Soups
Sea Coconut, Fritillary Bulb, Almond and Crocodile Meat Soup
traditionally associated with nourishing lung and kidney, dissolving phlegm, and easing cough in children
Why people make this soup
Children often have relatively underdeveloped lung qi — after a cold or respiratory infection, they can end up coughing for weeks, sometimes breaking into wheezing at night. Rather than reaching for suppressants repeatedly, Cantonese families traditionally turn to a restorative lung-nourishing broth to help build the child’s respiratory resilience over time. This soup is one of Bro Niu’s go-to recommendations for this situation.
Crocodile meat, which has been a feature of Cantonese tonic cooking for generations, is traditionally regarded as deeply nourishing to the lungs and kidneys. Combined with the classic phlegm-clearing trio of sea coconut, fritillary bulb, and apricot kernels, the result is a naturally sweet, fragrant soup that children generally enjoy.
Who it suits / who should be cautious
- Suitable for the whole family, including young children and children with G6PD deficiency
- Particularly beneficial for children with weak lung qi who are prone to lingering cough, wheezing, or asthma after respiratory infections
- This is a gently warming and tonifying soup — it is not intended to treat acute illness with fever; during a fever or active infection, wait until the illness has passed before giving this
Why these ingredients (the food-therapy logic)
- Sea coconut (hai di ye): Dried slices from the African coco de mer or palm family; in food therapy associated with moistening and cooling the lungs, dissolving phlegm, and relieving cough. Bro Niu notes that the authentic African sea coconut has a serrated edge and white flesh with visible grain markings
- Fritillary bulb (chuan bei mu): One of the most valued herbs in Cantonese respiratory food therapy; traditionally associated with dissolving stubborn phlegm and soothing the lungs. Prized but expensive — the pearl variety is milder in bitterness
- Apricot kernels — mixed (nan bei xing): A blend of southern (sweet) and northern (slightly bitter) apricot kernels; in food therapy associated with directing lung qi downward, stopping cough, and supporting breathing
- Crocodile meat: Considered deeply nourishing to the lungs and kidneys in Cantonese food therapy; traditionally given to those with chronic respiratory weakness
- Dried tangerine peel (chen pi): Helps transform phlegm and regulate qi; improves the flavour and digestibility of the soup
- Honey dates (mi zao): Naturally sweet; moderates the taste and gently tonifies
Ingredients (4 bowls)
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Sea coconut slices (hai di ye) | 3 qian (~9 g) | Rinse and soak briefly |
| Fritillary bulb (chuan bei mu) | 3 qian (~9 g) | Rinse |
| Mixed apricot kernels (nan bei xing) | 1 liang (~38 g) | Rinse |
| Frozen crocodile meat | 6 liang (~225 g) | Or 2 liang (~75 g) dried crocodile meat |
| Dried tangerine peel (chen pi) | 1 piece | |
| Honey dates (mi zao) | 2 pieces | |
| Water | 8 bowls |
Method
- If using frozen crocodile meat, thaw, then blanch briefly in boiling water to remove impurities. Drain.
- Rinse and soak the sea coconut slices, fritillary bulb, apricot kernels, tangerine peel, and honey dates.
- Place all ingredients in a pot with 8 bowls of water.
- Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to a low simmer. Cook for approximately 3 hours until reduced to about 4 bowls.
- Drink the soup and eat the solid ingredients.
Bro Niu’s tips
This is a warming tonic soup — the whole family, including young children, can have it regularly to build up lung strength and resistance to respiratory illness. The photo in the original article shows authentic African sea coconut, recognisable by its serrated edges and white flesh with grain-like markings — distinct from the cheaper palm slices often sold under the same name.
Community questions answered (selected)
- Q (Michelle): My 2-year-old has G6PD deficiency. Can they drink this crocodile meat soup? Bro Niu: Yes, children with G6PD deficiency can safely drink crocodile meat soup. You can also search “G6PD” on my website to find a full list of foods and herbs that G6PD patients need to avoid.
Published April 11, 2012 · Adapted and translated for Nourilo from a traditional home-kitchen recipe. Approx. 3 min read.
