Vietnamese duck noodle soup (mi vit tiem): an unmissable culinary marvel

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A delicious bowl of duck noodle soup (Source: Collected)

Vietnamese duck noodle soup is a highly recommended culinary creation to indulge in, whether you are a food enthusiast or a traveler who wishes to learn more about Vietnamese food culture. Featuring a highly nutritious broth enriched by tender duck meat and aromatized with various fragrant herbs, this dish promises a hearty and satisfying dining experience.

1. What makes Vietnamese duck noodle soup a culinary delight?

Vietnamese duck soup is a beloved dish, and the addition of noodles makes the dish even more enticing with extra textures (Source: Collected)

Vietnamese duck noodle soup (mi vit tiem) is a distinctive noodle dish originating from the Chinese community in Cho Lon, Saigon, which evolved through cultural exchanges with the local Vietnamese population in the southern region. It was adapted to suit the palate of the Saigonese and Cho Lon residents, reflecting a fusion of culinary traditions and tastes. In the present day, you can easily enjoy this special cuisine in various restaurants around Sai Gon.

The Vietnamese duck noodle soup stands out for its chewy noodle strands, accompanied by tender stewed duck, fresh bok choy, and shiitake mushrooms, all bathed in a flavorful broth infused with an array of herbs. The richness of the broth derives from a blend of spices used in stewing the duck, complemented by the sweetness of arhat fruit, rock sugar, and Chinese foxglove, resulting in an irresistible aroma. Prior to stewing, the duck is fried to achieve an added crispy texture, enhancing the overall dining experience.

>>> Discover more: Vietnamese noodles: The quintessence of Vietnamese cuisine

2. The classic Vietnamese duck noodle soup recipe

2.1. Preparation for mi vit tiem

Various herbs are used in making this flavorful dish (Source: Collected)

The Vietnamese duck noodle soup ingredients consist of duck thighs and pork bones for stewing the broth. Different herbs are used for creating aromatic fragrances, namely ginger, arhat fruit, cloves, lemon grass, shallot, shiitake mushroom, Chinese foxglove, cinnamon, Sichuan pepper, galangal, tangerine skin, etc. And of course, fresh noodles are indispensable.

Preparing the herbs and spices is crucial to making the distinctive broth of mi vit tiem. This process involves mincing the ginger with salt, then combining the mixture with white wine. Rinse the shiitake mushroom and dried tangerine skin, and crush the arhat fruit. The cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, and Sichuan pepper should be toasted until fragrant, while the shallot, sliced galangal, and sliced lemon grass are fried to release all their essences.

To create a flavorful broth, rinse the pork bones thoroughly and then boil them for 1 hour and 30 minutes before adding the fried spices. Continue boiling the broth for another 30 minutes.

Lastly, rub the duck thighs with salt and leave for 10 minutes before marinating them with the ginger-salt-white wine mixture for 30 minutes.

2.2. Cooking mi vit tiem

After being marinated, duck thighs are fried until golden brown on all sides, then boiled in clean water for about 5 minutes. When the pork bone broth is ready, duck thighs are added in along with the remaining herb mixture and shiitake mushroom. Leave the broth to boil for another 30 minutes, after which seasoning powder and dark soy sauce are added. 

The dish is served with poached noodles and bok choy in a bowl, topped with tender duck thighs and shiitake mushrooms, submerged in the delightful and nutritious broth.

Vietnamese duck noodle soup is the result of a meticulous process (Source: Collected)

2.3. Notes related to mi vit tiem recipe

The perfect Vietnamese duck noodle soup features a light and fragrant taste, influenced by nutritious medicinal herbs that will make your mouth water. If you are looking to replicate this special delicacy, there are a few guidelines you can follow to ensure a favorable outcome: 

• While boiling the pig bones, skim off the foam regularly for a clearer broth.
• Thoroughly remove the fat in the duck thighs to minimize odors.
• To adjust the sweetness of the broth, you can adjust the amount of Chinese foxgloves added.
• The medicinal herbs should not be added to the boiled broth too soon, or they might not keep their fragrance.
• If duck thigh is not available, you can use chicken instead.

