28+ Easy and Flavorful Chinese Soup Recipes to Warm Your Heart and Soul

There’s something deeply comforting and soul-nourishing about a bowl of Chinese soup.

Whether it’s a rich, slow-simmered herbal broth or a light and refreshing vegetable-based soup, Chinese soups have long been a staple in family kitchens and banquet tables alike.

Rooted in centuries of tradition, these soups go beyond mere flavor—they’re a reflection of health, balance, and seasonal wisdom.

In this roundup of 28+ Chinese soup recipes, you’ll discover a wide range of options, from classic favorites like Hot and Sour Soup and Egg Drop Soup to more traditional and regional variations such as Lotus Root Peanut Soup, Winter Melon with Chinese Ham, and Black Chicken Herbal Soup.

Whether you’re looking for something vegetarian, hearty, quick, or deeply nourishing, this collection offers something for every taste and occasion.

So grab a pot and get ready to bring warmth, tradition, and flavor into your kitchen with these time-tested Chinese soup recipes!

28+ Easy and Flavorful Chinese Soup Recipes to Warm Your Heart and Soul

Whether you’re recovering from a cold, seeking a taste of home, or just looking to warm up on a chilly evening, these Chinese soup recipes deliver comfort in every spoonful.

With just a few simple ingredients and time-honored techniques, you can enjoy the depth and wellness of Chinese soups in your own home.

Try a new recipe today—you may just discover your next go-to dish.

Hot and Sour Soup

This classic Chinese restaurant favorite is a flavorful and comforting soup made with mushrooms, tofu, bamboo shoots, and a tangy-spicy broth.

Hot and sour soup is both savory and aromatic, with a perfect balance of vinegar heat and white pepper spice. It’s ideal as a starter or a light meal on its own.

Ingredients

• 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• ½ cup sliced shiitake or wood ear mushrooms
• ½ cup bamboo shoots, julienned
• ½ block firm tofu, cut into thin strips
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon chili garlic sauce or sriracha (adjust to taste)
• 1 teaspoon white pepper
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water
• 1 egg, lightly beaten
• 1 green onion, chopped
• Salt to taste

Instructions

1. Bring broth to a simmer in a large pot.
2. Add mushrooms, bamboo shoots, and tofu. Simmer for about 5 minutes.
3. Stir in soy sauce, vinegar, chili sauce, and white pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning.
4. Slowly drizzle the cornstarch slurry into the soup while stirring constantly to thicken.
5. Turn heat down and swirl in the beaten egg in a slow stream while stirring gently to create ribbons.
6. Remove from heat. Garnish with green onion and serve hot.

The conclusion of this dish lies in its complexity masked by its simplicity. Every spoonful offers tang, spice, and warmth—exactly what a Chinese soup should be.

This version is easy to make at home and satisfies the craving for takeout-style comfort.

Egg Drop Soup

A delicate and silky Chinese soup, egg drop soup is one of the easiest and quickest soups to make.

It features beaten eggs swirled into a light broth, thickened slightly and flavored with a touch of sesame and white pepper.

It’s a beloved staple for both its taste and simplicity.

Ingredients

• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water
• 2 eggs, lightly beaten
• ¼ teaspoon white pepper
• ½ teaspoon sesame oil
• 2 green onions, sliced
• Salt to taste

Instructions

1. Bring the chicken broth to a boil in a saucepan.
2. Stir in the cornstarch slurry and reduce heat to medium-low.
3. Slowly drizzle the beaten eggs into the soup while stirring in a circular motion to create egg ribbons.
4. Add white pepper, sesame oil, and salt to taste.
5. Turn off heat and garnish with sliced green onions. Serve immediately.

This simple soup showcases the elegance of traditional Chinese home cooking.

It’s light, nourishing, and incredibly quick to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re feeling under the weather.

Wonton Soup

Wonton soup is a timeless Chinese comfort food made with delicate pork or shrimp-filled wontons simmered in a flavorful, clear broth.

Each wonton is a soft, savory dumpling that pairs beautifully with leafy greens and green onion for a warming bowl of soup.

