Food as a Cultural Interface’s: Design-Led Communication and the Inheritance of Chinese Dumpling Culture

Abstract

As a core component of Chinese cuisine, dumplings represent everyday cultural identity and collective memory. However, a traditional dumpling making techniques are becoming less relevant to everyday living among younger generations due to the stresses of fast-paced lifestyles and industrialized food production. This also has weakened cultural awareness within younger generation. Taking Chinese dumplings as a case study, this study investigates how design-driven communication tactics might promote the modern transmission of traditional food culture using dumplings as a cultural medium. Using qualitative cultural analysis and semi-structured interviews, the study evaluates the cultural values ingrained in dumpling-making techniques. In order to improve audience engagement and cultural identity, the study suggests an innovative and interactive cultural communication method that combines seal collection with storytelling based on QR codes. The study adds to larger conversations about the modern spread of Chinese culinary culture and provides fresh perspectives on sustainable methods for the transmission of intangible food heritage.