Tong sui · People's Republic of China cuisine · Dessert
Tong sui
Born in People's Republic of China
“Sweet soup served at meal's end. Born in Lingnan, now found in tong sui stores across Canada, Australia, and the United States.”
0 people have eaten this dish and left their thoughts across 5 platforms
8 in 10 mention large variety available first
7 in 10 say it's worth it for the gained prominence internationally
6 in 10 would come back the same week
Synthesised from Google · TripAdvisor · Reddit · Yelp · 1 food blog · Updated August 2026
The story the reviews tell
Tong sui—literally 'sugar water'—is a warm, soupy dessert that closes meals across Lingnan: Guangdong, Guangxi, Hainan, Hong Kong, Macau, and beyond. Born in southern China, these spoonable sweets have traveled outward, filling specialty tong sui stores from Toronto to Sydney to San Francisco, each bowl a small window into a tradition that refuses to stay regional.
What makes this version distinct
Tong sui (Chinese: 糖水; lit. 'sugar water') or tim tong is a general term for any sweet soup served as a dessert typically at the end of a meal in Chinese cuisine. Tong sui originated in the Lingnan region of China, including Guangdong, Guangxi, Hainan, Hong Kong, Macau, and some parts of other provinces in China. Therefore, in the narrow sense, the term tong sui is used to refer to soupy desserts from Lingnan, while occasionally it is also used in the broad sense, referring to any soupy dessert in Chinese-speaking regions. A large variety of tong sui can be found in specialty stores dedicated to these desserts, called tong sui stores. Today, they have gained prominence in other parts of China and overseas. People can find tong sui stores in various parts of Canada, Australia, and the United States, showcasing the global appeal of these treats.
Signature elements
What people love
- large variety available
- gained prominence internationally
- established specialty stores dedicated to the form
Know before you go
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