Dish Explainer
What Is Hot and Sour Soup?
Hot and sour soup is less about chile heat than about the balance of acidity and peppery warmth.
Quick answer
Hot and sour soup is a peppery, tangy soup usually built from vinegar, white pepper, broth, tofu, egg, mushrooms, bamboo shoots, and sometimes pork.
| Chinese name | Pinyin | Cuisine or format | Usual heat level |
|---|---|---|---|
| 酸辣汤 | suān là tāng | Chinese and American Chinese soup | Mild to medium |
What it tastes like
It should be sour, peppery, savory, and thickened, often with a mix of soft tofu, egg ribbons, and crunchy vegetables.
Common variations
- American Chinese hot and sour soup
- Pork-based versions
- Vegetarian versions
- Mushroom-heavy versions
Dietary issues
Watch for pork, egg, soy sauce, wheat-containing thickened sauce, chicken broth, and mushrooms.
What to order with it
Use it as a starter before stir-fries, fried rice, or takeout-style dishes.