By Tiong Bahru Tau Suan is a classic Singaporean dessert that combines soft mung beans with a lightly sweet, thickened broth, served with crispy you tiao. This comforting dish is a favorite among locals, especially in the Tiong Bahru district, known for its rich food heritage. With its delicate balance of textures and flavors, Tau Suan is the perfect warm treat for breakfast or an afternoon snack. Whether enjoyed at a traditional hawker stall or made at home, this sweet mung bean delight is a must-try for anyone who loves Singaporean cuisine.
The Story Behind Tiong Bahru Tau Suan
Tau Suan is a traditional Chinese dessert made from split mung beans cooked in a sweet, thickened broth, typically served with crispy fried dough sticks known as you tiao. This dish is widely enjoyed across Singapore and Southeast Asia, but one of the most famous places to try it is in the Tiong Bahru district. Known for its rich food culture, Tiong Bahru is home to some of the best hawker stalls serving this warm and comforting dessert.
Tau Suan is a popular breakfast or tea-time treat, offering a perfect balance of soft mung beans and slightly thick, starchy broth. The combination of sweetness and the crunch from the fried dough makes it a satisfying and nostalgic dish for many locals.
How to Make Tiong Bahru Tau Suan at Home
Bringing the taste of Tiong Bahru Tau Suan into your own kitchen is simple and requires just a few ingredients.
Ingredients
- 200 grams split mung beans (soaked for 1 hour)
- 1.2 liters water
- 100 grams rock sugar or white sugar
- 2 pandan leaves (knotted)
- 1 tablespoon potato starch or sweet potato flour
- 1 tablespoon water (for dissolving starch)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 pieces you tiao (Chinese fried dough), sliced
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Mung Beans
After soaking the mung beans for an hour, drain and steam them for about 20 minutes until they become soft but still hold their shape. Steaming helps maintain their texture instead of making them mushy.
Step 2: Make the Sweet Broth
In a pot, bring 1.2 liters of water to a boil. Add the pandan leaves and let them simmer for about 10 minutes. The pandan leaves will infuse the water with a fragrant, slightly vanilla-like aroma, which is essential for an authentic Tau Suan flavor.
Step 3: Add the Sweetness
Remove the pandan leaves and add the sugar and salt. Stir until the sugar dissolves completely.
Step 4: Thicken the Broth
Dissolve the potato starch in a tablespoon of water. Slowly pour it into the pot while stirring constantly. This will give the Tau Suan its signature slightly thick consistency.
Step 5: Combine the Ingredients
Gently add the steamed mung beans into the broth and stir carefully to avoid breaking them apart. Let the mixture cook for another 2 minutes on low heat before turning off the flame.
Step 6: Serve with You Tiao
Ladle the Tau Suan into bowls and top with crispy you tiao slices for the perfect combination of textures. Serve immediately while warm.
Why Tiong Bahru Tau Suan Is So Special
Tiong Bahru is known for its traditional food heritage, and Tau Suan is one of the district’s most famous desserts. The hawker stalls in this area have been perfecting their recipes for decades, creating a version that stands out with just the right balance of sweetness, thickness, and texture.
What makes this Tau Suan unique is the use of high-quality mung beans, freshly fried you tiao, and the perfect starch-to-water ratio for a silky smooth consistency. Many locals swear by the taste of Tiong Bahru’s version, making it a must-try for both residents and tourists.
Tips for the Best Homemade Tau Suan
To make the best version of this dessert at home, keep these tips in mind.
- Soak and steam the mung beans instead of boiling them to maintain their texture.
- Use fresh pandan leaves instead of artificial pandan extract for an authentic aroma.
- Adjust the sugar level according to your taste preference. Some people like it extra sweet, while others prefer a more subtle flavor.
- Do not over-thicken the broth. The consistency should be slightly thick but not too sticky.
- Pair with crispy you tiao for the best experience. If you cannot find fresh you tiao, toast it in the oven to restore some crunch.
Where to Find the Best Tiong Bahru Tau Suan
If you are in Singapore and want to experience this dessert from one of the best hawker stalls, Tiong Bahru Market is the place to go. The hawkers there have been serving this dish for years, using recipes passed down through generations. Other notable places to try include Maxwell Food Centre and Chinatown Complex, both of which have stalls specializing in traditional Chinese desserts.
Conclusion
Tiong Bahru Tau Suan is more than just a dessert; it is a nostalgic dish that has been enjoyed for generations in Singapore. With its soft mung beans, fragrant broth, and crispy you tiao, it is a comforting treat perfect for any time of the day. Whether you try it at a famous hawker stall in Tiong Bahru or make it at home, this sweet mung bean delight is one that should not be missed.
FAQs
What does Tau Suan taste like?
Tau Suan has a mildly sweet and slightly thick consistency, with soft mung beans providing a creamy texture. The added you tiao gives it a crispy contrast, making it a well-balanced dessert.
Is Tau Suan served hot or cold?
Tau Suan is traditionally served warm. However, some people enjoy it slightly cooled as well.
Can I use corn starch instead of potato starch?
Yes, but potato starch or sweet potato flour gives a smoother texture. Corn starch tends to make the dessert more gelatinous.
How long can I store Tau Suan?
It is best eaten fresh, but you can store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat it over low heat and add a bit of water if it thickens too much.
Can I make Tau Suan without pandan leaves?
Yes, but pandan leaves add a signature fragrance that enhances the dessert. If unavailable, you can substitute with a few drops of pandan essence.
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