Sishen soup
{{short description|Taiwanese herbal soup}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2022}}
{{Infobox food
| name = Sishen soup
| image = 四神綜合湯, 冷麵麻醬, 古早肉包, 惠安四神湯, 惠安當歸四神湯, 台北, 台灣, Taipei, Taiwan.jpg
| caption =
| alternate_name =
| region =
| national_cuisine = Taiwan
| creator =
| course =
| served =
| main_ingredient =
| variations =
| calories =
| other =
}}
Sishen soup, also known as Four Herbs Soup ({{zh|t=四神湯|p=sìshén tāng}}), is a traditional Taiwanese soup widely enjoyed as a comforting and health-promoting xiaochi. Known for its herbal properties, this soup is typically made using traditional Chinese medicine ingredients and is a popular dish in night markets and eateries across Taiwan. The soup is particularly valued during colder months or as a remedy for fatigue, reflecting the fusion of traditional medicinal beliefs with everyday culinary practices.{{cite web|title=Sishen Soup|url=https://www.tasteatlas.com/sishen-soup|website=Taste Atlas|access-date=10 October 2024}}
Ingredients and Preparation
The name 四神, which translates to Four Deities, refers to the four primary ingredients in the soup, traditionally considered to have medicinal benefits in Chinese herbal cuisine. The typical ingredients include:
- Lotus seeds: Known to aid digestion and calm the mind.
- Chinese yam: Believed to improve digestion and enhance kidney function.
- Gorgon fruit: Aids in reducing excess moisture in the body.
- Barley: Often used to promote healthy skin and reduce inflammation.
In addition to these core ingredients, Sishen Soup often includes:
- Pork intestines or ribs: Commonly used to add richness and flavor.{{cite web|title=Chinese Four Herbs Soup (四神汤)/|url=https://souperdiaries.com/four-herbs-soup/|website=Souper Diaries|access-date=10 October 2024}}
- Ginger and garlic: To enhance the taste and provide warmth.
- Herbs and spices: Such as dried tangerine peel or medicinal roots to boost the soup's health benefits.
The ingredients are simmered for hours to produce a broth with a mild, earthy flavour that is both soothing and nutritious. While the classic version features pork intestines, many vendors offer variations to cater to diverse tastes.{{cite news|author=
張佩雅|title=該不該加當歸？中醫解析「正統四神湯」食材|url=https://www.setn.com/News.aspx?NewsID=187321|publisher=SET News|date=2016-10-05|language=zh-tw}} These include vegetarian options by using mushrooms or tofu as substitutes.{{cite news|title=改良版四神湯「超級玉米素神湯」 專家：可美顏去水腫|url=https://health.ltn.com.tw/article/breakingnews/4128816|publisher=Liberty News|date=2022-11-19|language=zh-tw}}{{cite news|author=方翊倩|title=四神湯有人喝甜的？他驚呼神奇 網推爆：從小這樣吃|url=https://www.chinatimes.com/realtimenews/20240216002561-260405?chdtv|publisher=China Times|date=2024-02-16|language=zh-tw}}
Origins
Despite a common belief that Sishen Soup originates from China, the dish is distinctly Taiwanese in its preparation and cultural context. While it incorporates ingredients and concepts from traditional Chinese medicine, its modern form, flavor profile, and presentation have been shaped by Taiwanese culinary practices.{{cite web|title=四神湯加薏仁 其實不正統！|url=https://fae.moa.gov.tw/map/food_item.php?type=AS08&id=129#:~:text=%E7%9B%B8%E5%82%B3%EF%BC%8C%E4%B8%AD%E5%9C%8B%E6%B8%85%E6%9C%9D%E7%9A%84%E4%B9%BE%E9%9A%86,%E5%9C%A8%E6%B0%91%E9%96%93%E5%BB%A3%E7%82%BA%E6%B5%81%E5%82%B3%E3%80%82|publisher=Ministry of Agriculture (Taiwan)|access-date=10 October 2024|language=zh-tw}} The term "四神" (Sì Shén) is a homophonic misnomer of "四臣" (Sì Chén), both pronounced similarly in Taiwanese Hokkien.{{cite news|title=以為打錯字！路邊攤賣「四臣湯」他傻眼 網一查真相逆轉：小丑是我|url=https://udn.com/news/story/120912/7815153|publisher=United Daily News|language=zh-tw|date=2024-03-07}} Sishen Soup is commonly paired with other Taiwanese specialties, such as Bah-oân or Gua bao.{{cite news|author=
蘇相云|title=宵夜場限定！三重無名四神湯小攤 滷肉飯拌爽脆微辣菜脯有夠罪惡|url=https://travel.ettoday.net/article/2842083.htm|publisher=ETtoday|date=2024-10-30|language=zh-tw}} Taiwanese vendors have adapted the recipe to emphasize taste and accessibility, creating a comforting dish rather than a strictly medicinal one.{{cite news|author=
林則澄|title=冬季宜進補！中醫師揭小吃店四神湯「缺料」功效打折扣|url=https://udn.com/news/story/7270/8397929|publisher=United Daily News|date=2024-12-02|language=zh-tw}}
See also
{{Portal|Food|Taiwan}}