Soups
Chayote, Shiitake and Bamboo Fungus Soup
Traditionally used to clear summer heat and support a slimming diet
Why people make this soup
Chayote is at its cheap, plentiful best in summer — and it makes a light, sweet soup that won’t sit heavy. Bro Niu pairs it with shiitake, bamboo fungus and a little lean pork for a clean, cooling pot that suits hot weather. Traditionally it is associated with clearing summer heat and supporting a slimming diet, and it is a favourite of those watching their weight, blood pressure or blood fats.
Who it suits / who should be cautious
- Those wanting a light, low-richness summer soup, or who are mindful of weight, blood pressure or blood fats.
- Gourds tend to be cooling — if you have a cold constitution or a cold-type cough, add a couple of extra ginger slices.
- Otherwise a mild, everyday soup the whole family can share.
Why these ingredients (the food-therapy logic)
- Chayote (he zhang gua): light and cooling, traditionally welcomed as a summer slimming vegetable.
- Shiitake (dong gu): savoury and nourishing, deepening the broth’s flavour.
- Bamboo fungus (zhu sheng): traditionally said to help clear fat around the belly, so it is best to eat it, not just sip the broth.
- Honey dates (mi zao): a touch of natural sweetness to round out the soup.
Ingredients (3 bowls)
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Chayote | 2 | peeled, cut into chunks |
| Shiitake | 3–4 | sliced or whole, soaked |
| Bamboo fungus | 6 pieces | soaked soft |
| Honey dates | 2–3 | |
| Lean pork | ~225 g | blanched |
Method
- Peel the chayote and cut into chunks; soak the shiitake and bamboo fungus until soft; blanch the pork.
- Put everything into a pot with 5 bowls of water and simmer 1 hour down to 3 bowls.
Bro Niu’s tips
This soup is clear, sweet and family-friendly. Because the bamboo fungus is traditionally said to help clear belly fat, it is best to eat the soup ingredients rather than just drinking the broth.
Community questions answered (selected)
- Q (Amy): Is it really a whole tael of shiitake? For only three bowls that seems very strong — a typo? Bro Niu: Thanks for flagging it — 3–4 mushrooms is enough.
- Q (Cheer): I’ve a cold-type cough and can’t eat cold/cooling foods, especially gourds. Is chayote cooling? Can I still drink this soup? Bro Niu: Most gourds are cooling, but chayote and hairy gourd aren’t too cold. You can use them in stir-fries or soup with a little ginger or garlic. You can drink this soup — just add two extra slices of ginger.
- Q (a vegetarian reader): If I skip the pork, what can I add instead to keep it tasty? Bro Niu: Add soybeans, or some carrot — both make it tasty and wholesome.
Published July 21, 2011 · Adapted and translated for Nourilo from a traditional home-kitchen recipe. Approx. 2 min read.
