Tong sui
In its own language: 糖水
Chinese sweet soups served as dessert at the end of a meal
Tong sui refers to a range of sweet soups enjoyed as desserts, especially after meals, in southern China. These desserts are most closely linked to places like Guangdong, Hong Kong, and Macau. Traditional versions often use beans, fruit, or milk. Tong sui is now found in specialty shops across China and in Chinese communities worldwide.
- Tong sui means 'sugar water' in Chinese.
- First tong sui shops opened in Guangzhou in the early 1900s.
- Popular types include red bean soup and black sesame soup.
- Dairy-based versions became trendy in the 1930s.
- Tong sui shops are common in Hong Kong and overseas Chinatowns.
What is Tong sui?
Tong sui is a family of Chinese desserts made by simmering ingredients like beans, fruit, or milk with sugar and water to create a sweet soup. These dishes are usually served at the end of a meal. The appearance and flavor vary depending on the main ingredient: some are smooth and creamy, while others have a light, clear broth with pieces of fruit or beans. Popular examples include black sesame soup, red bean soup, and sweet potato soup.
Where does Tong sui come from?
This dessert tradition is rooted in the southern parts of China, especially in areas with warm, humid weather and plentiful sugarcane. People in regions such as Guangdong and Hong Kong have long made sweet soups both for enjoyment and, according to traditional beliefs, to balance the effects of the local climate. Tong sui shops appeared in Guangzhou in the early 1900s, with new varieties and influences shaping the sweet soup culture over time.
How is Tong sui made?
To prepare tong sui, cooks simmer ingredients like beans, sweet potatoes, or almonds with water and sugar until they soften and the flavors blend. Some versions use milk or custard, and others might include fruits or even tapioca. The result can be a smooth, thick soup or a lighter, more watery dessert, depending on the recipe. Dairy-based types, such as steamed milk curd, became popular in the 20th century.
How and when is Tong sui eaten?
Tong sui is typically served as a dessert, often after dinner. In southern China and places with large Chinese communities, people visit tong sui shops to enjoy these sweet soups, sometimes as a treat with friends or family. The dish is eaten with a spoon, and the setting can range from casual street stalls to specialized dessert shops. It is not tied to any particular festival or religious event.
Kinds of Tong sui
There are many types of tong sui, with recipes varying by region and over time. Traditional shops often serve red bean soup, almond soup, and sweet potato soup. In the 20th century, dairy-based and fruit-based versions appeared, influenced by Western desserts and local creativity. Modern shops may offer new styles using fresh fruit, tapioca, or other ingredients.
What Tong sui means
Tong sui is a familiar comfort food in southern China and among Chinese communities abroad. It is part of daily life rather than festival or ritual. The rise of tong sui shops in Hong Kong and other cities has made these desserts a popular attraction for locals and tourists alike. Some shops have become well-known destinations, and the variety of sweet soups reflects both tradition and changing tastes.
Questions people ask about Tong sui
What is tong sui made of?
Tong sui is made by simmering ingredients like beans, fruit, or milk with sugar and water to create a sweet soup. The exact ingredients depend on the type, but common ones include red beans, sweet potatoes, almonds, and sometimes dairy.
Where does tong sui come from?
Tong sui comes from southern China, especially regions such as Guangdong, Hong Kong, and Macau. It is a traditional dessert in these areas and has spread to Chinese communities around the world.
When is tong sui usually eaten?
Tong sui is most often served as a dessert after a meal. People enjoy it in restaurants, specialized dessert shops, or at home, usually in the evening.
Are there different kinds of tong sui?
Yes, there are many varieties. Traditional ones use beans, nuts, or sweet potatoes, while modern versions might include dairy, fresh fruit, or tapioca. The style and ingredients can change depending on the region and shop.
Is tong sui always vegetarian?
The ingredients in tong sui can vary. Many types are vegetarian, but some versions may use milk or other animal products. It is best to check the specific recipe if you have dietary restrictions.
Good reading and sources
The facts on this page come from the Wikipedia article "Tong sui", written by its contributors and used under the CC BY-SA 4.0 licence, and from its Wikidata record (CC0). Thali rewrote the text in its own words, with AI assistance, and compares every page with the article to make sure no passage is copied. It may be reused under the same CC BY-SA 4.0 licence with a link back.
It may contain mistakes, and it is not dietary or allergy advice: recipes differ from cook to cook. If something is wrong, tell us. Last refreshed 2026-10-03.
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