At the table
Eat the beef and vegetables with a spoon, letting each spoonful cool first. Ask “有红肠吗？” (“Does it contain red sausage?”) and “加奶或奶油吗？” (“Is milk or cream added?”) when choosing a version.
Contains beef. Some versions also contain wheat flour, butter, milk or cream, and red sausage whose meat and seasonings vary by maker. Cooking wine may be used. Confirm the full preparation for allergies, dietary restrictions or alcohol avoidance.
Carrot, bay leaf and black pepper appear in this tomato-based beef-and-vegetable preparation. Concentrated tomato paste and seasoned tomato sauce are different ingredients; not every soup uses both. Red sausage, butter, flour, sugar and cooking wine vary by recipe. A little milk or, alternatively, cream may be added.
For children who can manage tender beef pieces, the mild vegetable soup can be an approachable option; cool it and cut the meat and vegetables to a manageable size.
Recipes vary. Ask the restaurant about ingredients and serving before you order.
GET TO KNOW THE DISH
What goes into it?
Explore some key ingredients below. Preparations may use additional seasonings and ingredients.
Some versions add Shanghai red sausage or a little milk or cream; the amount and type of tomato seasoning, butter and flour vary.
Typical ingredients
In some versions
Recipes vary by restaurant.
How does it taste?
Savory beef and tomato with a sweet-sour edge.
- Chili heat
- Texture
- Tender meat and vegetables in a broth that may be lightly thickened.
- How it’s made
- Simmer beef with tomatoes, onion, cabbage and potatoes; some versions thicken the soup with flour.
Some versions add Shanghai red sausage or a little milk or cream; the amount and type of tomato seasoning, butter and flour vary.
A CONNECTION TO PLACE
Origin & regional roots
Associated with Shanghai.
About this regional connection
Shanghai: Associated with Shanghai Haipai Western-style cooking.
Ask if they have it first
请问你们有上海罗宋汤吗？
Do you have this item?
A LITTLE SOMETHING TO READ
Story & history
A tomato-red Shanghai Western-style classic
This account describes a tradition or story, rather than an established historical fact.
Luosongtang is part of Shanghai’s Haipai Western-style cooking, alongside dishes such as fried pork chops and potato salad. Tomatoes give this local beef-and-vegetable soup its familiar red color and gentle tang. Home versions differ in richness, thickness and additions such as red sausage, so the Shanghai name describes a local tradition rather than one fixed recipe for every borscht.