Tong Sui

Tong Sui, which translates to 'sugar water,' is a category of warm, sweet Cantonese dessert soups traditionally served at the end of a meal or as a comforting snack. Common ingredients include beans, tubers, seeds, and fruits like red beans, sweet potato, taro, lotus seeds, or black sesame, simmered in a sweetened broth. This beloved dish is a staple in Cantonese cuisine and is widely enjoyed across Southern China and Southeast Asia.

🍽️ Nutrition at a glance

Tong Sui is generally high in carbohydrates, primarily from natural and added sugars, with minimal protein and fat. It provides key nutrients like potassium, iron, and fiber (especially when made with beans or seeds), and a typical serving contains roughly 150-300 calories, depending on the specific ingredients and sweetness level.

Nutrition breakdown

Calories	220 kcal
Protein	4.5 g
Carbs	45 g
Fat	1.5 g
Fiber	6 g
Sugar	30 g
Sodium	30 mg
Potassium	380 mg
Iron	2.5 mg
Magnesium	55 mg
Phosphorus	90 mg
Manganese	0.8 mg
Vitamin B6	0.15 mg
Folate	40 mcg
Copper	0.3 mg

Per 1 bowl (300 g) · estimated, varies by recipe

💡 What's interesting

Culturally, Tong Sui is deeply tied to the Cantonese concept of 'yeet hay' (internal heat) and 'leung' (cooling), with specific soups believed to balance the body's energy according to the season or one's physical condition. Nutritionally, many traditional ingredients like red beans and lotus seeds are valued in Chinese food therapy for their purported health benefits.