How to Make Green Bean Soup (Traditional & Healthy Version)
Green Bean Soup, locally known as 'Tau Suan', is a beloved Singaporean dessert found in many kopitiams and hawker centres across the island. This comforting sweet soup is made from mung beans (green beans), simmered with pandan leaves and sweetened with rock sugar, offering a naturally nourishing treat. Its roots trace back to old Singapore, where it was enjoyed as a warming dessert, especially after meals or during tea breaks. Today, it is a staple of Singapore's multicultural culinary landscape, embodying both tradition and subtle fusion influences as vendors experiment with healthier ingredients or creative toppings. The taste of Green Bean Soup is a harmonious blend of earthy, mildly sweet flavors with a fragrant hint of pandan. Its smooth texture and light, soothing warmth make it a favorite among locals seeking a healthier dessert option. As Singaporeans become more health-conscious, this vegan and vegetarian-friendly dessert is often adapted to reduce sugar and incorporate nutritious add-ins like chia seeds or sago. Whether served hot or chilled, Green Bean Soup remains a symbol of Singapore’s hawker heritage and communal dining culture, perfect for sharing with friends and family after a meal.
Ingredients
Step-by-step instructions
Step 1 · Rinse mung beans thoroughly and soak in water for at least 30 minut...
Rinse mung beans thoroughly and soak in water for at least 30 minutes to soften.
Step 2 · Drain soaked mung beans and add them to a pot with 3 cups of water ...
Drain soaked mung beans and add them to a pot with 3 cups of water and pandan leaves. Bring to a boil.
Step 3 · Reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes
Reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally until beans are soft but not mushy.
Step 4 · Add rock sugar and sea salt
Add rock sugar and sea salt. Stir until dissolved and taste; adjust sweetness as needed. Add stevia for lower sugar.
Step 5 · For extra nutrition and texture
For extra nutrition and texture, stir in chia seeds and sago pearls. Simmer for another 2 minutes.
Step 6 · Remove pandan leaves
Remove pandan leaves. Optional: Stir in soy milk for creaminess. Serve hot or chilled.
Step 7 · Garnish with a few additional chia seeds or sago pearls if desired
Garnish with a few additional chia seeds or sago pearls if desired. Enjoy as a dessert or light snack.
Why this recipe is healthy
This Singaporean Green Bean Soup is a healthy choice because it uses whole, minimally processed ingredients and is low in saturated fat. The mung beans deliver protein and fiber, helping you feel full while supporting heart health. Using plant-based milk and natural sweeteners reduces calories and sugar content, making it ideal for those tracking their intake. The addition of chia seeds and sago pearls offers nutritional variety without compromising traditional taste.
A note on tradition
Green Bean Soup is a classic dessert widely enjoyed throughout Singapore, especially in hawker centres and kopitiams. It is commonly served as a light finish to meals, and is popular among all ethnic groups. Its regional significance lies in its accessibility and simplicity, often prepared at home or purchased from hawker stalls. Green Bean Soup embodies Singapore’s value of comfort food, with modern fusion influences seen in trendy dessert shops adding chia seeds or plant-based milks.