July 19, 2026 · 星期日
A Bowl of Congee
粥· congee
Today’s episode with Jason & AmyCongee's simplicity and adaptability make it a beloved comfort food across cultures.
A Bowl of Congee
粥zhōu
Congee, known as zhōu (粥) in Chinese, is a staple dish in many Asian cultures. It is particularly cherished for its simplicity and comfort, often served as a warm breakfast or a soothing meal for those feeling unwell. Congee can be made from various grains, with rice being the most common base. Its versatility allows for a wide range of toppings and accompaniments, from savory meats and pickles to sweet uses with sugar and dried fruits.[1]
The Laba Festival, celebrated on the eighth day of the twelfth lunar month, features a special version of congee known as Laba congee. This dish is traditionally prepared with an assortment of grains, beans, nuts, and dried fruits, symbolizing abundance and good health. Families gather to cook and share this nutritious meal, which not only nourishes the body but also strengthens familial bonds.[1]
In addition to its culinary appeal, congee holds cultural significance. It is mentioned in classical Chinese texts and has been a part of Chinese cuisine for centuries. Congee's adaptability to different ingredients and flavors reflects the resourcefulness and diversity of Chinese culinary traditions. Today, congee continues to be a beloved dish, providing comfort and warmth to people around the world, making it a dish that transcends time and borders.
Congee's simplicity and adaptability make it a beloved comfort food across cultures.
今天我们喝粥。
Jīntiān wǒmen hē zhōu.
Today we are having congee.
- [1] 《礼记》 The Book of Rites
Jason & Amy on 粥
Podcast: Daily Chinese: 粥 — A Bowl of Congee
Jason & Amy on 粥 and A Bowl of Congee
New here?
我喜欢吃粥。
Wǒ xǐhuān chī zhōu.
I like eating congee.
A simple sentence expressing a preference for congee.
早餐我们喝粥。
Zǎocān wǒmen hē zhōu.
We have congee for breakfast.
Describes a common breakfast choice.
拉巴节时喝粥有传统意义。
Lābā jié shí hē zhōu yǒu chuántǒng yìyì.
Having congee during the Laba Festival has traditional significance.
Describes the cultural importance of congee during a specific festival.
粥象征温暖与家庭和谐。
Zhōu xiàngzhēng wēnnuǎn yǔ jiātíng héxié.
Congee symbolizes warmth and family harmony.
Discusses the symbolic meanings associated with congee.
Using '粥' with verbs
喝/吃 + 粥
In Mandarin, the verbs '喝' (to drink) and '吃' (to eat) can both be used with '粥', reflecting its liquid and solid qualities.
Use '喝' when emphasizing the liquid aspect of congee, or '吃' for its solid nature.
我早上喝粥。
Wǒ zǎoshang hē zhōu.
I drink congee in the morning.
她喜欢吃甜粥。
Tā xǐhuān chī tián zhōu.
She likes eating sweet congee.
我们一起喝拉巴粥。
Wǒmen yīqǐ hē Lābā zhōu.
We drink Laba congee together.
What does 粥 mean?
How is 粥 pronounced?
How do you write "congee" in Chinese?
Listen. What does the sentence mean?
我每天早餐吃___。(I eat ___ for breakfast every day.)
我们一起喝粥。 — What does this sentence mean?
What is a traditional dish eaten during the Laba Festival?
Arrange into a correct sentence
Frequently asked questions about the word 粥
There are many variations of 粥, including sweet versions with red bean or fruit, and savory versions with meats or vegetables.
While rice is the most common base for 粥, it can also be made from other grains like millet or oats.
粥 can be served plain or with toppings such as pickled vegetables, century eggs, or shredded chicken for added flavor.
Today's Mandarin word: 粥 (yù) — congee.
Learn it on Mandarin Temple's Dragon Daily 🐉