Vietnamese crab soup (sup cua) – a nutritious street food delight

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Vietnamese crab soup recipes vary from rustic to more sophisticated ones (Source: Collected)

Vietnamese crab soup, a beloved classic in Vietnamese food, has rich flavors and nutritious ingredients. It is no wonder that this soup has won the hearts and palates of many people. Explore this article to discover all there is to know about crab soup, along with some simple recipes to prepare this delightful dish.

1. Things to know about Vietnamese crab soup ingredients

Vietnamese street food is always a standout, leaving a strong impression. Among them, Vietnamese crab meat soup (sup cua) is one of the street foods that the people of Saigon love and has gradually spread to other provinces and cities. Along the streets of Saigon, it is not hard to come across stalls selling crab soup that is truly intertwined with Saigon’s daily life. You can enjoy a hot bowl of crab soup from the early morning until late at night. 

The Vietnamese crab soup ingredients are diverse, including crab meat, chicken, corn, quail eggs, shiitake mushrooms, and carrots. The rich and sweet flavor of the broth blends perfectly with the fresh ingredients. Cornstarch contributes to the soup’s thick texture, while the soft egg threads and the spicy pepper add a hint of an irresistible aroma and a warm, satisfying feeling in your stomach after indulging in this delicious dish.

Vietnamese crab soup ingredients are diverse and delicious (Source: Collected)

>>> Discover: Vietnamese street food: 15 good-tasting dishes that can be hardly ignored

2. How healthy is Vietnamese crab soup?

Crab soup, with its balanced and diverse combination of ingredients, is a highly nutritious dish when prepared and consumed correctly. Eating crab soup is beneficial for digestion as it is rich in fiber from vegetables and is in a liquid form, making it easily digestible. Furthermore, the soup is a rich source of calcium from crab meat, which helps prevent bone-related diseases. Regular consumption of crab soup also aids in preventing other potential health risks, such as cancer, obesity, and diabetes.

Vietnamese crab soup calories are low but high in nutrition (Source: Collected)

>>> Read more: Healthiest Vietnamese dishes: 12 of the must-tries to include in your balanced meals

3. How to make Vietnamese crab soup? – Top 4 popular recipes

If you want to showcase your skills in making delicious crab soup to treat your loved ones, don’t miss these 4 easy Vietnamese crab soup recipes below!

3.1. Vietnamese crab soup with pork brain (sup cua oc heo)

Vietnamese crab corn soup with pork brain is a dish that offers various health benefits. The richness of the pork brain adds a unique flavor to the dish.

Ingredients:

• 100 grams of crab meat
• 100 grams of pork brain
• 300 grams of chicken bones
• 1 chicken egg
• 15 quail eggs
• Shiitake mushrooms, carrot, sweet corn kernels, 
• Tapioca starch, pepper, seasoning (fish sauce, salt)

Instructions:

• Rinse the pork brains with diluted salt water, steam them, and then dice them.
• Soak shiitake mushrooms in warm water, rinse, drain, and cut into strips. Cut carrots into small cubes.
• Boil corn kernels and quail eggs until cooked, then peel the quail eggs.
• Blanch the chicken bones in boiling water to remove all impurities, then simmer to make a savory broth. Add the corn kernels, mushrooms, carrots, crab meat, pork brains, and quail eggs to the pot and cook.
• Gradually add tapioca starch, stirring well, and continue cooking until thickened. Beat the egg yolks, add them to the soup, and stir quickly. Adjust the seasoning to taste, and serve in bowls with a sprinkle of pepper.

Vietnamese crab meat soup with pork brain (Source: Collected)

3.2. Vietnamese crab soup with century egg (sup cua trung bac thao)

Vietnamese crab meat soup with century eggs is a popular Vietnamese street food in Ho Chi Minh City. The distinctive taste of century eggs makes this crab soup dish particularly intriguing.

Ingredients:

• 200 grams of crab meat
• 3 century eggs, 6 quail eggs, 1 chicken egg
• 100 grams of chicken breast
• 300 grams of chicken bones, shiitake mushrooms, carrot, sweet corn kernels, tapioca starch
• Pepper, seasoning (fish sauce, salt)

Instructions:

• Blanch chicken bones in boiling water, then simmer to create the broth.
• Boil the chicken breast, then shred it into small pieces.
• Cook sweet corn kernels and quail eggs, and peel quail eggs. Clean and chop carrots and mushrooms.
• Add crab meat, chicken breast, quail eggs, carrots, mushrooms, sweet corn kernels, and century eggs to the chicken broth.
• Beat the fresh eggs and add them to the soup. Add your cornstarch slurry to thicken the soup (a mixture of cornstarch and some water), and adjust the seasoning to taste. When serving, garnish with a bit of black pepper and fresh herbs.

Century eggs add a unique flavor to the crab soup (Source: Collected)

3.3. Vietnamese crab soup with asparagus (sup cua mang tay)

The Vietnamese crab asparagus soup recipe is not only a delicious appetizer found on the menus of many restaurants but is also a popular choice for breakfast.

