Delving into the origins of any tradition is an important tool for greater understanding and appreciation. Recently, Rootistry gathered historical information about certain food traditions in Hong Kong as part of a research project. This involved in-house design, as well as highlights on social media. 

Excerpt:
Yum Cha literally means 'to drink tea in Cantonese'. The wider meaning of “yum cha” refers to an early-afternoon meal, which includes dumplings and small dishes, known as Dim Sum. It's usually accompanied by pots of freshly brewed tea. This tradition can traced back to the 10th century along the Silk Road in China, where traders would stop at teahouses for a light meal and hot beverage during their travels. Some say it goes all the way back to the old stories surrounding Zhang Zhongjing. Zhongjing was a Chinese physician who was reported to have acted as a medicinal saint during the Eastern Han Dynasty. Throughout a period of harsh winters, he made dumplings shaped like ears and filled them with warming lamb, spices, and herbs. To assist in healing the homeless severely affected by frostbite, particularly around their ears, he distributed these dumplings and soup to them. In the coming months, people found their health and spirits restored. They continued to develop and consume these heartwarming meals.

Now, people from different cultures and generations gather for Yum Cha in Hong Kong and around the world, reveling in hot tea, food, and good company. From roadside, local eateries, to swanky Chinese restaurants in high-rise hotels, it permeates Life.