Asian noodle soups are a flavorful and comforting staple in many cuisines. From the rich broths of Japan’s ramen to the fragrant pho of Vietnam and the spicy laksa of Malaysia, each offers a unique blend of ingredients and spices. In this article, we’ll dive into the best Asian noodle soups that are loved for their rich broths and satisfying noodles.
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Pho (Vietnamese Beef Noodle Soup)
The first dish on this list is Pho – Vietnamese Beef Noodle Soup. It is listed as one of the best 20 soups in the world by CNN Travel. Originating in the early 20th century in Northern Vietnam, Pho has become a beloved staple. It typically consists of a flavorful broth, rice noodles, fresh herbs, and meat, often beef or chicken. The dish is known for its rich, aromatic broth and versatile ingredients.
Pho is more than just a meal; it is a cultural symbol in Vietnam. It is commonly enjoyed for breakfast but can be eaten at any time of day. This surprised me when I first came here. You can find this soup at street vendors and local restaurants, and each region of Vietnam has its variations, with different broths and toppings. If you love this dish, here is how to make Pho – Vietnamese Beef Noodle Soup.
Bun Rieu (Crab Paste Vermicelli Soup)
Among many Vietnamese soups I tried, Bun Rieu is the special one. This traditional Vietnamese noodle soup is characterized by its rich and tangy tomato-based broth, which is infused with the essence of freshwater crabs. This dish features rice vermicelli noodles topped with a mixture of minced crab, fried tofu, and various vegetables, such as water spinach and shredded banana flower.
Bun Bo Hue (Vietnamese Spicy Beef Noodle Soup)
When it comes to the best Asian noodle soups, most people immediately think of Pho. But for me, Bun Bo Hue, also known as Vietnamese Spicy Beef Noodle Soup, is even more delicious. This beef Asian noodle soup is known for its complex and bold flavors and spiciness. The use of shrimp paste and pork blood in some recipes adds unique flavors that may be unfamiliar but are integral to the traditional taste of the dish.
This hearty and spicy Asian noodle soup reflects the culinary heritage of Central Vietnam, making it a must-try for anyone interested in Vietnamese cuisine.
Soto Ayam
Soto ayam is a traditional Indonesian chicken soup that is renowned for its rich flavors and aromatic spices. It typically features a clear broth infused with turmeric, giving it a distinctive yellow color. This Asian chicken noodle soup is often prepared with a variety of ingredients, including chicken, hard-boiled eggs, glass noodles, and an assortment of fresh herbs and spices like lemongrass, shallots, and lime leaves.
Soto Ayam is not only popular in Indonesia but also enjoyed in neighboring countries like Malaysia and Singapore, where it has been adapted into local variations.
Mohinga (Burmese Fish Noodle Soup)
Mohinga is considered the national dish of Myanmar. It is a hearty fish soup made with a base of catfish and flavored with lemongrass, ginger, and garlic. The soup is typically thickened with chickpea flour and served over rice noodles, often garnished with boiled eggs, cilantro, and lime. This Asian noodle dish is commonly eaten for breakfast but can be enjoyed at any time of day, reflecting the rich culinary traditions of Myanmar.
Spicy Thai Prawn Noodle Soup
Spicy Thai prawn noodle soup is a vibrant and flavorful dish that showcases the essence of Thai cuisine. It typically features succulent prawns, rice noodles, and a rich broth infused with aromatic spices such as lemongrass, ginger, and chili. The soup is often enhanced with coconut milk, which adds creaminess and balances the heat from the spices.
This comforting dish is easy to prepare and delivers a delightful combination of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors, making it a popular choice for a satisfying meal. Here’s the recipe for Spicy Thai prawn noodle soup.
Tom Yum Noodle Soup
Tom Yum Noodle Soup, known as guay tiew tom yum in Thailand, is a beloved street food that features a spicy and sour broth, typically made with clear pork or chicken stock. This dish is distinct from the traditional Tom Yum soup, as it incorporates noodles and is often garnished with lime juice, roasted chili flakes, ground pork, and crushed peanuts, creating a rich blend of flavors. The soup is characterized by its balance of heat and tanginess, making it both comforting and invigorating.
