Dish Explainer
What Is Egg Drop Soup?
Egg drop soup is a mild broth-and-egg soup where texture comes from the way the egg is poured.
Quick answer
Egg drop soup is a simple soup made by streaming beaten egg into hot broth to form soft egg ribbons. Britannica usefully groups it with soups enriched by beaten eggs stirred into hot broth, which is a clean technical description of how the ribbons form. It also notes that thin soup in China is often consumed throughout the meal as a beverage, which helps explain why egg drop soup can function as a light table soup rather than only as a Western-style starter.
| Chinese name | Pinyin | Cuisine or format | Usual heat level |
|---|---|---|---|
| 蛋花汤 | dàn huā tāng | Chinese and American Chinese soup | Mild |
What it tastes like
It is mild, savory, soft, and broth-forward, usually less acidic and less peppery than hot and sour soup.
Common variations
- Plain egg drop soup
- Corn egg drop soup
- Tomato egg drop soup
- Chicken broth versions
Dietary issues
It contains egg and often chicken broth. Some versions use cornstarch, soy sauce, sesame oil, or white pepper.
What to order with it
Pair with takeout entrees, fried rice, or vegetable dishes when a mild starter is needed.