Tiger Milk Mushroom, Snow Fungus, Lily and Almond Soup

Why people make this soup

Children who start school often enter an almost constant cycle of colds and respiratory infections, and it is common for these to trigger or worsen airway sensitivity — lingering coughs that refuse to fully resolve. Most children resist bitter medicines, so a mild, pleasant-tasting soup that gently strengthens the lungs is a practical alternative for daily wellness support. Tiger milk mushroom is the hero ingredient here: it is a type of sclerotia-forming fungus from Southeast Asia, related to the familiar poria cocos (fu ling), and is known in traditional food therapy as “white Ganoderma.” Before slicing, it looks like a grey ping-pong ball. Its medicinal taste is subtle, making it genuinely suitable for children. Combined with snow fungus, lily bulb and apricot kernels, this soup nourishes the lungs and helps reduce phlegm.