Cinavu

Cinavu (Paiwan: Cinavu, Chinese: 吉拿富; Tongyong Pinyin: Jínáfù) is a traditional millet-based dumpling prepared by the Paiwan people of southern Taiwan. It is commonly served during ceremonies, festivals, weddings, and other important social gatherings, and is also offered to guests as a sign of hospitality. The dish was included in the 2024 Taiwan President's inaugural state banquet.^[1]

The dish typically consists of millet, glutinous rice, or powdered taro wrapped with a savory filling in layers of plant leaves. Cinavu is regarded as an example of traditional indigenous food culture and knowledge of local plant resources.^[2]

The name cinavu originates from the Paiwan language and is commonly interpreted as meaning "wrapped" or "something that is enclosed". The term refers to the method of preparing the dish, in which ingredients are wrapped in layers of leaves before cooking.^[3]

Cinavu is usually made from a starch base of millet, glutinous rice, or taro powder. The filling commonly includes pork, especially fatty pork belly, though other ingredients such as fish or snails may also be used depending on local traditions and available resources. Snail meat is sometimes referred to informally as "mountain veal" in some indigenous communities.^[4]

The ingredients are wrapped in several layers of leaves. An inner layer often uses leaves of plants such as wild grass or herbaceous species to contain the food and impart aroma during cooking. The outer layers may include leaves from plants such as shell ginger, banana species, or other locally available vegetation. The wrapped dumplings are then tied with plant fibers or leaves.^[5]

Cinavu is typically cooked by steaming or boiling, methods that preserve the flavor of the filling and the aroma of the wrapping leaves.^[6]

Cinavu is associated with communal activities and social exchange within indigenous communities. It is frequently prepared for festivals, ritual occasions, weddings, and family gatherings. In some communities, it is also carried as a portable meal during hunting or agricultural work. The preparation and sharing of cinavu often involve collective participation by family members and neighbors. The dish may be presented to visitors or relatives as a gesture of respect and hospitality.^[7]

Although cinavu is sometimes informally compared to a type of zongzi, indigenous communities emphasize that it represents a distinct culinary tradition with different ingredients, preparation methods, and cultural meanings.^[8]

Cinavu is often discussed together with abai, a similar dish associated with the Rukai people. While both foods involve wrapping ingredients in leaves, abai typically uses finely ground millet or rice flour and has a more cohesive texture.^[9]

Other indigenous Taiwanese groups have related wrapped foods, such as Alivongvong among the Amis, reflecting similar traditions of preparing portable meals using locally available plants and grains.^[10]

• Taiwanese indigenous peoples
• Taiwanese cuisine
• Zongzi
• Alivongvong