Ingredients

• 6 cups chicken broth
• 12–15 frozen or fresh wontons (pork or shrimp)
• 1 teaspoon soy sauce
• ½ teaspoon sesame oil
• A handful of baby bok choy or napa cabbage
• 2 green onions, sliced
• Salt and white pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Bring the chicken broth to a gentle boil in a large pot.
2. Add soy sauce and sesame oil for flavor.
3. Add the wontons and cook according to package instructions (usually 5–7 minutes for fresh or frozen).
4. In the last 2–3 minutes of cooking, add baby bok choy or napa cabbage.
5. Season with salt and white pepper to taste.
6. Serve hot, garnished with green onions.

Wonton soup is more than just a dish—it’s a tradition.

With soft dumplings in a soul-soothing broth, this soup brings together rich textures and warm flavors in every spoonful.

Whether as a side dish or a main, it’s always a welcome addition to the table.

Winter Melon Soup

Winter melon soup is a traditional Chinese favorite known for its clean, mild flavor and subtle sweetness.

Often cooked with pork ribs or shrimp, this soup is hydrating, refreshing, and ideal for warm or cold seasons alike.

The soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture of winter melon is comforting and satisfying.

Ingredients

• 4 cups chicken or pork broth
• 2 cups winter melon, peeled and cubed
• 6–8 dried shrimp or 1 cup fresh shrimp, peeled
• 1 tablespoon goji berries (optional)
• 2 slices ginger
• Salt and white pepper to taste
• Chopped green onion for garnish

Instructions

1. Bring broth to a boil and add ginger slices.
2. Add winter melon cubes and dried or fresh shrimp.
3. Simmer on low heat for 20–25 minutes until melon becomes translucent and tender.
4. Add goji berries in the last few minutes if using.
5. Season with salt and white pepper.
6. Serve hot, garnished with green onion.

This soothing soup is light yet nourishing, with a gentle, earthy taste that promotes hydration and balance.

Winter melon soup is often served in Chinese households as a daily tonic, and once you try it, you’ll see why.

Chinese Corn Soup

Chinese corn soup, also known as chicken and sweetcorn soup, is creamy, thick, and slightly sweet with tender shreds of chicken and pops of corn kernels.

This soup is incredibly satisfying and easy to make using pantry staples, making it a go-to comfort dish for busy days.

Ingredients

• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, canned, or frozen)
• 1 chicken breast, cooked and shredded
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with 3 tablespoons water
• 1 egg, beaten
• Salt and white pepper to taste
• ½ teaspoon sesame oil
• Chopped green onion for garnish

Instructions

1. Bring chicken broth to a gentle simmer.
2. Add corn and shredded chicken. Simmer for 5–7 minutes.
3. Stir in cornstarch slurry to thicken the soup.
4. Slowly pour in the beaten egg while stirring to create ribbons.
5. Season with salt, white pepper, and sesame oil.
6. Garnish with green onions and serve hot.

Creamy yet light, this soup brings a warm feeling of nostalgia and comfort.

With simple ingredients and bold flavor, it’s a must-have for family dinners or cozy lunches.

Fish Ball Soup

Fish ball soup is a beloved part of Southern Chinese cuisine, particularly in coastal regions.

Light, bouncy fish balls simmered in a fragrant broth with leafy greens make for a quick, protein-rich, and warming soup that’s perfect for everyday meals.

Ingredients

• 5 cups chicken or anchovy broth
• 12–15 fresh or frozen fish balls
• A handful of baby spinach or choy sum
• 1 slice ginger
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• Salt and white pepper to taste
• Green onions for garnish

Instructions

1. In a pot, bring broth and ginger to a boil.
2. Add fish balls and cook until they float (about 5–7 minutes).
3. Add spinach or choy sum and cook for another 1–2 minutes.
4. Season with soy sauce, salt, and white pepper.
5. Remove from heat and garnish with green onions. Serve hot.

This simple yet satisfying soup is all about balance—rich in umami yet clean on the palate.

The tender greens and flavorful fish balls make each bowl hearty and wholesome without being heavy.

Tomato Egg Soup

Tomato egg soup is a beloved Chinese home-style dish known for its tangy flavor, soft egg ribbons, and simplicity.

It’s especially popular for its light yet nourishing profile, often served with rice or as a quick remedy during chilly evenings.

