Vietnamese cuisine is famous around the world for its bold flavors, fragrant herbs, and fresh ingredients. Vietnamese soups, in particular, are shining examples of this culinary mastery. From the beloved phở in Hanoi to the spicy bún bò Huế, each region of Vietnam offers its own unique taste sensations. Join us at Asia Legend Travel as we embark on a mouth-watering journey through Vietnam and explore the rich variety of flavors and textures with these best Vietnamese soups.
Best Vietnamese Noodle Soups
Undoubtedly, Vietnamese noodle soups are a cornerstone of Vietnamese cuisine. These Vietnamese soups are so popular that people in Vietnam enjoy them at any time of day – whether it’s breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Let’s delve into some of the most iconic Vietnamese noodles types that each region has to offer.
Pho
Pho indeed takes center stage when it comes to Vietnamese soups. This iconic dish typically features tender beef or chicken in a fragrant broth simmered from bones and spices like star anise or cinnamon, topped with fresh herbs, scallions, lime wedges, and chili peppers. A beloved street food originated from Hanoi, Pho has also become Vietnam’s most famous culinary export.
Bun Thang (Hanoi Noodle Soup with Ham, Chicken and Shrimp)
Bun Thang, one of the most beloved traditional Vietnamese soups with a rich history, embodies the essence of Hanoi cuisine. This dish showcases delicate flavors derived from over 20 ingredients and a clear, sweet broth that is crafted with sophistication and elegance. Beyond its taste, Bun Thang stands out for its visually appealing appearance and charming colors. It’s a culinary masterpiece that continues to delight diners and stands out among the diverse array of Vietnamese soups.
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Con Sui (Dry Pho)
Leaving Hanoi behind, let’s head to Sapa and explore its culinary gem, Con Sui. As one of the most beloved Vietnamese soups, this dish is a must-try for any visitor to the charming town. A dry-pasta variation of Pho, Con Sui features soft rice noodle strands made from arrowroot or sweet potato, paired with a thick, flavorful broth. It’s topped with toasted peanuts, fresh herbs, vegetables, and shredded meat, making it a unique and satisfying meal.
Banh Da Cua (Red Rice Noodles With Crab)
Next on the list of must-try Vietnamese soups is Banh Da Cua, a red rice noodle soup with crab. This specialty from Hai Phong is a must when visiting the city. The dish features thick, chewy red noodles paired with a savory combination of crab meat, shrimp, and other proteins, along with water spinach and bean sprouts. It’s all served in a clear, flavorful crab broth. Thanks to Hai Phong’s coastal location and its abundance of fresh seafood, the crab in this dish is incredibly fresh, giving it the perfect taste.
Mien Luon (Eel Glass Noodle Soup)
Continuing our journey through Northern Vietnam, we arrive in Ninh Binh to sample its culinary gem, Mien Luon (Eel Glass Noodle Soup). The noodle strands in this dish are made from arrowroot, resulting in a chewy texture and glass-like transparency. The eels used are local rice paddy eels, smaller than traditional ones but boasting a robust and delicious flavor. Combined with a variety of herbs, like other Vietnamese soups, Mien Luon offers a captivating blend of subtle sweetness that will tantalize your taste buds.
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Bun Bo Hue (Hue spicy beef noodle soup)
Leaving Northern Vietnam, let’s journey to Hue in Central Vietnam to explore another renowned Vietnamese soup: Bun bo Hue (Hue Spicy Beef Noodle Soup). This iconic dish, originating from Vietnam’s ancient royal capital, is one of the most celebrated Vietnamese soups that aren’t Pho. While the flavors are a harmonious blend of sweet, sour, and spicy notes, its appearance is visually stunning with an eye-catching red color. Even the late, great Anthony Bourdain, a world-renowned chef and culinary explorer, once said, “Bún bò Huế is one of the greatest soups in the world.”
Cao Lau
Cao Lau is a must-try dish when visiting Hoi An and one of the most unique Vietnamese soups you’ll encounter. This distinctive noodle soup features chewy yellow noodles, char siu pork, shrimp, fresh herbs, sesame rice crackers, and a thick broth. With its Chinese name and texture resembling Japanese udon, this dish is a delicious testament to the cultural fusion that characterizes Hoi An, once Vietnam’s most prosperous port city and a hub for merchants from around the world.
Mi Quang (Quang noodle soup)
Mi Quang (Quang noodle soup) is another standout dish from Hoi An. While some visitors may confuse it with Cao Lau, these two Vietnamese soups are quite distinct. Cao Lau features more intricate noodles, a richer broth, and is typically served with char siu pork and toasted rice crackers. Meanwhile, Mi Quang has plainer noodles, a clear broth, and is typically combined with pork, chicken, shrimp, and quail eggs, along with sesame rice crackers.
Banh Canh – Vietnamese thick noodle soup
Banh Canh, one of the most beloved Vietnamese soups, is a delightful dish hailing from the central and southern regions of the country. Though a noodle soup, its name contains ‘Banh,’ meaning cake, as chefs create a thick sheet of dough before cutting it into noodles. Made from tapioca flour or a combination of rice and tapioca flour, Banh Canh noodles have a chewy texture and are served in a thick, hearty broth.
