If you love warm, comforting desserts, Tau Suan (豆爽) is a must-try. This popular Chinese sweet soup is made from split mung beans, thickened with potato starch, and served with crispy you tiao (fried dough sticks). The dish is especially beloved in Singapore, Malaysia, and parts of China, where it is often enjoyed as a breakfast treat or an afternoon snack.
So, what makes Tau Suan special? This article explores its origins, how it’s made, and where you can enjoy the best versions of this delightful dessert.
What is Tau Suan?
Tau Suan (豆爽), which translates to “split bean broth” in Chinese, is a traditional sweet mung bean soup. Unlike other Chinese dessert soups, Tau Suan has a silky, thick texture, thanks to the addition of potato starch. The dish is mildly sweet, with a delicate earthy flavor from the mung beans and a slight saltiness from the crispy you tiao that is often served alongside.
Main Ingredients in Tau Suan
- Split Mung Beans (绿豆瓣) – The key ingredient that gives the dessert its nutty and slightly chewy texture.
- Rock Sugar (冰糖) – Provides a natural, mild sweetness.
- Pandan Leaves (香兰叶) – Infuses the soup with a fragrant aroma.
- Potato Starch (马铃薯淀粉) – Thickens the soup, giving it a smooth, glossy consistency.
- You Tiao (油条) – Crispy fried dough sticks, typically served on the side or mixed into the soup.
The History & Cultural Significance of Tau Suan
Tau Suan has its roots in Southern Chinese cuisine, where warm, lightly sweet soups are often enjoyed as part of a traditional diet. The dish is particularly popular in Teochew and Cantonese communities, where it is served as a breakfast or tea-time snack.
In Singapore and Malaysia, Tau Suan is a staple at hawker centers, often found alongside other warm desserts like bubur cha cha and red bean soup. It is commonly enjoyed in the morning or late afternoon, offering a comforting, nutritious, and satisfying break from the day.
How to Make Tau Suan at Home
Making Tau Suan at home is easier than you think! Follow this simple recipe to enjoy a bowl of this warm, delightful dessert.
Ingredients
- 100g split mung beans (soaked for 2 hours)
- 1.5 liters water
- 3-4 pandan leaves, tied into a knot
- 80g rock sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1 tbsp potato starch (mixed with 3 tbsp water to form a slurry)
- 1-2 sticks of you tiao, sliced
Instructions
- Prepare the Mung Beans: Rinse the soaked mung beans and steam them for 20 minutes until soft but still holding their shape. Set aside.
- Boil the Water: In a pot, bring 1.5 liters of water to a boil. Add the pandan leaves and let them simmer for 5 minutes to release their fragrance.
- Sweeten the Soup: Remove the pandan leaves and add rock sugar, stirring until dissolved.
- Thicken the Soup: Slowly pour in the potato starch slurry, stirring continuously to prevent lumps. The soup should turn slightly thick and glossy.
- Add the Mung Beans: Gently mix in the steamed mung beans, allowing them to absorb the sweet broth. Simmer for 2-3 minutes and turn off the heat.
- Serve with You Tiao: Ladle the Tau Suan into bowls and top with crispy you tiao pieces. Enjoy warm!
Where to Try the Best Tau Suan in Singapore & Malaysia
If you’re not in the mood to cook, you can find delicious Tau Suan at many hawker centers and dessert stalls. Here are some of the best spots to try it:
75 Ah Balling Peanut Soup (Singapore)
- Located in Maxwell Food Centre, this famous stall serves an authentic and silky-smooth Tau Suan alongside their signature peanut soup.
Zhen Jie Dessert (Singapore)
- A must-visit spot at Chinatown Complex Food Centre, known for its rich, thick Tau Suan with generous portions of crispy you tiao.
Ah Keat Herbal Desserts (Malaysia)
- Found in Penang, this shop offers a traditional version of Tau Suan with a hint of herbal notes, perfect for those who love a twist on the classic.
KTZ (Kee Tsui) Dessert (Malaysia)
- Located in Kuala Lumpur, this famous dessert house serves smooth and fragrant Tau Suan, often paired with other local favorites.
Why You Should Try Tau Suan
Still not convinced? Here’s why Tau Suan deserves a spot on your must-try list:
- Nutritious & Light: Mung beans are packed with fiber and protein, making this dessert a healthier choice compared to other sweets.
- Perfect for All Ages: The mild sweetness and smooth texture make it enjoyable for kids and elders alike.
- A Unique Taste Experience: The contrast between warm, silky soup and crispy you tiao creates a satisfying mouthfeel.
- A Taste of Tradition: Trying Tau Suan connects you to a long-standing Chinese culinary tradition, deeply rooted in Southeast Asian food culture.
Conclusion
Tau Suan is more than just a dessert—it’s a warm, comforting dish that brings people together. Whether you make it at home or try it at a local hawker center, this sweet mung bean soup is a delightful treat that embodies the richness of Chinese culinary traditions.
So, the next time you’re craving something sweet, silky, and satisfying, be sure to try a bowl of Tau Suan!
FAQs
Is Tau Suan gluten-free?
Yes! The soup itself is gluten-free, but you tiao contains wheat flour. You can enjoy it without the fried dough if you’re avoiding gluten.
How long does Tau Suan last?
Tau Suan is best enjoyed fresh, but you can store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat it gently on the stove and add water if it thickens too much.
Can I make Tau Suan less sweet?
Absolutely! Simply reduce the rock sugar to suit your taste preferences.
What’s the best drink to pair with Tau Suan?
Many people enjoy hot Chinese tea or soy milk with their Tau Suan to balance the sweetness.
Is Tau Suan a breakfast or dessert?
It can be both! In Singapore and Malaysia, it’s common to eat Tau Suan for breakfast or as an afternoon snack.
Also read: Lion City Frog Porridge: Singapore’s Most Flavorful Late-Night Delight