Ingredients

• 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 2 medium tomatoes, cut into wedges
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1 teaspoon soy sauce
• ½ teaspoon sesame oil
• ½ teaspoon sugar
• 1 green onion, chopped
• Salt and white pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Bring broth to a boil and add tomato wedges. Simmer for 5–7 minutes until tomatoes are soft.
2. Add soy sauce, sesame oil, and sugar.
3. Slowly pour in beaten eggs while stirring gently to form silky ribbons.
4. Add salt and white pepper to taste.
5. Turn off heat, garnish with green onions, and serve hot.

Tomato egg soup is humble yet heartwarming—its vivid colors and bright taste make it a joyful addition to any meal.

It’s one of those dishes that feel like home with every spoonful.

Lotus Root Peanut Soup

A nourishing and slow-simmered Cantonese-style soup, lotus root peanut soup is traditionally enjoyed for its health benefits and deep, earthy flavor.

It’s usually cooked with pork bones, creating a broth that’s rich, savory, and naturally sweet.

Ingredients

• 6 cups water
• 1 lotus root, peeled and sliced
• ½ cup raw peanuts (skin on)
• 1 lb pork ribs or neck bones
• 2 slices ginger
• Salt to taste
• Optional: red dates or dried goji berries

Instructions

1. Blanch pork bones in boiling water, then rinse.
2. In a clean pot, combine pork, lotus root, peanuts, and ginger. Add 6 cups of water.
3. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer.
4. Simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours until flavors are well combined.
5. Season with salt before serving.

This soup is a staple in many Chinese households, known not only for its taste but for its nourishing qualities.

The combination of root vegetable and bone broth creates a meal that’s both comforting and restorative.

Seaweed Tofu Soup

Light, savory, and full of umami, seaweed tofu soup is a popular choice for a quick and healthy Chinese soup.

Made with dried seaweed and silken tofu, it’s often served as a starter at Chinese meals, especially for vegetarians.

Ingredients

• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 sheet dried seaweed (wakame or laver), soaked and chopped
• ½ block silken tofu, cubed
• 1 teaspoon soy sauce
• ¼ teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 green onion, sliced
• Salt and white pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Bring the broth to a simmer.
2. Add chopped seaweed and cook for 2–3 minutes.
3. Gently add tofu cubes and simmer for another 3–5 minutes.
4. Stir in soy sauce, sesame oil, salt, and pepper.
5. Garnish with green onion and serve hot.

This soup is clean, comforting, and brimming with minerals from the sea.

With just a few ingredients, seaweed tofu soup delivers deep flavor and satisfying nutrition in every bowl.

Chinese Herbal Chicken Soup

Chinese herbal chicken soup is a traditional dish deeply rooted in Chinese medicine, known for its healing properties.

Featuring goji berries, red dates, and ginseng or angelica root, this soup is slowly simmered with bone-in chicken to create a fragrant, nourishing broth that’s believed to boost energy and immunity.

Ingredients

• 6 cups water
• 1 whole chicken leg or 4 chicken drumsticks
• 5–6 dried red dates
• 1 tablespoon goji berries
• 1 piece dried ginseng or angelica root (optional)
• 2 slices ginger
• Salt to taste

Instructions

1. Rinse herbs (red dates, goji berries, and ginseng) under cold water.
2. In a pot, add water, chicken, ginger, and herbs.
3. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer. Cover and cook for 1.5 to 2 hours.
4. Season with salt to taste. Remove bones if desired before serving.

This soup is more than just a dish—it’s a ritual of care.

With centuries-old ingredients known for their healing power, each bowl delivers warmth, wellness, and the deep comfort of tradition.

Pork and Century Egg Congee

Pork and century egg congee is a savory rice porridge popular across Southern China and Taiwan.

With its rich, creamy texture and bursts of flavor from preserved egg and marinated pork, it’s a perfect comfort food for breakfast or a light lunch.

