Springorchid Files

I grew up with homemade Chinese soups at our dinner table. I took what I know and enjoy for granted until I stayed abroad for a couple of years.

As I learnt to recreate the soups I love for myself, I thought I’d share the love, charm and magic of homemade Chinese soups.

Many Chinese restaurants serve wonderful luxurious soups with expensive ingredients and elaborate cooking techniques. They are both a feast for the eyes and for the stomach. A gastronomical experience!

But magical moments happened with homemade Chinese soups. Home-cooked, with simple ingredients, using simple cooking methods and basic cooking utensils. Served piping hot with love, and enjoyed in the company of loved ones or alone. 

Are you far away from home too?

Nurse your homesickness or cravings by replicating that well-loved soup from home. Increase your soup repertoire beyond a basic egg drop soup and throw some wonton parties for your new-found friends.

Are you exploring how food can heal your body?

I’ll tell you why homemade Chinese soups are healthy and introduce you to some common Chinese herbs that are generally believed to be good for health. Soups have been my good friend: comforting me when I am sick or cold and pampering me when I have a tummy ache. I have even lost weight drinking soups.

I’ll also share some recipes that serve as natural remedies for certain ailments such as lupus, high blood pressure, gluten intolerance and the common cold. There are also cooking tips and recipes for the elderly, babies and pregnant ladies.

Are you intimidated by Chinese ingredients?

I know many people are interested to make Chinese food but are unfamiliar with the ingredients. It would be a shame to let that stop people from enjoying Chinese soups. 

I’ll introduce several key Chinese ingredients like black chicken, tofu, century egg as well as typical Chinese soup vegetables. I’ll also cover preparation methods and cooking techniques, and some kitchen equipment.

Simple Approach

All I know about homemade Chinese soups I have attempted to record down here in the simplest terms. Nothing fanciful or laborious. Simple, easy to make, for newbies, and especially those who think they can’t cook.

I am not a good cook. I do not spend long hours in the kitchen nor do I want to. The soups I make HAVE to be easy and hassle-free. My late grandmother will shake her head at my minimalist cooking approach. What to do? I have been corrupted by modernity. So, expect short cuts and hacks.

I am also not a food photographer and do not intend to become one. However, I understand that photos and pictures are important. I try my best to include pictures of finished soups, the ingredients and anything I think relevant.

From 2006 to 2021

I started this website in 2006. So much have changed on the World Wide Web since then. So many websites on Chinese food have sprung up. There are also so many Youtubers teaching Chinese cooking techniques that are so difficult to explain in words. 

There are many crappy ones too. I find my full-time occupation as a librarian wanting to step in to curate good sources of information. So, when I find really good recipes or videos, I’ll refer to  them especially when they complement my own content well. 

If you are new to Chinese cooking, I hope you will find the information here useful. Prepare some nice Chinese soups for your family, friends and most importantly, for yourself.

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