Vietnamese cuisine is renowned for its fresh ingredients, balanced flavors, and aromatic herbs, and nothing showcases this better than its wide variety of soups.
From the iconic Pho to the tangy Canh Chua, Vietnamese soups offer something for everyone — whether you crave a hearty, savory broth or a light, refreshing bowl packed with herbs and vegetables.
In this collection of 21+ Vietnamese soup recipes, you’ll find traditional favorites alongside lesser-known regional specialties, each bringing its own unique taste and story.
These soups are perfect for any season and occasion, offering comforting meals that are as nutritious as they are delicious.
Whether you’re a seasoned cook or new to Vietnamese cuisine, these recipes will inspire you to create vibrant, flavorful dishes in your own kitchen.
21+ Delicious Vietnamese Soup Recipes to Warm Your Soul
With over 21 Vietnamese soup recipes to explore, you have an exciting culinary journey ahead.
Each soup showcases the country’s incredible diversity in ingredients, flavors, and cooking techniques — from the rich, aromatic beef broth of Pho to the sour and sweet notes of Canh Chua.
Don’t hesitate to experiment with fresh herbs, spices, and proteins to make each recipe your own.
Vietnamese soups are all about harmony and balance, so enjoy the process of creating meals that nourish both body and soul.
Pho Bo (Vietnamese Beef Noodle Soup)
Pho Bo is Vietnam’s iconic noodle soup, celebrated worldwide for its fragrant, clear broth, tender beef slices, and fresh herbs. This soup perfectly balances savory, sweet, and aromatic flavors, creating a deeply comforting and satisfying meal that’s both light and flavorful.
Ingredients
- Beef bones for broth
- Star anise, cinnamon sticks, cloves
- Onion and ginger, charred
- Rice noodles
- Thinly sliced beef (such as sirloin or brisket)
- Fresh herbs (cilantro, Thai basil, mint)
- Bean sprouts
- Lime wedges
- Hoisin sauce and Sriracha (optional)
Instructions
Simmer beef bones with charred onion, ginger, star anise, cinnamon, and cloves for several hours to develop a clear, aromatic broth. Strain the broth. Soak rice noodles in hot water until tender. Arrange noodles and raw beef slices in serving bowls, then pour hot broth over to cook the beef. Garnish with fresh herbs, bean sprouts, lime, and sauces as desired.
Pho Bo is a masterpiece of flavor and tradition. The slow-cooked broth combined with fresh herbs and tender beef creates a harmonious bowl that warms both body and soul, making it a beloved Vietnamese classic.
Canh Chua (Vietnamese Sour Soup)
Canh Chua is a vibrant and tangy sour soup from Southern Vietnam, featuring fish, pineapple, tamarind, and fresh vegetables. This refreshing soup is celebrated for its bright balance of sweet, sour, and savory flavors, making it a perfect light and appetizing meal.
Ingredients
- Fish fillets (catfish or tilapia)
- Tamarind paste
- Pineapple chunks
- Tomatoes, cut into wedges
- Okra
- Bean sprouts
- Fresh herbs (Thai basil, sawtooth coriander)
- Fish sauce
- Chili peppers (optional)
Instructions
Simmer fish fillets in water with tamarind paste to create a sour broth. Add pineapple, tomatoes, okra, and cook until vegetables are tender. Season with fish sauce and chili if desired. Just before serving, add bean sprouts and fresh herbs for brightness.
Canh Chua’s delightful interplay of sour tamarind and sweet pineapple paired with fresh herbs creates a unique and refreshing soup. It’s a wonderful dish to cleanse the palate and enjoy light, vibrant Vietnamese flavors.
Bun Rieu (Vietnamese Crab Noodle Soup)
Bun Rieu is a hearty, flavorful Vietnamese noodle soup featuring a tangy tomato broth with crab meat, tofu, and rice vermicelli noodles. Known for its rich and slightly sour taste, it’s a beloved street food that offers a complex and satisfying bowl.