This unique soup offers various preparations depending on local preferences. Here are some popular variations of Banh Canh:
- Banh Canh Nam Pho: A Hue specialty featuring shrimp, crab, and meat
- Banh Canh with Snakehead: Popular in the central coastal region
- Banh Canh with Crab: A favorite in the Southeast region
- Banh Canh with Duck Meat: Commonly found in the Mekong Delta
Hu Tieu
Hu Tieu is one of the popular Vietnamese soups that’s captured the hearts of Saigon locals and visitors alike. Unlike Banh Canh, this soup features thin rice noodles and a fragrant, clear broth, often topped with shrimp, pork slices, and fresh herbs. Whether you’re grabbing a quick bite or settling in for a leisurely meal, this soup embodies the essence of Saigon’s vibrant street food culture – simple, delicious, and utterly irresistible.
Bun Mam (Fermented Fish Noodle Soup)
Bun Mam, a unique Vietnamese soup with Cambodian roots, has become a beloved specialty of the Mekong Delta. Renowned for its bold, flavorful broth made from fermented fish, this standout dish is often compared to a Vietnamese seafood gumbo. However, Bun Mam distinguishes itself with its thinner consistency and a taste that’s both sharp and well-balanced, sure to tantalize your taste buds. Topped with a mouthwatering mix of pork, prawns, chili, and fresh herbs, this soup perfectly showcases the incredible diversity of Vietnamese cuisine, making it a must-try for anyone exploring the vast array of Vietnamese soups.
Regional Specialties of Vietnamese Soups
Moving beyond noodle soups, let’s explore some unique Vietnamese soups that are found only in specific areas. This Vietnamese soups list highlights the diverse culinary traditions across the country, each with its own distinct flavors, local ingredients, and cooking techniques passed down through generations.
Thang Co (Horse Meat & Offal Soup)
Thang Co is a renowned delicacy from Sapa, Vietnam, known for its bold and distinctive flavor profile. This traditional soup stands out among other Vietnamese soups due to its unique main ingredients: horse meat and offal. These components combine to create a rich, hearty broth that’s unlike anything else you’ll find in Vietnam’s culinary landscape.
Nam Pia
Nam Pia is a distinctive dish from Moc Chau, Son La, made from the offal of buffalo, cow, or goat, specifically the portion of the intestine that still contains undigested food. Its unique ingredients and preparation method set it apart from other Vietnamese soups names.
Canh La Dang (Green Chiretta Soup)
Canh La Dang (Green Chiretta Soup) is a traditional delicacy from the Muong ethnic group in Thanh Hoa, Vietnam. This unique dish is made from green chiretta, a long herb found only in the region, combined with chicken offal, pork offal, or pork. Unlike many other Vietnamese soups, Canh Lá Đắng has a distinctive bitter taste that may take some getting used to. However, after a few spoonfuls, you’re likely to appreciate its unique flavor, making it a memorable addition to your Vietnamese soup experience.
Canh Xuong Rong (Cactus Soup)
Canh Xuong Rong (Cactus Soup) is a staple of every Quang Binh local’s diet. Made from cactus, a plant commonly found in Quang Binh but rare in other parts of Vietnam, this soup offers a unique and delightful experience for any visitor to the area. If you’re exploring the diverse Vietnamese soups during your visit to Quang Binh, be sure to try this one-of-a-kind dish!
Canh Chua Trung Kien (Ant Egg Sour Soup)
Another standout dish from Quang Binh is Canh Chua Trung Kien (Ant Egg Sour Soup), a popular side dish found at both street vendors and upscale restaurants. Made from the eggs of weaver ants, this soup has a signature sour flavor that differentiates it from other traditional Vietnamese soups. Combined with everyday ingredients, the ant eggs create a delicious and intriguing soup that’s sure to delight any palate.
Canh Chua Bong Sung (Water Lily Sour Soup)
The Mekong Delta is a region renowned for its stunning water lilies, which are a key ingredient in many local Vietnamese soups. To create a delicious Canh Chua Bong Sung (sour soup with water lilies), locals pluck newly opened water lily flowers and combine them with fresh fish in a tangy broth. The soup gets its signature flavor from a blend of tamarind, sugar, and salt, with a final flourish of crispy fried onions to add depth and texture. Despite its simple preparation, the taste of this soup is truly exceptional, making it a standout among Vietnamese soups.
Vietnamese soups offer a glimpse into the country’s rich culinary heritage, showcasing diverse flavors and ingredients unique to each region. From the iconic Pho to lesser-known delicacies like Canh Chua Bong Sung, these soups highlight Vietnamese creativity and resourcefulness. If you’re planning a Vietnam 2 week tour, be sure to include plenty of opportunities to sample these delicious soups. Don’t shy away from trying a steaming bowl of Vietnamese soup at every stop – you might just stumble upon your new favorite dish!
