Soups
Chinese Yam, Goji, Dried Scallop & Partridge Soup
traditionally used to nourish the spleen, support healthy growth, and ease phlegm in children with poor appetite and weak constitution
Why people make this soup
Some children seem to be perpetually thin and pale — they eat small amounts, hold food in their mouths without swallowing, and struggle to put on weight or grow at a normal rate. Their energy is low, their faces have a bluish pallor, and their parents worry constantly. In Cantonese food culture, one of the most trusted solutions is to regularly cook deeply nourishing tonic soups, and partridge (zhe gu) is a go-to ingredient for exactly this purpose. Despite being a game bird, partridge has a remarkably high protein content compared to common poultry like chicken, while its flavour is clean and not at all greasy. Paired with Chinese yam, goji berries, and the umami richness of dried scallop, this soup is genuinely delicious — and easy enough for the whole family to enjoy together.
Who it suits / who should be cautious
- Particularly recommended for children who are underweight, pale-faced, low-energy, eat little, or have frequent phlegm-related coughs
- Also beneficial for adults recovering from illness, or those with a weak, easily upset stomach
- Pregnant and postpartum women can benefit from this soup as well
- Not suitable for anyone with an active cold or fever — wait until recovery
Why these ingredients (the food-therapy logic)
- Partridge (zhe gu): Traditionally regarded as one of the most nourishing game birds in Chinese food therapy. High in lean protein, partridge is associated with clearing phlegm, settling the stomach, warming digestion, and supporting recovery from weakness. Its fine bones and tender meat make it ideal for soup.
- Chinese yam (huai shan): A gentle yet effective spleen-supporting herb-food. It is one of the most commonly used ingredients for improving digestive absorption and building resilience in children.
- Goji berries (gou qi zi): Traditionally used to support liver and kidney function, and associated with promoting healthy energy levels and vision. Safe for children in food-therapy quantities.
- Dried scallop (yao zhu): Adds deep savoury flavour and is traditionally used to nourish yin and strengthen the kidneys. A small number goes a long way in enriching the broth.
- Carrot: Provides beta-carotene, natural sweetness, and gentle nourishment. Children generally enjoy the sweetness it lends to the soup.
- Red dates (hong zao): Support blood nourishment and provide natural sweetness; pitting them before cooking reduces any potential irritation.
Ingredients (4–5 bowls, whole family)
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Chinese yam (huai shan) | ~37 g (1 liang) | Dried; rinse before use |
| Goji berries (gou qi zi) | ~15 g (4 qian) | Rinse and soak briefly |
| Carrot | 1 medium | Peeled, cut into chunks |
| Red dates | 6 pieces | Remove pits |
| Dried scallop (yao zhu) | 3 pieces | Soak in water 30 minutes; keep soaking water |
| Fresh ginger | 2 slices | |
| Partridge | 1 whole bird | Available at Chinese or Asian grocery stores; clean and blanch in boiling water first |
Method
- Obtain a freshly dressed partridge. Rinse thoroughly and blanch in boiling water for 2–3 minutes; drain and rinse.
- Soak dried scallops in cold water for 30 minutes until softened. Reserve the soaking water to add to the pot for extra flavour.
- Soak and rinse Chinese yam and goji berries briefly.
- Peel and chunk the carrot; pit the red dates.
- Place all ingredients into a pot. Add 10 bowls of water (approximately 2 litres) and the reserved scallop soaking water.
- Bring to a full boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer. Cook for 2 hours until reduced to 4–5 bowls.
- Serve warm — the whole family can drink the soup and eat the ingredients.
Bro Niu’s tips
Partridge can be found at Chinese poultry suppliers or specialty Asian food stores; quail (an chun) makes a perfectly good substitute if partridge is not available, and is especially suitable for very young children. This soup is neither warming nor cooling — it is well-balanced and gentle enough for regular consumption. Children who drink it regularly may gradually build stronger constitutions over time. Infants around 8 months old can also have half a bowl of the broth.
Community questions answered (selected)
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Q (李太): Can quail replace partridge? And is it suitable for a 2.5-year-old and an 8-month-old? Bro Niu: Quail is very suitable for young children — no problem at all. For an 8-month-old baby, half a bowl of the broth is enough.
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Q (May): My 9-year-old has been coughing severely and the doctor says it is airway sensitivity. Can he drink this partridge soup while he is still coughing? Bro Niu: Yes, you can serve him this soup even while he is still coughing. I would especially encourage him to eat plenty of the red dates, because red dates contain compounds that are associated with an anti-allergic effect — they may help ease the sensitivity-related cough.
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Q (V): My son is 5 years old and always looks pale with a bluish tinge. He gets cold easily and loses body heat quickly. Is this soup enough to nourish him? Bro Niu: Your son may have a weaker spleen and stomach, which affects absorption. Alongside this soup, you can regularly cook red date and millet congee, or prepare a soup with Chinese yam, lotus seeds, poria mushroom, euryale seeds, and red dates with quail or chicken. The whole family can share it.
Published September 2, 2016 · Adapted and translated for Nourilo from a traditional home-kitchen recipe. Approx. 4 min read.