Ingredients
- Fresh crab meat or canned crab paste
- Tomatoes, chopped
- Tofu, fried or steamed
- Rice vermicelli noodles
- Tamarind paste
- Fish sauce
- Fresh herbs (perilla, mint, cilantro)
- Bean sprouts
- Lime wedges
Instructions
Cook tomatoes with tamarind paste and fish sauce to create a tangy broth. Add crab meat and tofu, simmering gently to infuse flavors. Cook rice vermicelli separately and drain. Serve noodles in bowls topped with hot broth, crab, and tofu. Garnish with fresh herbs, bean sprouts, and lime wedges.
Bun Rieu’s rich tomato and crab broth, combined with fresh herbs and soft tofu, makes it a uniquely flavorful soup. Its bold, tangy profile offers a comforting yet exciting experience, showcasing the diversity of Vietnamese cuisine.
Hu Tieu (Vietnamese Clear Noodle Soup)
Hu Tieu is a popular Vietnamese noodle soup known for its clear, savory broth and delicate rice noodles. It often includes a mix of pork, seafood, and fresh herbs, making it a versatile and satisfying dish that is both light and flavorful.
Ingredients
- Pork bones and shrimp shells for broth
- Rice noodles (thin or wide)
- Sliced pork, shrimp, and squid (optional)
- Garlic, minced
- Fish sauce
- Bean sprouts
- Fresh herbs (cilantro, Thai basil)
- Lime wedges
- Fried shallots
Instructions
Simmer pork bones and shrimp shells for several hours to make a clear, flavorful broth. Season with fish sauce and garlic. Cook rice noodles according to package instructions and drain. Blanch pork, shrimp, and squid briefly. Arrange noodles and proteins in bowls, pour hot broth over, and garnish with bean sprouts, fresh herbs, fried shallots, and lime wedges.
Hu Tieu’s light yet savory broth paired with fresh herbs and tender proteins makes it a beloved everyday Vietnamese comfort food. Its balance of textures and flavors offers a satisfying meal perfect for any time of day.
Bun Bo Hue (Spicy Beef Noodle Soup)
Bun Bo Hue is a fiery and aromatic noodle soup originating from the city of Hue, Vietnam. Known for its spicy broth, lemongrass aroma, and hearty beef cuts, this soup delivers bold flavors and a satisfying kick, perfect for those who love a little heat.
Ingredients
- Beef bones and pork hocks for broth
- Lemongrass stalks
- Shrimp paste
- Chili oil
- Rice vermicelli noodles
- Thinly sliced beef, pork, and pork blood cubes
- Fresh herbs (mint, cilantro, basil)
- Lime wedges
Instructions
Simmer beef bones, pork hocks, and lemongrass for hours to develop a rich broth. Season with shrimp paste and chili oil for spicy depth. Cook rice vermicelli noodles separately and drain. Serve noodles in bowls, ladle the hot spicy broth over, and top with beef, pork, and pork blood cubes. Garnish with fresh herbs and lime wedges.
Bun Bo Hue’s intense, spicy broth combined with tender meats and fresh herbs creates a complex and deeply satisfying bowl. It’s a flavorful journey into central Vietnam’s culinary heritage, loved by spice enthusiasts.
Canh Ga Chien Nuoc Mam (Vietnamese Chicken Soup with Fish Sauce)
Canh Ga Chien Nuoc Mam is a fragrant and savory chicken soup infused with the distinctive flavor of Vietnamese fish sauce. This simple yet flavorful soup combines tender chicken pieces with aromatic herbs, making it a comforting dish perfect for family meals.
Ingredients
- Chicken thighs or drumsticks
- Fish sauce
- Garlic, minced
- Ginger, sliced
- Water or chicken broth
- Fresh herbs (cilantro, green onions)
- Black pepper
Instructions
Sauté garlic and ginger in a pot until fragrant. Add chicken pieces and brown lightly. Pour in water or chicken broth and bring to a boil, then simmer until chicken is tender. Season with fish sauce and black pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh herbs before serving.
