How to Make Tau Suan (Traditional & Healthy Version)
Tau Suan is a beloved Singaporean dessert that has stood the test of time. This warm, comforting mung bean soup is often enjoyed in kopitiams and hawker centres across the island, especially as a quick breakfast or a light afternoon treat. Its origins are rooted in traditional Teochew cuisine, but over the years, Tau Suan has become a staple in Singapore’s multicultural food scene, often found alongside other classic desserts like pulut hitam and bubur cha cha. The taste of Tau Suan is subtly sweet, with the natural earthiness of split mung beans complemented by a fragrant pandan-infused syrup. The soup’s texture is thickened with a touch of potato or tapioca starch, creating a delightfully silky base that envelops each tender bean. Served with crispy you tiao (Chinese dough fritters), Tau Suan is a perfect marriage of soft and crunchy—a true testament to Singapore’s flair for fusion and texture in food. What makes Tau Suan truly special in Singapore is its place in local culture. Whether you’re grabbing breakfast with friends at a neighborhood kopitiam or seeking a light dessert after a hearty hawker meal, Tau Suan satisfies the cravings for something warm, nostalgic, and uniquely Singaporean. Health-conscious eaters will also appreciate this plant-based, vegan-friendly dessert that can be tailored to your dietary needs without sacrificing authenticity.
Ingredients
Step-by-step instructions
Step 1 · Rinse the split mung beans thoroughly under running water until the...
Rinse the split mung beans thoroughly under running water until the water runs clear. Soak the beans in water for at least 1 hour or overnight for best results.
Step 2 · Boil 3 cups of water with pandan leaves in a pot over medium heat
Boil 3 cups of water with pandan leaves in a pot over medium heat. Add the soaked, drained mung beans. Simmer for 10-15 minutes or until the beans are just cooked and still hold their shape.
Step 3 · Remove the pandan leaves
Remove the pandan leaves. Add rock sugar and salt, stirring gently until fully dissolved.
Step 4 · In a small bowl
In a small bowl, mix potato starch with 3 tablespoons of water to make a slurry. Stir well to avoid lumps.
Step 5 · Slowly pour the starch slurry into the pot while stirring continuously
Slowly pour the starch slurry into the pot while stirring continuously. Simmer for another 2-3 minutes until the soup thickens to your desired consistency.
Step 6 · Serve Tau Suan hot in bowls
Serve Tau Suan hot in bowls, topped with pieces of you tiao if desired. Enjoy immediately for best texture.
Why this recipe is healthy
This Tau Suan recipe is both vegan and vegetarian, making it suitable for a wide range of diets. By using minimal added sugar and leveraging the natural nutrients in mung beans, it is a healthier alternative to many traditional desserts. The use of you tiao is optional, and sugar substitutes can be used to further lower calories, supporting weight management and diabetic-friendly diets.
A note on tradition
Tau Suan holds a special place in Singapore’s hawker and kopitiam culture. It is commonly enjoyed as breakfast or a light dessert, especially among the older generation who associate it with nostalgia and comfort. Today, Tau Suan transcends cultural boundaries, served in both traditional and modern eateries across the heartlands, reflecting Singapore’s unique fusion cuisine. Its simplicity and warmth make it a go-to dessert during rainy days or family gatherings.