Ingredients: 

• 200 grams of crab meat
• 1 chicken egg
• 10 quail eggs
• 100 grams of asparagus
• 500 grams of chicken bones
• 100 grams of chicken
• Tapioca starch, pepper, seasoning (fish sauce, salt)

Instructions:

• Rinse the asparagus and cut it into 2-3 centimeter-long pieces.
• Blanch chicken bones in boiling water, then simmer to create a flavorful broth.
• Boil the quail eggs and peel them.
• Cook the chicken in water or broth until done, then shred it finely.
• Add asparagus, crab meat, chicken, and quail eggs to the broth and cook. Pour the egg yolks into the soup and stir quickly. Dissolve cornstarch in water and add it to the soup. Adjust the seasoning to taste before serving.

Vietnamese crab asparagus soup recipe is suitable for kids (Source: Collected)

3.4. Vietnamese crab soup with abalone (sup cua bao ngu)

Abalone is a rare and nutritious ingredient that, when combined with crab soup, is suitable for nourishing your family, especially those who are ill.

Ingredients: 

• 1 abalone
• 200 grams of crab meat
• 200 grams of shrimp
• 5 shiitake mushrooms
• 500 grams of chicken bones
• 2 chicken eggs
• Tapioca starch, pepper, seasoning (fish sauce, salt)

Instructions:

• Peel and clean the shrimp, then boil and chop them into small pieces.
• Blanch chicken bones in boiling water, then simmer to create a flavorful broth.
• Clean and slice the abalone and shiitake mushrooms.
• Add shrimp, crab meat, abalone, and mushrooms to the broth, seasoning to taste. Dissolve tapioca starch in water, then add it to the soup and mix thoroughly.
• Beat the egg yolks, add them to the soup, and stir quickly. Once everything is cooked, serve the soup in bowls, garnish with a bit of pepper and herbs, and enjoy.

This Vietnamese seafood soup recipe is so hearty and comforting (Source: Collected)

>>> Explore: Vietnamese Vegetables: TOP exotic vegetables you must try while in Vietnam

4. Where to eat Vietnamese crab soup on your trip?

Travelers can easily find crab soup restaurants in most destinations in Vietnam. However, the most common places to find them are in the two major cities, Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. Let’s explore some Vietnamese crab soup restaurants to enjoy.

4.1. Vietnamese crab soup restaurants in Hanoi

If you are visiting Hanoi and craving crab soup, head to these three recommended spots:

• Hoa’s Crab Soup: No. 75, O Cho Dua Street, Dong Da District. This is the most famous crab soup restaurant in Hanoi.
• Ty Be’s Crab Soup: No. 881 Tam Trinh Street, Hoang Mai District. This restaurant offers a variety of delicious crab soup options.
• GA Crab Soup: No. 8A, Lane 91, Chua Lang Street, Dong Da District. This eatery serves crab soup along with various tasty snacks.

4.2. Vietnamese crab soup restaurants in Ho Chi Minh City

The crab soup eatery near Notre Dame Cathedral attracts many people (Source: Collected)

When in Ho Chi Minh City, the place where crab soup is most beloved, don’t miss these restaurants:

• Moc’s Crab Soup: No. 625A Cach Mang Thang Tam Street, District 10. Though Moc’s is a relatively new crab soup restaurant, it is popular among the younger crowd for its diverse and delicious flavors.
• Notre Dame Cathedral Crab Soup: No. 16/20 Le Quy Don Street, Phu Nhuan District. This is a longstanding crab soup eatery in the city, frequented by both tourists and locals, where you can enjoy crab soup and admire the solemn beauty of the Notre Dame Cathedral.
• Bong’s Crab Soup: No. 59C Mac Dinh Chi Street, District 1. This crab soup restaurant leaves a strong impression with its meticulous attention to each recipe, packaging, and service.

>>> Must read: Restaurants in Vietnam: TOP 32+ recommendations for various choices

After exploring the diversity and deliciousness of Vietnamese crab soup, start planning your Vietnam travel itinerary to uncover the unique culinary aspects of this country. When you do, don’t forget to include some of the top destinations in Vietnam, such as Hanoi, Hoi An, Nha Trang, and Phu Quoc. 

While visiting these cities, be sure to unwind at VinWonders Hanoi, VinKE & Vinpearl Aquarium, VinWonders Nam Hoi An, VinWonders Nha Trang, and VinWonders Phu Quoc. These vibrant entertainment complexes in Vietnam offer water parks, thrilling games, lively festivals, and a wide range of cultural activities, providing you with an unforgettable vacation experience.

Spending time relaxing with friends and family at VinWonders is a must-try experience

>>> Book tickets to VinWonders Phu Quoc, Nha Trang, Nam Hoi An, VinKE & Vinpearl Aquarium, and VinWonders Hanoi and create lifetime memories with your loved ones!

Vietnamese crab soup, with its diversity, from Vietnamese crab egg drop soup to Vietnamese crab and corn soup, stands as a testament to the rich culinary heritage of Vietnam. It delivers a delicious and nourishing experience that transcends borders. Its unique flavors and cultural significance make it a must-try dish for anyone seeking to savor the essence of Vietnamese cuisine.