This soup’s rich umami from fish sauce combined with tender chicken and fragrant herbs creates a simple yet deeply satisfying bowl. It’s a wonderful example of how Vietnamese cuisine elevates humble ingredients into comforting, flavorful meals.
Banh Canh Cua (Vietnamese Crab Tapioca Noodle Soup)
Banh Canh Cua is a hearty Vietnamese soup featuring thick tapioca noodles and sweet crab meat in a rich, flavorful broth. This comforting dish is loved for its thick, chewy noodles and the delicate sweetness of fresh crab, making it perfect for special occasions or a satisfying meal any day.
Ingredients
- Tapioca noodles (banh canh)
- Fresh crab meat or canned crab
- Pork broth or seafood stock
- Garlic, minced
- Fish sauce
- Green onions, sliced
- Cilantro and fried shallots for garnish
Instructions
Simmer pork broth or seafood stock with garlic and fish sauce to create a rich base. Cook tapioca noodles until chewy and tender. Add crab meat to the broth and gently simmer to infuse flavor. Serve noodles in bowls, ladle the hot crab broth over, and garnish with green onions, cilantro, and fried shallots.
Banh Canh Cua’s thick noodles and sweet crab broth offer a unique and indulgent texture and taste. This soup showcases the richness of Vietnamese coastal flavors in a warm and satisfying bowl.
Bun Oc (Vietnamese Snail Noodle Soup)
Bun Oc is a traditional Vietnamese noodle soup featuring freshwater snails in a tangy tomato broth with rice vermicelli noodles. It’s known for its bright, slightly sour flavor and fresh herbs, delivering a complex and refreshing taste experience.
Ingredients
- Freshwater snails, cleaned and cooked
- Tomatoes, chopped
- Tamarind paste
- Rice vermicelli noodles
- Fish sauce
- Garlic, minced
- Fresh herbs (perilla, mint, cilantro)
- Bean sprouts
Instructions
Cook tomatoes with tamarind paste and fish sauce to make a tangy broth. Add cooked snails and simmer to combine flavors. Cook rice vermicelli noodles separately and drain. Serve noodles in bowls, ladle the snail broth over, and garnish with fresh herbs and bean sprouts.
Bun Oc’s vibrant tomato-tamarind broth paired with tender snails and fresh herbs offers a distinct and flavorful Vietnamese soup. It’s a perfect dish for those seeking a taste of authentic regional cuisine.
Chao Ga (Vietnamese Chicken Rice Porridge)
Chao Ga is a comforting Vietnamese rice porridge made with tender shredded chicken, slow-cooked rice, and fragrant herbs. Though more porridge than traditional soup, it’s widely enjoyed as a nourishing and soothing meal, especially during cooler months or when feeling under the weather.
Ingredients
- Jasmine rice
- Chicken breast or thighs
- Ginger, sliced
- Fish sauce
- Garlic, minced
- Green onions and cilantro for garnish
- Fried shallots (optional)
Instructions
Cook rice in plenty of water until it breaks down into a creamy porridge. Simmer chicken with ginger and garlic separately, then shred the meat. Add shredded chicken and fish sauce to the porridge and simmer to combine. Serve hot, garnished with green onions, cilantro, and fried shallots if desired.
Chao Ga’s warm, creamy texture and delicate chicken flavor make it the ultimate comfort food in Vietnamese cuisine. It’s perfect for nourishing the body and soul with simple, wholesome ingredients.
Banh Da Cua (Vietnamese Crab and Thick Noodle Soup)
Banh Da Cua is a beloved Vietnamese soup featuring thick, chewy noodles made from tapioca and rice flour, served in a rich, flavorful crab broth. This dish combines the sweetness of fresh crab with a savory, aromatic soup base, making it a comforting and indulgent meal.
Ingredients
- Thick tapioca-rice noodles (banh da)
- Fresh crab meat or crab paste
- Pork broth or seafood stock
- Tomatoes, chopped
- Garlic, minced
- Fish sauce
- Green onions and cilantro for garnish
Instructions
Prepare a flavorful broth by simmering pork bones or seafood stock with garlic and tomatoes. Add crab meat or paste and season with fish sauce. Cook thick noodles until tender and place them in serving bowls. Pour hot crab broth over the noodles and garnish with green onions and cilantro.