Khao Soi (Thai coconut curry noodle soup)
Khao Soi is a traditional dish from Northern Thailand, known for its rich and creamy coconut curry broth. It typically features egg noodles, which are both boiled and crispy fried, providing a delightful contrast in texture. The dish is often garnished with pickled mustard greens, shallots, lime, and sometimes served with chicken or beef, making it a hearty and flavorful meal.
Lanzhou Beef Noodle Soup
Lanzhou Beef Noodle Soup is a famous dish from the Gansu province of China, known for its hand-pulled noodles and rich beef broth. The Chinese noodle soup features a flavorful broth made from stewed beef, spices, and sometimes chili oil, served with thick, chewy noodles and garnished with fresh herbs and vegetables.
Taiwanese Beef Noodle Soup
Taiwanese Beef Noodle Soup is another beloved Asian soup, characterized by its tender braised beef, flavorful broth, and wide, flat noodles. The broth is typically made with soy sauce, star anise, and various spices, resulting in a deep, savory flavor. Often served with pickled mustard greens and fresh cilantro, this dish is a comforting favorite in Taiwanese cuisine, enjoyed for its robust flavors and satisfying texture.
Ramen
Speaking of the best Asian noodle soups, Japanese noodle is a must. The first one is Ramen. Originating from Japan, this noodle soup consists of wheat noodles served in a meat or fish-based broth, often flavored with soy sauce or miso. The dish is typically topped with ingredients like sliced pork, nori (seaweed), green onions, and a soft-boiled egg.
Ramen has gained worldwide popularity, with numerous regional variations and styles, each offering a distinct flavor profile. If you want to make this soup, this is the Spicy Miso Ramen Soup with Vegetables recipe – a vegetarian Asian noodle soup.
Udon
Udon, another Japanese noodle dish, is characterized by its thick, chewy wheat noodles. Udon is usually served in a light broth made from dashi, soy sauce, and mirin, and can be enjoyed either hot or cold. The simplicity of udon allows for a variety of toppings, including tempura, green onions, and tofu, making it a versatile option in Japanese cuisine. You can check my Pork Udon Noodle Soup here.
Soba Noodle Soup
Soba noodle soup is a popular Japanese dish featuring buckwheat soba noodles in a savory broth. The broth is typically made from dashi, soy sauce, and mirin. Common toppings include sliced scallions, kamaboko fish cake, tempura shrimp, and blanched greens like spinach or bok choy.
This Asian noodle soup dish is a staple in Japanese cuisine and enjoyed year-round, but especially on New Year’s Eve. Here is the Kinoko Soba Noodle Soup recipe – a type of vegan Asian noodle soup.
Chicken Curry Laksa Soup
Chicken Curry Laksa Soup , commonly known simply as laksa, is a popular Malaysian dish characterized by its rich and spicy coconut milk broth. This comforting noodle soup typically features a base made from laksa paste, which includes ingredients like lemongrass, dried chilies, and shrimp paste. The soup is often served with chicken, tofu puffs, and rice noodles, garnished with fresh herbs and bean sprouts for added texture and flavor.
Jjamppong (Korean spicy noodle soup)
Jjamppong, or Jjampong, is a Korean spicy noodle soup known for its bold flavors and vibrant red broth. The dish combines a variety of seafood, including shrimp, mussels, and squid, with vegetables and chewy wheat noodles, all simmered in a spicy broth flavored with gochugaru (Korean chili powder) and seafood stock. Jjamppong is a popular comfort food in Korea, often enjoyed for its warming qualities and satisfying combination of ingredients.
Pancit Lomi
The last Asian noodle soup on our list is Pancit Lomi. This is a Filipino noodle dish that features thick egg noodles stir-fried with a mix of vegetables, meat (such as pork or chicken), and a rich, savory broth. This dish is known for its hearty texture and flavor, often enhanced with soy sauce and a touch of calamansi juice for a citrusy kick. Pancit Lomi is typically served during special occasions and gatherings, showcasing the celebratory spirit of Filipino cuisine.
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