Green Bean Soup
Hawker • Singapore
About Green Bean Soup
Cooling green bean dessert soup — a Chinese heritage sweet
How to Make Green Bean Soup (Traditional & Healthy Version)
Green Bean Soup, locally known as 'Tau Suan', is a beloved Singaporean dessert found in many kopitiams and hawker centres across the island. This comforting sweet soup is made from mung beans (green beans), simmered with pandan leaves and sweetened with rock sugar, offering a naturally nourishing treat. Its roots trace back to old Singapore, where it was enjoyed as a warming dessert, especially after meals or during tea breaks. Today, it is a staple of Singapore's multicultural culinary landscape, embodying both tradition and subtle fusion influences as vendors experiment with healthier ingredients or creative toppings. The taste of Green Bean Soup is a harmonious blend of earthy, mildly sweet flavors with a fragrant hint of pandan. Its smooth texture and light, soothing warmth make it a favorite among locals seeking a healthier dessert option. As Singaporeans become more health-conscious, this vegan and vegetarian-friendly dessert is often adapted to reduce sugar and incorporate nutritious add-ins like chia seeds or sago. Whether served hot or chilled, Green Bean Soup remains a symbol of Singapore’s hawker heritage and communal dining culture, perfect for sharing with friends and family after a meal.
Ingredients(for 1 bowl (about 250ml), typical kopitiam portion)
- 1/2 cup Mung beans (known locally as green beans)
- 3 cups Water (filtered)
- 2 leaves Pandan leaves (knotted for aroma)
- 1/4 cup Rock sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 tsp Sea salt (for balance)
- 1 tbsp Chia seeds (optional, fusion add-in) - optional
- 2 tbsp Sago pearls (optional, for texture) - optional
- 1/4 cup Soy milk (optional, vegan creamy finish) - optional
- 1 tsp Stevia (optional, natural sweetener) - optional
Instructions
- 1
Rinse mung beans thoroughly and soak in water for at least 30 minutes to soften.
5 minutes
Soaking ensures faster cooking and creamier texture.
- 2
Drain soaked mung beans and add them to a pot with 3 cups of water and pandan leaves. Bring to a boil.
5 minutes
Knotted pandan leaves release more fragrance.
- 3
Reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally until beans are soft but not mushy.
15 minutes
Stir gently to avoid breaking the beans.
- 4
Add rock sugar and sea salt. Stir until dissolved and taste; adjust sweetness as needed. Add stevia for lower sugar.
3 minutes
Rock sugar gives a subtle sweetness compared to regular sugar.
Why This Dish is Healthy
This Singaporean Green Bean Soup is a healthy choice because it uses whole, minimally processed ingredients and is low in saturated fat. The mung beans deliver protein and fiber, helping you feel full while supporting heart health. Using plant-based milk and natural sweeteners reduces calories and sugar content, making it ideal for those tracking their intake. The addition of chia seeds and sago pearls offers nutritional variety without compromising traditional taste.
Green Bean Soup is naturally low in fat and high in plant-based protein from mung beans. Mung beans are rich in dietary fiber, B vitamins, magnesium, and potassium, supporting digestive health and energy metabolism. Adding chia seeds boosts omega-3 fatty acids, while sago pearls provide additional carbohydrates for sustained energy. Using rock sugar and optional stevia keeps the glycemic index moderate. This dessert is also dairy-free, gluten-free, and suitable for vegan and vegetarian diets.
Pro Tips
- 💡Tip 1: Soak mung beans in advance for a creamier soup.
- 💡Tip 2: Adjust sweetness to your preference using natural sweeteners.
- 💡Tip 3: Serve chilled for a refreshing twist, especially on hot Singapore days.
Storage & Serving
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or enjoy chilled. Avoid freezing to preserve texture.
Best served: Breakfast or Lunch
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Per 100g |
|---|---|
| Energy | 140.0 kcal |
| Protein | 5.0 g |
| Carbohydrates | 28.0 g |
| Total Fat | 1.0 g |
| Fiber | 3.0 g |