Banh Da Cua’s combination of tender noodles and sweet, savory crab broth offers a delightful balance of textures and flavors. It’s a rich and satisfying soup that highlights the freshness of coastal Vietnamese cuisine.
Mi Quang (Vietnamese Turmeric Noodle Soup)
Mi Quang is a vibrant noodle soup from Central Vietnam featuring turmeric-infused noodles in a savory broth with pork, shrimp, and fresh herbs. It’s known for its bright colors, bold flavors, and unique blend of textures, making it a festive and flavorful dish.
Ingredients
- Wide rice noodles infused with turmeric
- Pork belly or minced pork
- Shrimp
- Chicken broth
- Peanuts, toasted
- Fresh herbs (mint, basil, cilantro)
- Lime wedges
- Bean sprouts
Instructions
Cook pork and shrimp until tender. Prepare a savory broth and combine with turmeric rice noodles. Serve noodles topped with pork, shrimp, fresh herbs, peanuts, and bean sprouts. Squeeze lime juice over before eating for added brightness.
Mi Quang’s aromatic turmeric noodles and rich toppings create a vibrant and delicious soup that celebrates the rich culinary traditions of Central Vietnam.
Canh Chua Ca (Vietnamese Sour Fish Soup)
Canh Chua Ca is a tangy and refreshing Vietnamese soup made with fresh fish, tamarind broth, pineapple, and a variety of vegetables. It’s well-loved for its balance of sour, sweet, and savory flavors, providing a light yet flavorful dining experience.
Ingredients
- Fresh fish fillets (such as catfish or tilapia)
- Tamarind paste
- Pineapple chunks
- Tomatoes, quartered
- Okra
- Bean sprouts
- Fish sauce
- Fresh herbs (Thai basil, sawtooth coriander)
- Chili (optional)
Instructions
Simmer fish in a tamarind-flavored broth along with pineapple, tomatoes, and okra until cooked. Season with fish sauce and add chili if desired. Just before serving, add bean sprouts and fresh herbs for a burst of freshness.
Canh Chua Ca’s bright and tangy broth combined with tender fish and fresh herbs makes for a revitalizing soup. It’s perfect for those who enjoy light, balanced flavors with a touch of sweetness and acidity.
Bun Thang (Vietnamese Chicken and Egg Noodle Soup)
Bun Thang is a delicate and elegant Vietnamese noodle soup featuring thin rice vermicelli in a clear, fragrant broth with shredded chicken, thinly sliced omelet, and Vietnamese pork sausage. This soup is prized for its complex layering of flavors and textures, offering a light yet satisfying meal.
Ingredients
- Rice vermicelli noodles
- Chicken breast, shredded
- Thin omelet strips
- Vietnamese pork sausage (cha lua), sliced thin
- Chicken broth
- Dried shrimp paste (optional)
- Fresh herbs (cilantro, scallions)
- Lime wedges
Instructions
Prepare a clear chicken broth, seasoning with dried shrimp paste if desired. Cook rice vermicelli noodles and drain. Assemble bowls with noodles, shredded chicken, omelet strips, and sausage. Ladle hot broth over the top. Garnish with fresh herbs and serve with lime wedges.
Bun Thang is a harmonious blend of savory, sweet, and umami flavors with tender proteins and fresh herbs, making it a refined and comforting soup representative of Hanoi’s culinary heritage.
Chao Tom (Vietnamese Shrimp and Rice Porridge)
Chao Tom is a creamy Vietnamese rice porridge featuring minced shrimp mixed with garlic and seasonings, often served as a warm and comforting dish. While more porridge than soup, its soothing texture and savory shrimp make it a favorite comfort food.
