese New Year’s tradition. The students who joined our Manchester-China Friendship Programme (MCFP) were eager to make new friends, engage in exciting intercultural activities, and be part of an international community.

Pinwei, with its overhanging red lanterns, glittering wall lights, and customary round tables, was the perfect setting for such an occasion. The whole place was filled with the wafting scent of delicious dumpling filling, of which piles were available on every table for students to knead into the dough.

During the event, Pinwei’s chefs demonstrated and guided students through the dumpling-making process. The dumplings made were plentiful and diverse: while some took on their traditional form, others resembled stars, crescents, and even European pastries.

Yuan Xu, who attended the event, is a third year studying finance and law at the East China University of Political Science and Law in Shanghai. She is currently on an exchange semester at 英国曼彻斯特大学 .

“Everyone [was] so nice and friendly,” Xu said. “While [making dumplings], we shared stories about the traditions in our hometown[s]... the part I loved most was surely the meal time.”

Although many Chinese students may not have been able to celebrate the Lunar New Year with their loved ones at home, this event was full of the same conviviality and merrymaking that is at the core of all New Year’s celebrations. After all, food brings everyone together.

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A blog article by MCFP 2022-2023 Senior Host, Kailyn Huang .

Edited by MCFP Co-leader, Lorelei Baciu .