Ingredients

• ½ cup jasmine or short-grain rice
• 6 cups water or chicken broth
• 100g lean pork, thinly sliced (marinated with soy sauce and cornstarch)
• 1–2 century eggs, peeled and diced
• 1 thumb ginger, julienned
• Salt and white pepper to taste
• Chopped green onions and sesame oil for garnish

Instructions

1. Rinse rice, then combine with broth in a large pot. Bring to a boil.
2. Add ginger, then reduce heat and simmer for 45–60 minutes, stirring occasionally until thick and creamy.
3. Add pork slices and century egg. Simmer for another 5–10 minutes until pork is fully cooked.
4. Season with salt and white pepper.
5. Garnish with green onion and a drizzle of sesame oil.

This congee is silky, savory, and packed with umami.

The soft pork and distinctive century egg create a dish that feels both humble and luxurious, loved by generations for its soothing qualities.

Chinese Cabbage Soup

Chinese cabbage soup is a humble, homey dish made with napa cabbage, garlic, and a clear broth.

It’s a popular side dish in Chinese households—simple, soothing, and excellent for balancing heavier meals.

Ingredients

• 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 2 cups napa cabbage, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon soy sauce
• ½ teaspoon sesame oil
• Salt and white pepper to taste
• Green onions for garnish

Instructions

1. Heat a small amount of oil in a pot and sauté garlic until fragrant.
2. Add broth and bring to a boil.
3. Add chopped napa cabbage and cook for 5–7 minutes until tender.
4. Stir in soy sauce, sesame oil, salt, and white pepper.
5. Garnish with green onions and serve warm.

Chinese cabbage soup is a classic example of how simplicity can shine.

Light, nourishing, and quick to prepare, it’s perfect as a palate cleanser or a gentle starter for any Chinese meal.

Chicken Corn Egg Drop Soup

This variation of egg drop soup adds shredded chicken and sweet corn to create a heartier version of a beloved Chinese favorite.

It’s creamy, mildly sweet, and full of protein—perfect for a comforting lunch or appetizer.

Ingredients

• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup sweet corn (canned or fresh)
• 1 chicken breast, cooked and shredded
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water
• Salt and white pepper to taste
• ½ teaspoon sesame oil
• Chopped green onions for garnish

Instructions

1. Bring chicken broth to a boil and add sweet corn and shredded chicken. Simmer for 5 minutes.
2. Stir in the cornstarch slurry to slightly thicken the soup.
3. Lower the heat and slowly drizzle in the beaten eggs while gently stirring to create silky ribbons.
4. Season with salt, white pepper, and sesame oil.
5. Garnish with green onions and serve hot.

This soup offers a perfect combination of flavor, texture, and comfort.

The chicken and corn add body and sweetness, making it a filling choice that still feels light and easy on the stomach.

Chinese Watercress Soup

Chinese watercress soup (Sai Yong Choy Tong) is a Cantonese-style broth made with fresh watercress, pork bones, and dried dates.

The soup is appreciated for its slightly peppery taste and detoxifying properties, often served as part of home-cooked family meals.

Ingredients

• 6 cups water
• 1 bunch fresh watercress, rinsed and trimmed
• 1 lb pork ribs or bones
• 5 dried red dates
• 2 slices ginger
• Salt to taste

Instructions

1. Blanch pork bones in boiling water for a few minutes, then rinse.
2. In a large pot, bring 6 cups of water to a boil. Add pork, ginger, and red dates.
3. Simmer on low heat for 1.5 to 2 hours.
4. Add watercress and cook for another 10–15 minutes.
5. Season with salt and serve hot.

This soup is light, nourishing, and filled with traditional Chinese flavors.

Watercress adds a fresh bite to the rich broth, making it both tasty and revitalizing.

It’s a common choice when the body needs a gentle reset.

Tofu and Mushroom Soup

This plant-based Chinese soup is filled with umami from mushrooms and protein from tofu.

It’s clean, earthy, and quick to prepare—ideal for vegetarians or anyone looking for a nutritious and satisfying meat-free soup.

Ingredients

• 4 cups vegetable broth
• ½ block firm tofu, cubed
• 1 cup shiitake or button mushrooms, sliced
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 green onion, sliced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. In a pot, sauté garlic in a little oil until fragrant.
2. Add mushrooms and cook for 3–4 minutes.
3. Pour in vegetable broth and bring to a simmer.
4. Add tofu cubes and soy sauce. Simmer for 5–7 minutes.
5. Stir in sesame oil, salt, and pepper.
6. Garnish with green onions and serve warm.

