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The Dumplings That Crossed the Border

My grandfather was only twelve years old when he escaped from North Korea during the Korean War. His family lost everything - their land, their home, and the comfort of familiar streets because of the communist revolution. Ever since that day, he has never been able to return to his hometown. Yet one thing that never left him was the memory of his mother’s North Korean style dumplings.

Her recipe was simple but full of soul. It has been passed down through generations, from my great-grandmother to my grandparents, from my mother to me. I always knew our dumplings looked and tasted different from the ones my friends’ families made. They used more colourful ingredients, but ours were plain and humble. Still, the flavour carried a depth that reminded us of endurance and quiet strength.

Every Lunar New Year, our family gathers around the kitchen table to make these dumplings together. The room fills with the smell of steamed dough and sizzling kimchi, along with my grandmother’s soft laughter. Sometimes she even makes them just for me, on ordinary days, because she knows they are my favorite. To me, they taste like love, belonging, and the home my grandfather once lost but never forgot.

This recipe has traveled far, from North Korea to South Korea, and now to Canada with me. I have shared it with friends from many different countries, and every time they take a bite, I feel quiet pride. These dumplings carry not only flavour but also history - the story of a boy who fled a war, a family who rebuilt their life, and a tradition that continues to live on.

Recipe: North Korean Style Dumplings

Ingredients:

• Tofu
• Ground pork
• Ground beef
• Kimchi (finely chopped)
• Bean sprouts
• Glass noodles
• Dumpling wrappers
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Boil the glass noodles and bean sprouts, then drain and chop them finely.
2. Gently press the tofu, noodles, and bean sprouts to squeeze out any excess water. This step is important to keep the dumpling filling firm and flavorful.
3. In a large bowl, mix the squeezed ingredients with pork, beef, and kimchi.
4. Season with salt and pepper, then chop or mash the mixture until well combined.
5. Place a spoonful of filling onto a dumpling wrapper, fold, and seal the edges firmly.
6. Steam the dumplings until fully cooked and tender. Serve hot with soy sauce or vinegar.