Soups
Fresh Yam, Sun Mushroom & Mussel Soup
traditionally associated with strengthening the spleen, nourishing kidney qi, and supporting those recovering from illness or undergoing cancer treatment
Why people make this soup
Hong Kong consistently ranks among the world’s longest-lived cities — a fact that surprises many given how dense, fast-paced, and stressful life there can be. While modern healthcare and low smoking rates are part of the explanation, one distinctly local habit stands out: the daily pot of slow-cooked soup. Hong Kong home cooks are known for selecting fresh seasonal ingredients — vegetables, fruit, meat, seafood, nuts, and legumes — and combining them with small amounts of traditional herbs, often adjusting the recipe to the season. This soup is Bro Niu’s recommendation for the current season: deeply nourishing, easy to digest, and beneficial for a wide range of people from the health-conscious to those managing illness.
Who it suits / who should be cautious
- Suitable for most people; particularly beneficial for those experiencing fatigue, night sweats, poor appetite, or nutritional deficiency
- Good support during recovery from surgery or as a gentle complement to cancer treatment (consult your doctor)
- Low blood pressure: add a few extra slices of ginger
- Substitute dried scallop or dried oyster for mussels if unavailable; both add excellent flavour
Why these ingredients (the food-therapy logic)
- Fresh Chinese yam (xian huai shan): Gentle and easily digested; traditionally considered to strengthen the spleen and stomach, nourish the lungs, and tonify kidney qi — often recommended for those who are constitutionally weak or sensitive to strong tonics
- Sun mushroom / Agaricus blazei (ji song rong): A potent immune-supporting mushroom with both traditional and modern research interest; traditionally associated with supporting the liver, kidneys, and immune system
- Goji berries (gou qi zi): Nourish liver yin and kidney essence; support eye health; add natural sweetness
- Dried mussels (dan cai): Nutritionally superior to most shellfish; valued in food therapy for tonifying the liver and kidneys, nourishing blood, and supporting those with night sweats or malnutrition
- Cashews (yao guo): Provide healthy fats and minerals; traditionally associated with warming and nourishing the kidneys
- Red dates (hong zao): Tonify qi and blood; warm and sweet; support digestion and calm the spirit
Ingredients (4 bowls)
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh Chinese yam | ~225 g | Peel and cut into chunks |
| Sun mushroom (ji song rong) | 15 g | Rinse and soak briefly to hydrate |
| Goji berries | 9 g | Rinse |
| Red dates | 6 pieces | Pitted |
| Cashew nuts | 75 g | Rinse |
| Dried mussels | 75–115 g | Rinse, then blanch briefly in boiling water |
| Fresh ginger | 2 slices | — |
Method
- Peel the fresh Chinese yam and cut into chunks. Rinse all other ingredients.
- Briefly blanch the dried mussels in boiling water to remove any impurities; drain.
- Place all ingredients in a pot with 8 bowls (about 2 litres) of water.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer. Cook for about 90 minutes until reduced to approximately 4 bowls.
- Serve the soup with the solid ingredients — eat everything together.
Bro Niu’s tips
Dried mussels have a higher nutritional value than most shellfish. This soup is light, naturally sweet, and easy on the stomach — suitable for all ages. If you cannot find dried mussels, dried oysters (hao shi) or dried scallops (yao zhu / jiang yao zhu) make excellent substitutes and are even more flavourful. If fresh Chinese yam is unavailable, use 30 g of dried yam slices instead. For those concerned about yin deficiency with heat (symptoms like dry mouth, dry throat, or feeling hot after treatment), this soup is particularly well-suited.
Community questions answered (selected)
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Q (reader, UK): I live in the UK and cannot find dried mussels. Can I substitute fresh mussels? Bro Niu: Fresh mussels work fine — use 6 to 8 pieces, and add 3 slices of ginger to complement.
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Q (Phoebe): My husband is 38, had a kidney cancer removal and has hypertension and proteinuria. He’s been having chills and sweats since the operation. Is this soup safe for him? Bro Niu: Yes, this soup is suitable. Post-surgery weakness often causes temperature fluctuations — but if he develops a fever, please see a doctor right away. For additional daily support, dry-roast brown rice for 7 minutes and store it; brew 2 tablespoons with red dates or longan flesh as a daily warming tea to support digestion and blood nourishment.
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Q (reader): My son has stage 4 stomach cancer. What soups help nourish him and stimulate appetite after chemotherapy? Bro Niu: For stomach cancer support, frequently use green papaya, lion’s mane mushroom (hou tou gu), Chinese yam, sun mushroom, goji berries, snow fungus (xue er), and reishi (ling zhi) — all associated with immune support and protecting the stomach lining. Try green papaya with snow fungus and goji in a lean pork soup, or lion’s mane with sun mushroom and conch. Daily fresh-pressed juice of apple, carrot, and potato (drink within 5 minutes of juicing) is also helpful.
Published August 2, 2020 · Adapted and translated for Nourilo from a traditional home-kitchen recipe. Approx. 4 min read.
