Vietnamese vegetable soup: 13 options for satisfying and nutritious meals

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There are many variations of Vietnamese vegetable soups (Source: Collected)

Vietnamese vegetable soup is a type of Vietnamese soup, which is a vital component of every Vietnamese meal. If you are traveling to Vietnam, you must not miss out on them. They can give you unparalleled Vietnam travel experiences. In this guide, we will introduce you to 13 popular Vietnamese vegetable soups, so you can be on the lookout for them while exploring Vietnamese food.

1. Top 5 leaf-based variations of Vietnamese vegetable soup

1.1. Vietnamese malabar soup (Canh mong toi)

Canh mong toi is a popular leaf-based soup in Vietnamese cuisine. Malabar spinach is a green vegetable with heart-shaped leaves, used to make soup, stir-fries, or to garnish other Vietnamese vegetable dishes. Vietnamese malabar soup is usually cooked with other ingredients such as pork, shrimp, crab roe, and seasonings like salt, pepper, and fish sauce. It is often enjoyed in family meals along with white rice. The result is a refreshing soup that showcases the earthy notes of malabar leaves balanced by the savory broth and aromatic seasonings.

Canh mong toi, a beloved Vietnamese vegetable soup (Source: Collected)

1.2. Vietnamese mustard green soup (Canh cai be xanh)

Canh cai be xanh is another well-loved Vietnamese vegetable soup. The broth made from mustard green brings out its natural sweetness and makes the soup uniquely refreshing. This soup is typically seasoned with spices such as salt, pepper, fish sauce and may include the addition of ginger or garlic. Typically, canh cai be xanh also includes chicken, pork, or shrimp to enhance the flavor and nutritional content of the soup. Vietnamese families love this soup because it is healthy and also offers a palatable taste that is suitable for everyone.

1.3. Vietnamese watercress soup (Canh cai xoong)

Vietnamese watercress soup is a Vietnamese vegetable soup made from a type of vegetable called cai xoong. This leafy vegetable has a distinctive shape and a deep green color. The broth of the soup can be made from boiled chicken, boiled pork, or just vegetables. The cai xoong and broth are cooked together with other ingredients such as chicken, shrimp, or pork. Seasonings like salt, pepper, and fish sauce are added to taste. The result is a refreshing, sweet, and tender bowl that is well-complemented by white rice. 

Canh cai xoong – Vietnamese vegetable soup with watercress (Source: Collected)

1.4. Vietnamese amaranth soup (Canh rau den)

Vietnamese amaranth soup is a nutritious soup that features amaranth leaves as a key ingredient. Amaranth leaves, also known as rau den in Vietnamese, are dark green with a slightly peppery taste. To prepare the soup, the leaves are typically combined with other ingredients such as garlic, shallots, and sometimes tomatoes. Vietnamese amaranth soup is seasoned with fish sauce, salt, and pepper to enhance the overall taste. It is often served with steamed rice, offering a wholesome meal. 

1.5. Vietnamese soup with river-leaf creeper (Canh la giang)

Canh la giang is a Vietnamese vegetable soup made from a type of light green leaf with a round shape. This leaf has a refreshing taste and is widely used in cooking to create a sour flavor. To cook Vietnamese soup with river-leaf creeper, the leaves are washed, chopped, and simmered in a broth. The broth is usually made from boiled chicken or just vegetables depending on personal preferences. Canh la giang is often combined with chicken or shrimp to enhance its overall flavor. Like other Vietnamese vegetable soups, it is enjoyed alongside white rice. 

Canh la giang – a sour Vietnamese vegetable soup (Source: Collected)

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2. Vietnamese vegetable soup from vine vegetables

2.1. Vietnamese soup with sponge gourd (Canh muop)

Canh muop is a traditional Vietnamese soup made from sponge gourd. Sponge gourd has a round shape, is light green or white in color, and can be used for various dishes. This soup is light and easy-to-cook, so it is often favored in family meals. The sponge gourd, or muop in Vietnamese, is peeled and cut into small pieces, then simmered in a broth with meat or shrimp and onions. When the muop and meat/shrimp become tender, the soup is seasoned with salt, pepper, and other spices to taste.

2.2. Vietnamese zucchini soup (Canh bi xanh)

Canh bi xanh’s main ingredient is bi xanh, a type of squash with a sweet taste and smooth texture. To cook this Vietnamese vegetable soup, the bi xanh is peeled, cut into small pieces, and added to the broth, which is brought to a boil in a large pot. While waiting for the water to boil, minced pork or shrimp is sautéed with onions in a pan. Seasonings such as salt, pepper, and other spices can also be added to taste. Canh bi xanh is a common soup in the daily meals of Vietnamese people, often served with white rice. 