This tofu and mushroom soup brings balance and depth to the table.

It’s hearty without being heavy, making it a wonderful addition to both lunch and dinner spreads, especially when you want something warm and healthy.

Napa Cabbage Tofu Soup

This light and wholesome soup brings together napa cabbage and tofu in a clean, umami-rich broth.

Popular in Chinese home kitchens, it’s easy to prepare and packed with gentle flavors that soothe and nourish the body.

Ingredients

• 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 2 cups napa cabbage, chopped
• ½ block soft or medium tofu, cubed
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon soy sauce
• ½ teaspoon sesame oil
• Salt and white pepper to taste
• Chopped green onions for garnish

Instructions

1. Heat a bit of oil in a soup pot and sauté garlic until fragrant.
2. Pour in the broth and bring to a simmer.
3. Add chopped napa cabbage and cook for 5–7 minutes until tender.
4. Gently add tofu cubes and cook for another 3–4 minutes.
5. Stir in soy sauce, sesame oil, and season to taste with salt and pepper.
6. Serve hot with green onions sprinkled on top.

This soup is comforting, clean, and deeply satisfying.

It’s the kind of meal you turn to when you want something warm, healthy, and easy to digest—perfect for a calming dinner or a gentle reset.

Chicken Mushroom Soup

This rustic and deeply aromatic soup combines tender chicken and earthy mushrooms in a rich, slow-simmered broth.

With its balance of protein, depth, and herbal warmth, it’s a go-to in many Chinese households, especially during cooler months.

Ingredients

• 1 chicken thigh or leg, bone-in
• 4–5 dried shiitake mushrooms, soaked and sliced
• 5 cups water or chicken broth
• 2 slices ginger
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• Salt to taste
• Chopped cilantro or green onions for garnish

Instructions

1. In a soup pot, bring water or broth to a boil.
2. Add chicken, soaked mushrooms, and ginger slices.
3. Simmer for 45 minutes to 1 hour, skimming off any foam.
4. Stir in soy sauce and season with salt.
5. Remove bones if desired.
6. Garnish with cilantro or green onion and serve warm.

This soup delivers comfort and nourishment in every sip.

The mushroom’s umami and chicken’s richness create a classic depth of flavor that feels like a hug in a bowl—perfect for family-style meals or cozy nights in.

Spinach Egg Drop Soup

A vibrant twist on the classic egg drop soup, this version includes fresh spinach for color, nutrients, and a slightly earthy note.

It’s simple, quick, and makes for an elegant starter or a light meal.

Ingredients

• 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water
• ½ teaspoon sesame oil
• Salt and white pepper to taste
• Green onions for garnish

Instructions

1. Bring broth to a gentle boil and add spinach. Cook for 1–2 minutes until wilted.
2. Stir in the cornstarch slurry and let the soup slightly thicken.
3. Reduce heat and slowly drizzle in the beaten eggs, stirring gently to create ribbons.
4. Add sesame oil, salt, and white pepper to taste.
5. Garnish with green onions and serve hot.

This soup is fresh, light, and full of nutrition.

With its silky texture and subtle flavors, it’s ideal when you want something warm and nourishing that doesn’t weigh you down.

Pickled Mustard Green Soup

Pickled mustard green soup is a bold, tangy Chinese dish often paired with pork or fish.

The pickled vegetables add a deliciously sour flavor that balances beautifully with rich proteins, making it a staple in many Southern Chinese kitchens.

Ingredients

• 4 cups chicken or pork broth
• 1 cup pickled mustard greens, rinsed and chopped
• 1 cup sliced pork belly or lean pork
• 2 slices ginger
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• Salt and white pepper to taste
• Optional: tofu or tomato for added depth

Instructions

1. In a soup pot, bring the broth to a boil with ginger slices.
2. Add garlic and pork slices. Cook until the meat is no longer pink.
3. Add the chopped pickled mustard greens and simmer for 15–20 minutes.
4. Taste and adjust with salt or white pepper if needed.
5. Serve hot with rice or on its own.

This soup’s sharp, savory profile is both invigorating and deeply satisfying.

