Qingbu Liang
Qingbuliang is Hainan most popular dessert, a refreshing sweet soup made with coconut milk, tropical fruits, beans, and herbs. It is enjoyed year-round as a cooling, nourishing treat.
Ingredients
- Herbal cooling soup mix (a small handful)
- Minced garlic to taste
- Coriander to taste
- Light soy sauce 2 tbsp
- Vinegar 1 tbsp
- Chili oil 1 tbsp
Instructions
- 1. Wash and process barley and mung beans.
- 2. Add water to the pot and bring to a boil, add Qingbu Liang and blanch until cooked, then add cold water
- 3. Drain the Qingbu Liang and put it into a large bowl
- 4. Add minced garlic, coriander and other garnishes and seasonings
- 5. Add soy sauce, salt, sugar and other seasonings and mix well
- 6. Plate and serve
Cultural Notes
Qingbuliang literally translates to "clear and nourishing cool," reflecting the traditional Chinese medicine principle that this dessert can cool the body and replenish nutrients. It is the single most popular dessert in Hainan, with hundreds of stalls and shops dedicated to it across the island. The Hainan version is distinct for its generous use of fresh coconut milk and tropical fruits, distinguishing it from versions found elsewhere in southern China. In Hainan, qingbuliang is not just a dessert — it is a way of life.