Soups
Longan, Walnut, Goji and Bighead-Carp Fish-Head Soup
Traditionally used to support the brain, memory and calm the mind
Why people make this soup
As we age, memory naturally fades — but Bro Niu likes to remind everyone that elders who keep their minds active stay sharp well into their seventies and eighties. People joke that a friendly round of mahjong keeps the brain limber, and there’s truth in it: the best tonic is learning new things. Alongside that, traditional “brain foods” like longan, goji and walnut are worth eating often. The fish head follows the old idea of “like nourishes like” — not everyone agrees, but a bighead-carp head is genuinely nutritious, so Bro Niu offers this soup with pleasure.
Who it suits / who should be cautious
- Suits older adults and children alike who want to support memory and a calm, settled mind.
- Rich and sweet; fine for general use. Those who overheat easily should keep the longan modest. Please check fish for bones before serving to children.
Why these ingredients (the food-therapy logic)
- Longan (yuan rou): Traditionally used to nourish the heart and blood and to calm the mind.
- Walnut (he tao rou): A classic “brain food,” traditionally associated with supporting the kidney and the mind.
- Goji berry (gou qi zi): Traditionally used to nourish the liver and kidney.
- Fish head (da yu tou): Following “like nourishes like”; nutritious and traditionally seen as beneficial for brain cells.
Ingredients (3–4 bowls)
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Dried longan flesh | ~19 g (5 qian) | Rinsed |
| Walnut kernels | ~38 g (1 liang) | Rinsed |
| Goji berries | ~11 g (3 qian) | Rinsed |
| Bighead carp head | 1 | Cleaned, pan-seared |
| Fresh ginger | 2 slices |
Method
- Rinse the longan, walnut kernels and goji.
- Clean the fish head well and pan-sear it in a little oil until fragrant.
- Add all the ingredients to 6 bowls of boiling water and cook for 20 minutes. Serve.
Bro Niu’s tips
This soup is fresh and sweet, suitable for young and old. It is also traditionally said to help support children’s memory, and to have a calming, settling effect on the mind.
Published February 10, 2026 · Adapted and translated for Nourilo from a traditional home-kitchen recipe. Approx. 2 min read.