Ingredients
- Jasmine rice
- Minced shrimp
- Garlic, minced
- Chicken broth
- Fish sauce
- Fresh herbs (cilantro, green onions)
- Fried shallots (optional)
Instructions
Cook rice with plenty of water until it breaks down into a smooth porridge. Cook minced shrimp with garlic separately. Stir shrimp into the porridge and season with fish sauce. Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs and fried shallots.
Chao Tom’s silky texture and delicate shrimp flavor make it a nourishing and satisfying dish, perfect for soothing the body and warming the soul on cool days.
Lau Thai (Vietnamese Hot Pot Soup)
Lau Thai is a flavorful Vietnamese hot pot inspired by Thai cuisine, featuring a spicy, sour broth made with lemongrass, chili, and tamarind. Diners cook fresh meats, seafood, and vegetables in the bubbling broth, creating an interactive and communal meal experience.
Ingredients
- Lemongrass stalks
- Tamarind paste
- Chili peppers
- Fish sauce
- Mixed meats and seafood (chicken, shrimp, fish)
- Fresh vegetables (mushrooms, bok choy, water spinach)
- Rice noodles or glass noodles
Instructions
Prepare the broth by simmering lemongrass, tamarind, chili, and fish sauce until aromatic and flavorful. Set the broth on a portable burner at the table. Add meats, seafood, and vegetables to cook in the simmering broth. Serve with cooked noodles and dipping sauces.
Lau Thai offers a lively and flavorful dining experience, combining spicy, sour, and savory notes with fresh ingredients. It’s perfect for gatherings where sharing warmth and delicious food brings everyone together.
Goi Ga (Vietnamese Chicken Noodle Soup)
Goi Ga is a light and refreshing Vietnamese chicken noodle soup that features shredded poached chicken served over thin rice noodles in a clear, aromatic broth. The dish is typically garnished with fresh herbs and a tangy dressing, making it both comforting and vibrant.
Ingredients
- Rice vermicelli noodles
- Poached chicken breast, shredded
- Chicken broth
- Lime juice
- Fish sauce
- Garlic, minced
- Fresh herbs (mint, cilantro, basil)
- Bean sprouts
Instructions
Cook rice vermicelli noodles according to package instructions and drain. Poach chicken breasts in simmering water, then shred the meat. Prepare a light broth with chicken stock, garlic, fish sauce, and lime juice. Place noodles and shredded chicken in bowls, pour the hot broth over, and garnish with fresh herbs and bean sprouts.
Goi Ga offers a delicate balance of savory and tangy flavors paired with fresh herbs, resulting in a clean and revitalizing soup that’s perfect for light meals or warmer weather.
Ca Kho To (Vietnamese Braised Fish Soup)
Ca Kho To is a savory Vietnamese braised fish dish often served as a flavorful soup when combined with broth. It features tender fish simmered in a caramelized sauce made with fish sauce, sugar, and spices, delivering rich, deep flavors.
Ingredients
- Firm white fish fillets
- Fish sauce
- Brown sugar
- Garlic, minced
- Black pepper
- Scallions
- Water or fish broth
Instructions
Caramelize brown sugar in a pot, then add garlic and fish sauce to create a rich sauce. Add fish fillets and gently simmer in the sauce with some water or fish broth until cooked through. Garnish with chopped scallions before serving. Serve as a soup by ladling the flavorful broth over steamed rice or noodles.
Ca Kho To offers a deep, sweet-savory flavor profile with tender fish, making it a comforting and indulgent dish that showcases traditional Vietnamese home cooking.
Hu Tieu Nam Vang (Vietnamese Phnom Penh Noodle Soup)
Hu Tieu Nam Vang is a popular Vietnamese noodle soup inspired by Cambodian cuisine, featuring a clear, savory broth with a mix of pork, shrimp, and quail eggs served over rice noodles. It’s known for its hearty ingredients and well-balanced flavors.
Ingredients
- Rice noodles
- Pork bones for broth
- Ground pork
- Shrimp, peeled
- Quail eggs, boiled
- Garlic, minced
- Fish sauce
- Bean sprouts
- Fresh herbs (cilantro, scallions)
Instructions
Simmer pork bones to prepare a rich broth. Cook ground pork and shrimp separately. Arrange noodles in bowls with pork, shrimp, and quail eggs. Pour hot broth over the noodles and garnish with bean sprouts and fresh herbs.
