A Guide to Sâm Bổ Lượng

Fact: Sâm bổ lượng can be enjoyed cold during hot weather and warm during cold weather.

Sâm Bổ Lượng: Basic Information

Pronunciation

/s-ahm boh l-you-ng/

Alternative Name(s)

Chè sâm bổ lượng

Dish Type

Desserts, drink desserts

Course

Dessert

Mealtime

Usually enjoyed in the evening

Popular Variations

Warm and cold version

Sâm Bổ Lượng: Origin and Region

Origin

Vietnam

Continent’s Region

Southeast Asia

Country’s Region

Nationwide Origin

Associated Region

Unspecified

Sâm Bổ Lượng: Ingredients and Preparation

Main Ingredients

Water, red jujube, seaweed, longans, lotus seeds, barley, and rock sugar

Main Cooking Method

Simmering

Preparation Process

Soak ingredients, boil water, add ingredients, simmer, cool

Sâm Bổ Lượng: A Deep Dive

Cultural Significance

Common in traditional Vietnamese cuisine, especially as a cooling summer dessert

Taste

Sweet

Texture

Varied textures from chewy to soft, depending on ingredients

Aroma

Mild, sweet aroma with a hint of longan and lotus seeds

Color

Clear with the colors of the mixed ingredients

Serving Style

Served in bowls or glasses

Serving Temperature

Warm or cold

Accompaniment

Often enjoyed on its own

Occasions

On any occasions

Seasons

Year-round, summer

Special Diets

Vegan, vegetarian

Calories

198 calories, according to data of MyFitnessPal for 1 serving of sâm bổ lượng

Popularity

Vietnam

Popular Similar Dishes

Chè Hạt Sen Long Nhãn
Ching Bo Leung

Popular Dining Area

Street vendors, dessert shops, Vietnamese restaurants

Sâm bổ lượng, also known as chè sâm bổ lượng, is a distinctive and well-loved dessert and street food in Vietnamese cuisine, particularly popular during the summer months as a refreshing treat.

This dessert has its roots in Chinese cuisine but has become a staple in Vietnamese culinary tradition, utilizing ingredients that are readily available in the country. Key ingredients typically include red jujubes or dates, thinly sliced seaweed or kelp, longans, lotus seeds, and pearl barley.

These ingredients are combined with water and often served with crushed ice, enhancing its refreshing qualities. According to traditional Eastern medicine, this dessert is believed to possess cooling qualities.

Let me navigate you through the essential aspects of this dish, its benefits and drawbacks, address typical questions, and present dishes that are alike.

Key Points

Sâm bổ lượng is especially cherished during the summer for its cooling and refreshing properties.
Sâm bổ lượng originates from Chinese cuisine but has become a staple in Vietnamese culinary tradition.
Sâm bổ lượng is often served with crushed ice and is believed to possess cooling qualities according to traditional Eastern medicine.

Sâm Bổ Lượng Images

Pros and Cons of Eating Sâm Bổ Lượng

Let’s explore the upsides and downsides of this dish:

Pros

Nutritional Benefits: Sâm Bổ Lượng typically contains ingredients like ginseng, dried longan, lotus seeds, and goji berries, which are rich in nutrients and antioxidants.
Stress Relief: Some ingredients in Sâm Bổ Lượng, like goji berries, have adaptogenic properties, which may help in managing stress.
Supports Immune System: The antioxidants and vitamins in the ingredients can strengthen the immune system.
Traditional Remedy: It’s used in traditional medicine to balance yin and yang in the body, promoting overall well-being.

Cons

Allergic Reactions: Some people might be allergic to certain ingredients like ginseng.
Quality of Ingredients: The health benefits can vary greatly depending on the quality and source of the herbs used in the soup.
Limited Scientific Evidence: While there are anecdotal benefits, some claims lack robust scientific backing.

Also, don’t forget to explore the standard questions that come up.

Sâm Bổ Lượng FAQs

Yes, you can prepare it at home by purchasing the individual ingredients and following traditional recipes.

Most traditional recipes are gluten-free, but it’s important to check the ingredients, especially if it’s a pre-packaged mix.

Similar Dishes of Sâm Bổ Lượng

Chè Hạt Sen Long Nhãn

Big and small bowls of chè hạt sen long nhãn, including lotus seeds stuffed in fresh longans.

Explore 15 Delicious Dishes That Start With the Letter S

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Truc Tran (Kris)

Senior Food Editor

Expertise

Home Cooking, Meal Planning, Recipe Development, Baking and Pastry, Food Editor, Cooking-video Maker, Vietnamese Food Evaluation Expert

Education

Hospitality (Commercial Cookery) at TasTAFE
Culinary Arts at Kendall College (Australia Branch in Sydney)
Vietnamese Cuisine Head Chef at HNAAu School (Vietnam, International Joint Training Program)

Truc Tran (Kris), an experienced food writer and editor, is great at exploring and describing global cuisines, from simple street food to fancy dining. In her writing, she skillfully mixes different flavors, cooking methods, and culinary traditions, showing the unique character of various cultures through their food and drinks. On azcuisines.com, Kris highlights her knowledge, especially in Asian cuisine and worldwide traditional dishes.