The Delicious World of Various Chinese Dessert Soup

Chinese dessert soup. Sounds odd, right? Well, it isn’t!

They are often called "sweet soups," offering an intriguing blend of flavors, textures, and cultural significance. Typically served warm, these desserts are a quick and easy dessert option and a nostalgic touch to many a Chinese dinner table.

When I think of comforting, sweet things to end my meal, my mind often wanders to these delightful concoctions. From my childhood to now, the variety and taste have never failed to bring a smile to my face.

Whether you are familiar with these sweet treats or just starting to explore them, this guide will introduce you to some popular dessert soups, commonly used ingredients, and where to find these Chinese desserts!

8 delicious and popular Chinese dessert soups to try

These Chinese dessert soups are not your conventional Western desserts.

Unlike many Western desserts, these lean toward a 'lightly sweet' realm, making them delightful post-meal choices that don’t overwhelm the palate.

These soups are not just seen as treats but as holistic experiences as it blends taste with traditional medicinal benefits. Moreover, the Chinese dessert soup format makes these a versatile option, fitting comfortably into any season or occasion.

Let's look at 8 Chinese dessert soups commonly consumed by Chinese people all across the globe.

1. Red bean Soup

Homemade red bean soup dessert

Often a deep crimson, this dessert soup speaks of patience. The red beans are slow-cooked until tender, often enhanced with dried tangerine peel for an aromatic allure.

Its richness is balanced, not cloyingly sweet, and often accompanied by glutinous rice balls. A comforting bowl speaks of home and warmth, a testament to its popularity across generations.

2. Snow fungus soup

Snow fungus soup recipe | Noob Cook Recipes

This Chinese dessert soup can be likened to a canvas, painting a texture and subtle sweetness tale. With its gelatinous nature, snow fungus complements the crunch of lotus seeds and the antioxidant-rich goji berries.

In many households, this is a beauty secret passed down, believed to benefit the skin and delay signs of aging.

3. Mung bean soup

Mung bean soup with aloe vera | Delightful Plate

A cool breeze on a hot day; is what mung bean soup feels like, as it is often served chilled. This sweet soup is a detox favorite, with mung beans known to purge toxins from the body.

The beans break down when cooked, creating a thick, velvety base. A touch of coconut milk or pandan leaves can elevate this soup to new heights. This soup is one of my family's favorite desserts during summertime.

4. Taro and sago soup

Taro and tapioca pearl dessert | Oh My Food Recipes

This soup is a dance of textures, from the starchy, soft taro to the translucent, chewy sago pearls.

Often swimming in a sea of coconut milk sweetened with rock sugar or condensed milk, this dessert is a tropical getaway in a bowl, reflecting Southeast Asia’s influence on Chinese culinary traditions.

5. Black sesame soup

Black sesame soup |  Pressure Cook Recipes 

Do not be intimidated by the color of this dish! 

Thick, silken, and profoundly aromatic, this Chinese dessert soup is a robust blend of roasted black sesame seeds. Often ground to a fine paste and thickened using rice flour, its nutty depth is contrasted with a delicate sweetness.

Apart from its divine taste, it's believed to promote hair health and reduce graying.

6. Peanut and lotus seed soup

Lotus root soup | Souper Diaries 

Introducing our first savory Chinese soup dessert!

This soup is a harmonious blend of crunchy lotus seeds and soft peanuts.

While peanuts add an earthy creaminess, lotus seeds bring a mild sweetness and an auspicious symbolism, representing longevity and peace.

7. Glutinous rice balls in syrup

Peanut tang yuan | Curious Cuisiniere 

They are soft and chewy rice balls, usually with a surprise sweet center, making this recipe a delightful treat. 

These balls symbolize togetherness, and savoring them, especially during the chill of winter, brings a unique warmth.

They have a nostalgic aura reminiscent of family gatherings during festivals.

8. Coconut, mango, and tapioca pearl soup

Sweet coconut milk and tapioca soup | TASTE 

Bouncy tapioca pearls and the creamy richness of coconut milk make this dessert refreshing and fulfilling.

Adding a dash of condensed milk or a sprinkle of palm sugar will make this Chinese soup dessert the perfect end to a hearty meal.

Traditional ingredients and their significance

Incorporating natural ingredients is not just a fad in Chinese cuisine but an age-old tradition.

Most of these dessert soup ingredients are not mere flavor enhancers; they are often chosen for their medicinal or nutritional benefits.

Rock sugar

Beyond sweetening, rock sugar moistens the lungs and reduces coughs. Its subtle sweetness doesn’t overpower, making it a favorite in numerous dessert soups.

Goji berries

These tiny red jewels are nutrient powerhouses. It is often added for a burst of color and health as it benefits the eyes, nourishes the liver, and boosts vitality.

Lotus seeds

They are symbolic icons in Chinese food culture. Lotus seeds are believed to have calming properties and are also seen as a source of protein and essential minerals.

Snow fungus

Also known as snow ear fungus, this ingredient is celebrated for its collagen-like properties and is believed to promote healthy skin.