Canh bi xanh, a Vietnamese vegetable soup with zucchini (Source: Collected)

2.3. Vietnamese vegetable soup with tomato (Canh ca chua)

Canh ca chua is a popular soup in Vietnamese cuisine. To prepare it, tomatoes, eggs, and a few basic spices are used. First, the tomatoes are chopped or sliced. Then, they are sautéed in a pot with a little oil, along with spices such as garlic, salt, and pepper to enhance the flavor. Eggs are lightly beaten and poured into the pot with the tomatoes, creating egg strands within the soup. Canh ca chua has a fresh flavor from the tomatoes, combined with the goodness of eggs. This soup is often served with white rice, making it a light meal suitable for the whole family. 

2.4. Vietnamese pumpkin soup (Canh bi do)

Canh bi do is a hearty soup known for its eye-catching appearance. The pumpkin is peeled and cut into small square pieces, then cooked in a broth until it becomes tender and flavorful. Usually combined with pork or shrimp, canh bi do can be cooked in the clear broth or combined with other vegetables such as scallion. Thanks to the sweet taste and smooth texture of the pumpkin, this Vietnamese vegetable soup offers a pleasant flavor. Typically, it is served with white rice and other savory dishes in a Vietnamese meal. 

Pumpkin is one of the unique Vietnamese soup ingredients (Source: Collected)

2.5. Vietnamese soup with bitter gourd (Canh kho qua)

Canh kho qua is a Vietnamese vegetable soup made from bitter gourd (bitter melon), which has a slightly elongated shape, dark green color, and a bitter taste. Despite its bitterness, kho qua is appreciated in cooking, especially in soup dishes, as it brings a unique flavor. To cook canh kho qua, the bitter gourd is often sliced into thin rounds or squares and simmered in a broth. Minced pork or shrimp are added to make the soup sweet and easier to eat. Vietnamese soup with bitter gourd is believed to help lower blood sugar and support the digestive process.

>>> Explore: Vietnamese sweet and sour soup (Canh chua): A harmonious fusion of flavors

3. How to make Vietnamese soup from root vegetables?

3.1. Vietnamese vegetable soup with potato (Canh khoai tay)

Canh khoai tay is a soup made from potatoes, a well-known tuber with a sweet taste. To make canh khoai tay, the potatoes are washed, peeled, and sliced or cubed, then simmered in a broth. The broth can be made from boiled chicken, pork, or vegetables. Additionally, this soup can be supplemented with other ingredients such as carrots, onions, chicken, or pork, to enhance the flavor. Canh khoai tay typically has a natural sweetness from the potatoes. It not only provides abundant nutrients but also brings out the distinctive flavors of the ingredients, creating a balanced and delicious meal.

Canh khoai tay with starchy Vietnamese soup ingredients (Source: Collected)

3.2. Vietnamese soup with purple yam (Canh khoai mo)

Canh khoai mo is a visually-appealing Vietnamese vegetable soup. The star of this soup is purple yam, which is what gives it a bright color. Purple yam is elongated like a sweet potato but larger in size. When cooked, it is viscous in terms of texture. In canh khoai mo, the purple yam is complemented by ingredients such as pork, shrimp, cilantro, coriander, and seasonings like fish sauce, pepper, garlic, and onions to create a flavorful broth. Canh khoai mo is commonly served with white rice, contributing to a traditionally cozy meal.

3.3. Vietnamese vegetable soup with beetroot (Canh cu den)

Canh cu den is a well-known soup in Vietnamese cuisine, featuring a root vegetable (cu den) known for its sweet taste and red-purple hue. The natural sweetness of cu den takes center stage in this soup. Chicken, pork, or shrimp are commonly incorporated to elevate both the taste and nutritional content of the soup. Typically, the cu den is meticulously cleaned, peeled, and cut into thin slices or small cubes according to personal preference. Subsequently, it undergoes cooking until tender in a broth crafted from meat and an array of spices, resulting in a fully developed and flavorful dish.

Vietnamese vegetable broth in reddish purple (Source: Collected)

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To give these soups a try, make sure you explore Vietnam food tourism. Cities like Hanoi, Hoi An, Nha Trang, and Phu Quoc are great for finding Vietnamese vegetable soups. 

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Vietnamese vegetable soups, with their rich array of flavors, are a cornerstone in the tapestry of Vietnamese cuisine. From the heart-warming canh ca chua to the refreshing canh la giang, these soups encapsulate the essence of Vietnamese dining – nourishing both the body and the soul. As you embark on your culinary journey, may the exploration of these soups not only tantalize your taste buds but also deepen your appreciation for the cultural richness they bring to the table.