Spring · from 20 Mar

Spring Equinox

Name: Hong Kong-style borscht
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 90 min
Total time: 110 min
Yield: 4
Ingredients: Beef shin 400 g, cut into chunks; Tomatoes 4, cut into wedges; White cabbage ½, cut into pieces; Potatoes 2, cut into chunks; Carrot 1, cut into chunks; Onion 1, cut into pieces; Tomato purée 2 tbsp; Water 2 litres; Salt a pinch; Sugar 1 tsp

春分

Balance Yin and Yang, harmonize Qi and Blood.

Next: Clear and Bright on 5 Apr — 16 days

20 Mar 2026

Tailor to a constitution

Spring Equinox · Dinner · Sensitive (Allergic)

Hong Kong-style borscht

The cha chaan teng favourite, slow-simmered with beef shin and fresh tomatoes: rich, tangy and good with rice or bread.

1 hr 50 min
Serves 4
Simmer
Easy

NeutralStrengthens spleen qiSupports resilience

Why it suits you: Special (allergic) types are prone to hay fever flare-ups with the pollen and damp of the equinox. Beef strengthens the spleen and builds qi and blood, potato and carrot support the spleen and tomato whets the appetite, with no seafood or other trigger foods.

Method

Prep 20 min · Cook 90 min

1Blanch the beef for 5 minutes and rinse.
2Fry the onion and half the tomatoes in a little oil, stir in the purée, then add the beef and water. Bring to the boil and simmer for 1 hour.
3Add the cabbage, potatoes, carrot and remaining tomatoes and simmer 30 minutes more. Season with salt and sugar.

Chef's tips

Make a big pot: it tastes even better reheated the next day and freezes well in portions.

The TCM view

Beef is sweet and neutral, tonifying the spleen, qi and blood and strengthening the sinews. Tomato is sweet, sour and slightly cold and aids digestion; cabbage and potato are sweet and neutral and strengthen the spleen.

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Seasonal principle

Day and night are equal. Maintain balance in all things. Eat seasonal greens to refresh the body and harmonize internal energy. Avoid extreme temperatures in food and environment. Establish a regular sleep schedule to align with the balanced natural rhythms of the season.

In season now

In season around Spring Equinox: Bean Sprouts, Eggs, Wolfberries, Green Tea, Asparagus

Tap an ingredient for its nature, uses and nutrition.

Sensitive (Allergic)

Sensitive and prone to allergies

Enjoy: Simple, balanced home cooking · Chinese yam and red dates · Brown rice and seasonal vegetables

Go easy: Anything you know you react to · Very spicy food · Alcohol

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Based on traditional Chinese medicine for general wellness education — not a medical diagnosis or treatment. If symptoms persist, are severe or unusual, please see a doctor or registered Chinese medicine practitioner.