Rice and tapioca flour

Rice flour and tapioca starch | Healthy Nibbles

These are thickening agents in many soups but also give a wonderful, gelatinous consistency. Both flours are gluten-free, making many Chinese dessert soups an option for those with gluten sensitivities.

Where can I eat these delightful Chinese dessert soups?

Chinese dessert soups can be found in various locations:

In cozy corners of traditional tea houses

Many of China's traditional tea houses have expanded their menus over the years. Now, they offer a selection of time-honored Chinese dessert soups alongside their wide variety of teas.

These tea houses often have antique wooden tables and intricate porcelain teapots, giving an authentic ambiance that elevates the experience of savoring these soups.

On bustling street markets and food stalls

Arguably the best way to explore China's culinary heritage is by wandering through its numerous food stalls in the bustling street markets. As the evening descends, street vendors will dish out bowls of steaming sweet soups.

The experience of enjoying a hot bowl of glutinous rice balls in syrup, with the cool winter air nipping at your cheeks, is humbling and heartwarming.

At modern dessert cafes

With the trend of dessert cafes in urban areas, these traditional soups are now presented with a modern twist. Don't be surprised if you find a traditional red bean soup with a scoop of matcha ice cream or a snow fungus soup adorned with a sprinkle of edible gold.

With their chic interiors and innovative menu, these cafes make Chinese dessert soups accessible and appealing to the younger generation.

Within luxurious Chinese restaurants

For those looking for a gourmet experience, many upscale Chinese restaurants incorporate dessert soups into their menu. They use premium ingredients, such as bird's nest in snow fungus soup or hand-rolled glutinous rice balls.

Chinese dining etiquette is important in these establishments as it is not just about the food; it's a comprehensive sensory experience, with elegant table settings, soft traditional music playing in the background, and impeccable service.

To make at home

Of course, with the increasing availability of Asian ingredients worldwide, trying your hand at making these dessert soups at home is a viable and fun option.

Many recipes are surprisingly quick and easy dessert options, requiring only a few essential ingredients. Plus, you can adjust the sweetness and consistency according to your preference.

For those who appreciate a visual guide or are looking for innovative takes on traditional recipes, there are some renowned Chinese bloggers and YouTubers who specialize in these delightful soups:

1. Made with Lau - Known for his easy-to-follow videos and a mix of traditional and contemporary Chinese recipes.

2. Souped-Up Recipes - This channel delves deep into various Chinese dishes, including an extensive list of dessert soups.

3. The Woks of Life - A family of four bloggers who share many Chinese recipes, many of which have been passed down through generations.

4. Red House Spice - Offers a unique blend of traditional Chinese dishes with innovative twists, including various dessert soups.

Many other talented dessert content creators are out there, but these are good creators to start following first! They will provide you with recipes and insights into the culture and history behind each dish.

What allergens are in Chinese dessert soup?

While these soups are incredibly tasty, potential allergens include:

• Beans: Various beans such as mung bean and red bean.

• Nuts and seeds: Various kinds, including peanuts, lotus seeds, and black sesame

• Gluten: Though many of these soups lean towards gluten-free, always check, especially with tapioca or rice flour desserts.

Frequently asked questions

What is Chinese dessert soup?

Chinese dessert soup, also called sweet soup, is a type of Chinese dessert. It is often served warm and made from various ingredients that are boiled together to produce a sweet-tasting liquid.

What sweeteners are commonly used in Chinese dessert soups?

Rock sugar, coconut milk, condensed milk, and sugar water are common sweeteners.

Why are snow fungus and goji berries so popular in Chinese dessert soups?

Snow fungus and goji berries are both believed to have numerous health benefits. Snow fungus soup is known for its supposed skin benefits, and goji berries are packed with antioxidants.

Are there any quick preparation methods for Chinese dessert soups?

While some of these soups take time, using a food processor to blend or prepping ingredients with hot boiling water can quicken the cooking process.

How can I ensure the Chinese dessert soup isn’t too sweet?

It’s recommended to start with less sugar and gradually add rock sugar or sugar water to adjust sweetness according to your preference.

Are there vegan Chinese dessert soup options?

Yes! Many of these soups are naturally vegan.

Wrapping it up

Chinese dessert soups bridge the gap between culinary delight and cultural tradition. Each bowl tells a story, and each sip evokes a memory. Whether you are a seasoned aficionado or a curious newcomer, these dessert soups await promising warmth, comfort, and a taste of Chinese culinary artistry.

Their allure is not just in their delightful taste but also in their tales from ancient China, their familial bonds strengthened over shared meals, and the innovation they inspire in modern kitchens worldwide. Every ingredient, from rock sugar to snow fungus, carries a history and purpose. The fusion of simple and complex elements creates a gastronomic experience that resonates across generations.

As you savor each spoonful, remember that you are not just enjoying a dessert but partaking in a legacy.

Jing You is a Chinese native who grew up in the Fujian province and soaked in the Chinese culture while living with her grandparents. She later moved to Singapore to pursue further education. However, she has always been passionate about the Mandarin language despite being in an environment that speaks English predominantly. She was involved in multiple Mandarin and Chinese culture programmes in schools, and brought this passion forward by tutoring elementary school students Mandarin in her adulthood.