lo4 sung3 tong1羅宋湯罗宋汤
Definition
Borscht; a beetroot soup of Ukrainian origin, or its Hong Kong-style tomato-based adaptation.
How it's used
Hong Kong style borscht is distinct from the Eastern European original because it uses tomatoes instead of beetroots as the base, giving it a tangy, savory flavor profile. It is a staple item in local diners, often served as the default soup option with set meals. The name is a phonetic adaptation of the word Russian, reflecting its historical association with Russian immigrants who brought the dish to Shanghai before it migrated to Hong Kong.
Measure word
wun2碗wúnExamples
Related words
Common phrases
Common mistake
Do not expect the authentic purple, beetroot-based soup found in Eastern Europe when ordering this in a local restaurant. The Hong Kong version is consistently tomato-based and usually contains chunks of beef and cabbage.
Grammar color guide
Grammar guides
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