Dumplings are a type of food that is stuffed with thin dough. In East Asia, they are shaped like a half-moon or ingot and can be made into steamed dumplings, fried dumplings, or soup dumplings. Dumplings are also an important food for Chinese people during festivals such as the Lunar New Year and the Winter Solstice. In northern China, they can be one of the staple foods eaten throughout the year.