The contrast between tangy vegetables and tender pork makes it a vibrant and memorable part of any meal.

Black Chicken Soup

Black chicken soup, made with Silkie chicken, is a highly regarded tonic in Chinese cuisine.

Often prepared with Chinese herbs like red dates and goji berries, this dark-hued broth is believed to restore energy, improve circulation, and support women’s health after childbirth.

Ingredients

• 1 whole Silkie (black) chicken, chopped
• 6 cups water
• 5 red dates
• 1 tablespoon goji berries
• 3 slices ginger
• 1 dried shiitake mushroom (optional)
• Salt to taste

Instructions

1. Rinse chicken and herbs. Blanch the chicken briefly in boiling water and rinse.
2. In a clean pot, add 6 cups of water, chicken, ginger, red dates, and mushroom.
3. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours.
4. Add goji berries in the last 10 minutes.
5. Season lightly with salt and serve hot.

This deeply nourishing soup carries earthy, sweet, and herbal notes.

Revered in Chinese culture for centuries, it’s not only delicious but also symbolic of care and restoration.

Chinese Pumpkin Soup

Chinese pumpkin soup is creamy, slightly sweet, and comforting—made with fresh pumpkin, light seasoning, and sometimes rice or millet for body.

Unlike its Western counterpart, it’s more brothy and subtly seasoned, perfect for a gentle, soothing dish.

Ingredients

• 2 cups pumpkin, peeled and cubed
• 4 cups water or light chicken broth
• ¼ cup rice (optional, for thickness)
• 1 slice ginger
• Salt to taste
• Green onions or cilantro for garnish

Instructions

1. In a pot, combine pumpkin cubes, rice (if using), ginger, and water or broth.
2. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 20–25 minutes until pumpkin is soft.
3. Mash or blend the pumpkin lightly for a smoother texture, if desired.
4. Season with salt.
5. Garnish with chopped green onions or cilantro and serve warm.

Mild, nutritious, and easy to digest, Chinese pumpkin soup is perfect for both kids and adults.

It’s a quiet, comforting bowl that’s ideal for peaceful evenings or nourishing resets.

Shrimp Tofu Soup

Shrimp tofu soup is a quick and light Chinese dish that brings together tender shrimp, soft tofu, and a delicate broth.

With its clean flavors and high protein content, it’s a popular choice for both everyday meals and special occasions.

Ingredients

• 4 cups chicken or seafood broth
• ½ block soft tofu, cut into cubes
• 8–10 medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• ½ teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon soy sauce
• Salt and white pepper to taste
• Chopped green onions or cilantro for garnish

Instructions

1. In a pot, bring broth to a boil. Add garlic and soy sauce.
2. Add tofu cubes and simmer gently for 3–4 minutes.
3. Add shrimp and cook until pink and firm, about 2–3 minutes.
4. Stir in sesame oil, salt, and white pepper.
5. Garnish with green onions or cilantro and serve hot.

This soup is elegant, protein-rich, and deeply satisfying without being heavy.

The gentle flavor of tofu contrasts nicely with the sweetness of shrimp, making it a beautiful and well-balanced dish.

Chinese Daikon Radish Soup

Daikon radish soup is a simple, cleansing Chinese soup made with daikon (white radish), pork, and sometimes carrots.

It’s known for its ability to reduce internal heat and aid digestion, making it a go-to in traditional households.

Ingredients

• 6 cups water
• 1 daikon radish, peeled and cut into chunks
• ½ lb pork ribs or lean pork slices
• 1 carrot, peeled and chopped (optional)
• 2 slices ginger
• Salt to taste
• Green onion for garnish

Instructions

1. Blanch pork in boiling water for a few minutes, then rinse.
2. In a clean pot, bring water to a boil. Add pork, daikon, carrot, and ginger.
3. Reduce to a simmer and cook for 1.5 to 2 hours.
4. Season with salt.
5. Serve hot, garnished with green onion if desired.

This soup is gentle, naturally sweet, and subtly peppery from the daikon.

It’s perfect for cleansing the palate, soothing the stomach, and restoring balance, especially during dry or hot seasons.

Vermicelli Meatball Soup

This comforting soup pairs delicate meatballs with slippery vermicelli noodles in a clear, savory broth.

