I love soup because it's so convenient and left overs are always better. When I set out to make a Vietnamese soup, I wanted to make something that my husband has never tried before, something unique. This led me to the bitter melon soup. What is canh khổ qua (bitter melon soup)? Canh khổ qua … Continue reading Bitter Melon Soup (Canh Khổ Qua)

Canh chua in Vietnamese means sour soup, and chay means vegetarian. So canh chua chay translates to vegetarian sour soup. This soup originated from South Vietnam. Eating canh chua is like having an explosion of flavors in your mouth because you'll get the sour from the tamarind, the sweet from the pineapple, and the savory … Continue reading Vegetarian Sweet & Sour Soup (Canh Chua Chay)

What is canh bí đỏ? Canh in Vietnamese refers to any kind of soup, while bí đỏ means squash. So canh bí đỏ translates to squash soup. Now you're probably wondering...what kind of squash since there are many different varieties of squash. Well, traditionally, it's the Kabocha squash (a.k.a. Japanese pumpkin) that is used in … Continue reading Vietnamese Squash Soup (Canh Bí Đỏ)

Mì gói in Vietnamese refers to instant, ramen noodles. Although ramen noodles were invented by a Japanese inventor, Momofuku Ando, it is a well beloved dish in Vietnam, and is consumed for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Growing up in Vietnam, I remember just eating the dry noodles themselves as a snack. Looking back, not sure … Continue reading Healthy Chicken Ramen Noodle Soup (Mì Gói)

What is phở gà? What is your 'go to' soup for the fall and winter season?  For me, it's phở gà, and I make it at least once a week.  To me, phở gà is the Vietnamese version of chicken noodle soup that reminds me of my childhood. Now that fall is here and winter … Continue reading Chicken Noodle Soup (Phở Gà)

What is bún bò Huế? Bún bò Huế originated in Vietnam, more specifically from Huế.  Huế is a city in central Vietnam, once home to the Nguyễn Dynasty and the capital of Vietnam from 1802-1942.  The city of Huế was famous for its royal cuisine, which is rich in flavors and spices.  When translated to … Continue reading Beef Noodle Soup (Bún Bò Huế)