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It’s that time of year again—when the sound of beating drums echoes across rivers, dragon boats slice through the water, and zongzi pyramids pile high at every market corner.
But if you’re celebrating in South China, especially in Guangdong, there’s one more essential ingredient you can’t miss: the Dragon Boat Feast (龙舟饭).
Image by Billy Jiang/That's
Yes, this is not a typo or another name for rice dumplings—it’s an entire feast, and it’s as important as the races themselves.
What Is Dragon Boat Feast
Image by Billy Jiang/That's
While most of China marks the Dragon Boat Festival (端午节) with zongzi, mugwort leaves, and sticky traditions, people in Guangdong take it to the next level with a communal banquet known as ‘龙舟饭’ (Lóng Zhōu Fàn, Dragon Boat Feast).
The Dragon Boat Feast is a lively group meal held for the dragon boat crew, their families, friends, and often the whole neighborhood.
It’s not just food—it’s a full-blown celebration of unity, tradition, and some serious Cantonese cooking.
Picture it like a family reunion meets victory banquet—only this one kicks off before, during, and after the races.
READ MORE: Explainer: The Story Behind Dragon Boat Festival
Where Did It Come From
Image by Billy Jiang/That's
Though the exact origin of Dragon Boat Feast isn’t crystal clear, it’s deeply rooted in Lingnan culture and the Cantonese sense of community spirit.
Historically, rowing a dragon boat wasn’t just a fun event—it was a test of strength, coordination, and village pride.
Preparing a large, nourishing meal for the team and supporters became a way to show gratitude and foster camaraderie.
Over time, it grew into a highly anticipated culinary tradition.
In many riverside towns across the Pearl River Delta—especially in cities like Foshan, Zhongshan, and Guangzhou’s Panyu District—the Dragon Boat Feast has become as iconic as the race itself.
What’s on the Table
Don’t expect delicate dim sum or light bites—this is a power meal designed to refuel rowers and impress the neighborhood aunties.
The exact menu varies from village to village, but common staples include:
Roast meats like crispy pork and soy sauce chicken
Image by Billy Jiang/That's
Steamed fish (because nothing says victory like '年年有余')
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Braised duck, goose or pork, often with taro or black bean sauce
Image by Billy Jiang/That's
Stir-fried seasonal vegetables
Giant rice platters, sometimes topped with cured meats and lotus leaf
Generous rounds of herbal soups and local rice wine
Image by Billy Jiang/That's
And of course, zongzi
Every dish is served family-style, laid out on long tables under tents, tree shades, or sometimes even beside the river.
Who Gets to Eat
Image by Billy Jiang/That's
Traditionally, it’s a meal for the rowers, team supporters, and organizers—but in many places, the feast is now open to whole communities or even visitors.
In some areas, it’s considered bad luck not to prepare a Dragon Boat Feast if your team is racing.
Others treat it like a ritual to 'raise morale,' with some crews hosting up to three feasts—one before the race for blessing, one after the practice runs, and one more after the finals (especially if they win).
There’s even a saying in some villages:
“No Dragon Boat Race is complete without a Dragon Boat Feast.”
While Dragon Boat Festival might be about honoring Qu Yuan across China, in Guangdong, it’s also about honoring people—those who row, those who cheer, and those who cook.
So the next time you see a dragon boat crew power through the waters, just know: they’re not just racing for glory—they’re racing for dinner.
And it’s going to be delicious!
[Cover image by Billy Jiang/That's]
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