Hu Tieu Nam Vang is a satisfying noodle soup that combines diverse textures and flavors, offering a delicious cross-cultural experience between Vietnamese and Cambodian cuisines.
Bun Mang Vit (Vietnamese Duck Bamboo Shoot Soup)
Bun Mang Vit is a traditional Vietnamese noodle soup featuring tender duck meat and crunchy bamboo shoots in a clear, flavorful broth. This dish combines savory duck flavors with the unique texture of bamboo shoots, creating a rich yet refreshing soup experience.
Ingredients
- Duck meat, boiled and shredded
- Dried bamboo shoots, soaked and sliced
- Pork bones or chicken broth
- Garlic, minced
- Fish sauce
- Rice vermicelli noodles
- Fresh herbs (cilantro, green onions)
Instructions
Simmer pork bones or chicken broth with garlic and soaked bamboo shoots until tender. Add shredded duck meat and season with fish sauce. Cook rice vermicelli noodles separately and drain. Serve noodles in bowls, ladle the hot broth with duck and bamboo shoots over, and garnish with fresh herbs.
Bun Mang Vit’s combination of tender duck and crisp bamboo shoots in a savory broth offers a unique balance of textures and flavors, showcasing the depth and variety of Vietnamese cuisine.
Canh Chua Tom (Vietnamese Sour Shrimp Soup)
Canh Chua Tom is a bright and tangy sour soup featuring fresh shrimp, tamarind broth, pineapple, and a medley of vegetables. This soup is loved for its refreshing balance of sour, sweet, and savory notes, perfect for a light and flavorful meal.
Ingredients
- Fresh shrimp, peeled and deveined
- Tamarind paste
- Pineapple chunks
- Tomatoes, quartered
- Okra
- Bean sprouts
- Fish sauce
- Fresh herbs (Thai basil, sawtooth coriander)
- Chili peppers (optional)
Instructions
Simmer tamarind paste with water to create a sour broth. Add shrimp, pineapple, tomatoes, and okra, cooking until shrimp are tender and vegetables are soft. Season with fish sauce and add chili if desired. Just before serving, stir in bean sprouts and fresh herbs for brightness.
Canh Chua Tom’s vibrant flavors and fresh ingredients create a revitalizing soup that is both comforting and exciting, perfectly showcasing the bright, harmonious tastes of Vietnamese cuisine.
Lau Cai Chua (Vietnamese Sour Vegetable Hotpot)
Lau Cai Chua is a Vietnamese hotpot featuring a sour broth made with tamarind and a variety of fresh vegetables and meats cooked at the table. This communal dish is popular for its lively, tangy flavors and the fun of cooking your own ingredients in the flavorful broth.
Ingredients
- Tamarind paste
- Pork or chicken pieces
- Mixed vegetables (cabbage, tomatoes, pineapple, okra)
- Mushrooms
- Fish sauce
- Fresh herbs (cilantro, green onions)
- Rice noodles or glass noodles
Instructions
Prepare a tangy broth by simmering tamarind paste with water and fish sauce. Bring the broth to the table on a portable burner. Add meats and vegetables to the broth to cook, then serve with cooked rice or glass noodles. Garnish with fresh herbs and enjoy dipping sauces alongside.
Lau Cai Chua offers a lively and interactive dining experience with a perfect balance of sour and savory flavors. It’s ideal for sharing and enjoying fresh, vibrant Vietnamese ingredients together.
Conclusion
Vietnamese soups are more than just meals; they’re a comforting tradition passed down through generations. These 21+ recipes bring warmth, flavor, and a sense of home to your table, whether you’re cooking a quick weeknight dinner or hosting a special gathering. Their fresh ingredients and balanced flavors make them both satisfying and healthful, perfect for anyone seeking delicious, wholesome food. Keep this collection handy and dive into the comforting world of Vietnamese soups whenever hunger calls.
