Guide to Traditional Chinese Sweet Dessert Soups

If you have a sweet tooth and want to explore the rich culinary heritage of Hong Kong, make sure to indulge in traditional Chinese sweet dessert soups. These delightful concoctions are not only delicious but also offer various health benefits. Get ready to satisfy your cravings with our guide to the best traditional Chinese sweet dessert soups in Hong Kong.

1. Black Sesame Soup

Start your dessert soup journey with the classic Black Sesame Soup. Made from freshly ground black sesame seeds, this rich and creamy soup has a nutty flavor that is both comforting and delicious. It is often sweetened with rock sugar and sometimes served with glutinous rice balls (tangyuan) for an added chewy texture.
Where to try: One Dim Sum in Mong Kok is known for their delectable Black Sesame Soup.

2. Red Bean Soup

A staple in Chinese cuisine, Red Bean Soup is a popular choice among dessert soup lovers. Made from red adzuki beans, this soup is simmered until the beans are soft and creamy. The sweet taste, combined with a hint of earthiness, creates a comforting and satisfying dessert.
Where to try: Lin Heung Tea House in Central is famous for its authentic Red Bean Soup.

3. Lotus Seed Soup

Lotus Seed Soup is a popular dessert soup that is loved for its delicate flavor and health benefits. Made from lotus seeds, which are known for their calming properties, this soup is often cooked with rock sugar and combined with other ingredients like dried longan or red dates. Lotus Seed Soup is believed to promote tranquility and improve digestion.
Where to try: Sweet Heart Garden Dessert in Sham Shui Po is celebrated for its delightful Lotus Seed Soup.

4. Almond Soup

If you're looking for a dessert soup with a unique taste, try Almond Soup. Made from blanched almonds, this light and refreshing soup is characterized by its slightly sweet and nutty flavor. Almond Soup is popular among locals for its nourishing properties and is often served with crunchy lotus seeds.
Where to try: Yung Kee Dessert in Causeway Bay serves an excellent Almond Soup.

5. Taro Soup

For a dessert soup with a mild and creamy taste, Taro Soup is the perfect choice. Made from taro, a root vegetable with a smooth texture, this soup has a subtle sweetness that is truly delightful. It is often cooked with rock sugar and sometimes garnished with crunchy chestnuts.
Where to try: Hang Heung Dessert in Tsim Sha Tsui offers an exceptional Taro Soup.

6. Ginger and Sweet Potato Soup

For those seeking a unique blend of flavors, Ginger and Sweet Potato Soup is an excellent choice. The combination of ginger's spiciness and sweet potato's natural sweetness creates a harmonious balance in this soup. Additionally, ginger is known for its warming properties and health benefits.
Where to try: Hoi On Cafe in Sai Ying Pun serves a delicious Ginger and Sweet Potato Soup.

Traditional Chinese sweet dessert soups are an essential part of Hong Kong's culinary culture. Whether you have a preference for nutty, creamy, or refreshing flavors, the wide variety of options available will surely satisfy your cravings. So, make sure to explore these dessert soup hotspots for an authentic and delightful culinary experience in Hong Kong.