Bo Tong: Cantonese Soups From Our Families

I'm creating a special book that celebrates Bo Tong, the Cantonese tradition of slow-cooked, nourishing soups. This book isn’t just about soup recipes; it’s about the stories, memories, and care that go into each pot. Backers will also get the chance to add a dedication, turning it into a personal keepsake that can be shared with friends and family. It’s a way to honor culture, community, and the warmth of home-cooked meals.

Inside, you’ll also find detailed chapters on dried ingredients, fresh vegetables, and the best meat cuts to use, helping you select the perfect components for each soup. Don't fear if you don't know how to Bo Tong! It's very easy and I'll show you how!

You'll be part of this book and I need your help to bring this Bo Tong book to life! Growing up in the Cantonese community, I’ve always loved how a simple soup can carry so much meaning; comforting us when we’re sick, bringing families together, and connecting us to our roots. I want to create a book that preserves these recipes while also giving people space to share their own dedications, so each book becomes a celebration of both tradition and personal connection.

This project is deeply personal to me as an American Born Cantonese (ABC) creator. I want to honor the generations who taught us the art of Bo Tong, while inspiring others in our community to keep the tradition alive. With your support, I can craft a beautiful book that brings people together over culture, food, and shared memories.

Please note that the images shown in this campaign are of prototypes and are meant to give a sense of the book’s design and layout. The final book may vary slightly in colors, fonts, or other design details, but I promise it will capture the same warmth and spirit of the project. 

If you choose to submit your story/dedication, you grant Jessica the right to include it in this book, royalty-free, without further compensation. You retain ownership of your story, but allow its use exclusively for this project.

About Jessica

Hi, I’m Jessica! I’m a Cantonese American who was born and raised in San Francisco. Both of my parents immigrated from Hong Kong to the United States, and like many Cantonese families, food was always at the center of our lives. I grew up eating the home-cooked dishes my mom made for us, along with countless meals at the Chinese restaurants my parents loved taking me to. Some of my favorite memories are sitting in busy Hong Kong cafés, getting dim sum during the day, and going to big banquet dinners at night.

Over the years, I’ve realized how special these traditions are, especially the comforting soups that are such an important part of Cantonese culture. That’s what inspired me to start sharing more about it online. Through my Instagram, @bo.tong.girl, TikTok, @jessicandhearts, and Youtube @bo.tong.girlie. I share my love for Cantonese culture, from traditional soup recipes to the foods and experiences that shaped how I grew up. This book is an extension of that passion, my way of celebrating the culture, flavors, and memories that mean so much to me and to our community.