At the table
Use a spoon to mix jelly and toppings gently. Ask “可以选配料吗？” (Can I choose the toppings?) and “是糖水还是蜂蜜水？” (Is it sugar water or honey water?).
The jelly is slippery; take small spoonfuls rather than swallowing a large lump. Check the selected toppings if you have dietary restrictions.
Toppings vary: jelly strips, beans, lotus seeds and fruit such as watermelon can be combined. The sweetener may be sugar or honey.
GET TO KNOW THE DISH
What goes into it?
Explore some key ingredients below. Preparations may use additional seasonings and ingredients.
Toppings vary: jelly strips, beans, lotus seeds and fruit such as watermelon can be combined. The sweetener may be sugar or honey.
Typical ingredients
Recipes vary by restaurant.
How does it taste?
Sweet and mild, with delicate bean and lotus-seed flavors.
- Chili heat
- Texture
- Slippery, tender jelly contrasts with soft beans and mealy lotus seeds.
- How it’s made
- Seaweed is simmered, strained and cooled to set the jelly; cooked beans and lotus seeds are added with chilled sugar water or honey water.
Toppings vary: jelly strips, beans, lotus seeds and fruit such as watermelon can be combined. The sweetener may be sugar or honey.
A CONNECTION TO PLACE
Origin & regional roots
Associated with Fujian.
Ask if they have it first
请问你们有四果汤吗？
Do you have this item?
A LITTLE SOMETHING TO READ
Story & history
From seaweed jelly to a mixed dessert
This account describes a tradition or story, rather than an established historical fact.
Coastal Fujian turns stone-flower seaweed into a clear jelly. Adding sweet liquid and varied toppings makes a mixed dessert called siguotang; bowls need not contain exactly four toppings.