>>> Check out: Vietnam rice noodle recipes: Detailed guides for each dish

3. Other variations of Vietnamese duck noodle soup

3.1. Vietnamese roasted duck noodle soup (mi tiem vit quay)

Roasted duck brings extra flavor and crispiness to this tempting dish (Source: Collected)

There are different Vietnamese duck recipes that offer delicious and distinct tastes. Roasted duck is a delightful alternative to traditional Vietnamese duck noodle soup, boasting extra crispiness and flavor. The preparation remains largely similar, with the main difference being the incorporation of roasted duck in place of traditionally stewed duck.

After simmering the broth until it is enriched with flavors and nutrients from herbs, the roasted duck is added and stewed for approximately 30 minutes to infuse its delicious essence. When served, the tender duck thigh, complemented by delightful and aromatic Chinese herbs, promises to tantalize your taste buds.

3.2. Vietnamese vegetarian duck noodle soup (mi tiem chay)

The vegetarian version retains the essence of Vietnamese duck noodle soup while still boasting plenty of nutritional values (Source: Collected)

The vegetarian version of Vietnamese duck noodle soup is a delightful option for those abstaining from meat. Instead of duck thigh, tofu serves as the main ingredient, along with tofu skin, lotus root, and other common herbs found in the traditional recipe.

The cooking process for the broth largely mirrors that of the traditional version, with the main distinction lying in the choice of ingredients. Tofu skins are marinated in a blend of minced ginger, seasoning powder, soy sauce, and cinnamon wine, then fried until golden brown. Tofu is similarly cut into small pieces and fried before being added to the noodle soup, with the tofu skins arranged on top for a delectable presentation.

4. Where to enjoy the best Vietnamese duck noodle soup?

Vietnamese duck noodle soup restaurants attract many food enthusiasts (Source: Collected)

You can find a flavorful bowl of Vietnamese duck noodle soup in various parts of Vietnam, but the most authentic and complete flavor is often found in Sai Gon, where this enticing culinary creation originated many years ago. There are many famous restaurants that you can visit for an enjoyable meal:

• Loc Ky Restaurant: Residing at 106 Le Van Duyet Street, Ward 1, Binh Thanh District, Loc Ky’s duck noodle soup is famous for its light fragrance from natural herbs that attracts many locals and tourists. The restaurant also serves a wide range of Chinese dim sums.
• Hai Ky Mi Gia Restaurant: Located at 349A Nguyen Trai Street, Ward 7, District 5, Hai Ky Mi Gia has been long renowned among food enthusiasts in Sai Gon, drawing numerous locals and tourists with their signature duck noodles.
• Hong Ky Mi Gia Restaurant: You can visit this restaurant at 947 Hoang Sa Street, Ward 11, District 3. Customers dining here will have the chance to savor sumptuous dishes enriched with Chinese influence, generous in both nutritional value and flavor.
• Din Chon Mi Gia Restaurant: Din Chon Mi Gia is a famous traditional Chinese noodle restaurant, located at 447 Nguyen Kiem Street, Ward 3, Phu Nhuan District. Their signature noodles deliver rich flavors at a reasonable price, ensuring a memorable and pleasant experience for all customers.
• Luong Ky Mi Gia Restaurant: Luong Ky Mi Gia, situated at 1 Huynh Man Dat Street, Ward 19, Binh Thanh District, has become famous for their high-quality noodles that can easily get you full with a large serving, featuring tender duck thigh and a rich broth.

>>> Don’t miss: Restaurants in Vietnam: Top picks for diverse dining

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Vietnamese duck noodle soup stands as an unmissable culinary marvel during your visit to Vietnam. With its high nutritional value and complex layers of flavors, this delightful dish tantalizes the taste buds with tender duck thigh and fragrant Chinese herbs. Representing a seamless blend between Vietnam and China’s diverse culinary cultures, this noodle soup promises an unmatched and appetizing experience that will leave you craving more.

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