Wontons have existed since ancient times. Yan Zhitui wrote, "Today's wontons are shaped like crescent moons, a…
Wontons have existed since ancient times. Yan Zhitui wrote, "Today's wontons are shaped like crescent moons, and enjoyed across the land." The fillings range from meat to vegetarian, and with the rise of Buddhism in the Song Dynasty, vegetarian wontons became popular. Some are filled with shepherd's purse (Ji Cai). Scholar Chao Yuezhi penned a verse on such wontons, "Alas, the folkways grieve; shepherd's purse debates bitter and sweet. Once fed on tender lamb, now even soup dumplings bring me shame."