It’s light yet satisfying, offering both protein and texture in a single warming bowl.

Ingredients

• 4 cups chicken broth
• ½ lb ground pork or chicken
• 1 teaspoon soy sauce
• ½ teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch
• Salt and white pepper to taste
• 1 bundle rice vermicelli noodles, soaked in warm water
• Chopped green onion and cilantro for garnish

Instructions

1. Mix ground meat with soy sauce, sesame oil, cornstarch, and a pinch of salt. Form into small meatballs.
2. Bring chicken broth to a simmer. Add meatballs and cook for 5–7 minutes until done.
3. Add soaked vermicelli noodles and cook for another 1–2 minutes.
4. Season with white pepper and additional salt to taste.
5. Garnish with green onions and cilantro. Serve hot.

This soup is hearty but not heavy, perfect for weeknight dinners.

The tender meatballs and silky noodles make each spoonful comforting and wholesome—ideal for both kids and adults.

Chinese Bitter Melon Soup

Bitter melon soup is a traditional medicinal soup in Chinese cuisine, often praised for its cooling properties and benefits to digestion.

Though its slightly bitter taste is an acquired one, it’s balanced beautifully when cooked with pork and aromatics in a rich broth.

Ingredients

• 5 cups pork or chicken broth
• 1 bitter melon, sliced and seeds removed
• ½ lb pork ribs or sliced lean pork
• 2 slices ginger
• Salt and white pepper to taste
• Optional: red dates or goji berries for sweetness

Instructions

1. Blanch pork ribs in boiling water, rinse, and set aside.
2. In a clean pot, bring the broth to a boil with ginger slices.
3. Add pork and bitter melon. Simmer for 45–60 minutes.
4. Add salt and white pepper to taste.
5. Optionally, toss in red dates or goji berries during the last 10 minutes. Serve hot.

This soup is detoxifying, deeply flavorful, and often used in Chinese households as a cooling dish during warmer months.

Once you become familiar with its unique taste, it can be both refreshing and comforting.

Lotus Seed Soup

Lotus seed soup is often enjoyed as a light dessert soup in Chinese cuisine, but savory versions are also common—especially for their calming, nourishing qualities.

This mild and earthy soup is great for stress relief and digestion.

Ingredients

• 4 cups chicken broth
• ½ cup dried lotus seeds (soaked in water for 1–2 hours)
• 1 slice ginger
• Optional: 4 red dates or a few slices of carrot
• Salt to taste
• Cilantro for garnish

Instructions

1. In a pot, combine soaked lotus seeds, ginger, and broth. Bring to a boil.
2. Add red dates or carrots if using.
3. Reduce heat and simmer for 45 minutes until lotus seeds are soft but intact.
4. Add salt to taste.
5. Garnish with chopped cilantro and serve warm.

Gentle and subtle in flavor, lotus seed soup is both calming and nourishing.

It’s the kind of dish that reflects the Chinese philosophy of balance in both flavor and health.

Chinese Ham and Winter Melon Soup

This elegant and savory soup brings together thin slices of cured Chinese ham and chunks of soft winter melon in a clear, aromatic broth.

It’s commonly served in banquet-style meals but simple enough to prepare at home.

Ingredients

• 5 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup Chinese ham or cured ham, thinly sliced
• 2 cups winter melon, peeled and cubed
• 2 slices ginger
• Salt and white pepper to taste
• Chopped green onions for garnish

Instructions

1. Bring chicken broth to a boil and add ginger and ham slices.
2. Simmer for 5 minutes, then add winter melon.
3. Cook for 15–20 minutes until melon becomes translucent and tender.
4. Add salt and white pepper to taste.
5. Garnish with green onions and serve hot.

This soup balances richness and lightness in a beautiful way.

The salty umami of the ham infuses the broth, while the winter melon adds cooling softness, making it a harmonious and refined dish.

Conclusion

Chinese soups offer a unique opportunity to explore new flavors, textures, and cultural traditions all from your kitchen. From the bold tang of pickled mustard greens to the smooth richness of lotus seeds, every recipe tells a story. Whether you stick to the classics or try something new and unexpected, this collection invites you to embrace both simplicity and sophistication in your cooking journey.