All About Súp Cua

Fact: Súp cua is a favorite option for breakfast in Vietnam.

#59 in Vietnam

Súp Cua: Basic Information

Pronunciation

soop kwaa

Alternative Name(s)

Dish Type

Soups

Course

Appetizer, Main Course

Mealtime

Anytime

Súp Cua: Origin and Region

Origin

Vietnam

Continent’s Region

Southeast Asia

Country’s Region

Nationwide Origin

Associated Region

Unspecified

Popular Súp Cua Variations

Súp Cua Nấm

Súp Cua Óc Heo

Súp Cua Măng Tây

Súp Cua Tóc Tiên

Súp Cua Trứng Bắc Thảo

Súp Cua Gà

Súp Cua Bong Bóng Cá

Súp Cua Thập Cẩm

Súp Măng Cua

Súp Cua: Ingredients and Preparation

Main Ingredients

Crab meat, eggs, corn, broth, and tapioca flour

Main Cooking Method

Simmering

Preparation Process

Start by simmering the chicken stock, adding the crab meat, corn, and beaten eggs, thickening the soup with tapioca flour and seasoning it, and then garnishing with green onions and cilantro.

Súp Cua: A Deep Dive

Cultural Significance

A common comforting food in Vietnam

Taste

Savory

Texture

Thick

Aroma

Varies based on ingredients

Color

Usually a pale yellow

Serving Style

In a bowl

Serving Temperature

Hot

Accompaniment

No accompaniment

Occasions

On any occasions

Seasons

Year-round

Special Diets

Gluten-free

Calories

On any occasions

Popularity

Throughout Vietnam, especially in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City

Popular Similar Dishes

Corn Crab Soup
Bisque
Chowder

Popular Dining Area

Local family homes, street food stalls, and restaurants

Súp cua, literally ‘crab soup’, is a Vietnamese dish typically made with crab meat and eggs, then thickened with tapioca flour. The result is a thick yet tasty soup, which is a favorite street food in Vietnam.

Súp cua is also available in various styles with additional ingredients; for example, corn, finely shredded chicken, quail eggs, or thinly sliced mushrooms. The soup is garnished with chopped cilantro and green onions.

In Vietnam, súp cua is not only a comforting soup; it can also be an ideal appetizer or main dish in many Vietnamese meals or as a popular street food choice. It is an easy recipe that many can prepare at home, too!

So follow me to learn more about this classic Vietnamese soup regarding its well-known variations, how to make it, where to enjoy súp cua in Vietnam, and its pros and cons while relishing the soup.

There are also some commonly asked queries about súp cua to expand your knowledge about it. Finally, don’t skip on its similar delights in other countries.

Key Points

Súp cua is a thick soup made with crab meat, eggs, corn, and broth, thickened with tapioca flour.
Súp cua is a popular Vietnamese breakfast, appetizer, main dish, or street food.
It is simple to prepare at home with diverse variations.
Saigon and Hanoi, two big cities in Vietnam, are the best places to enjoy súp cua.

What Are Popular Variations of Súp Cua?

Besides the above main ingredient, súp cua can be made with other foods to create several varieties. The following table shows nine common varieties of súp cua.

Súp Cua Nấm

A soup featuring crab and mushrooms.

Súp Cua Óc Heo

A soup including crab and soft pork brain.

Súp Cua Măng Tây

A crab soup with asparagus.

Súp Cua Tóc Tiên

A crab soup with fat choy, known for its hair-like texture.

Súp Cua Trứng Bắc Thảo

A crab soup featuring century egg, known for dark-colored eggs with a pungent and complex taste.

Súp Cua Gà

A combination of crab and shredded chicken meat in a soup.

Súp Cua Bong Bóng Cá

A crab soup with fish maw with a gelatinous texture.

Súp Cua Thập Cẩm

A medley of various ingredients mixed with crab in soup.

Exploring the popular variations of súp cua reveals the dish’s versatility, now let’s pay attention to the simplicity of creating this comforting soup in your own kitchen.

How to Make Súp Cua at Home?

Súp cua is an easy treat to make at home. Here is a general guide to make it.

Step1: Broth Preparation

Start with a base of chicken or vegetable broth and bring it to a simmer.

Step 2: Adding Crab and Other Ingredients

Stir in crab meat, ensuring it’s broken into delicate pieces or chunks.

Step 3: Adding Eggs

Create egg ribbons by slowly pouring beaten eggs into the hot soup while stirring.

Step 4: Thickening the Soup

Use a mixture of cornstarch and water to thicken the broth to a silky consistency.

Step 5: Seasoning the Soup

Add salt, pepper, and a bit of sugar. Taste to adjust.

Step 6: Garnishing and Serving the Soup

Garnish it with chopped green onions and cilantro, and serve hot.

Once you’ve known the making process of Vietnamese crab soup, you might be curious to compare it with the authentic flavors found in its country of origin.

Where to Eat Súp Cua in Vietnam?

Discovering the places to savor súp cua in Vietnam is the best way to enjoy its authentic flavors. Though the treat can be found across the country, two bustling cities, like Saigon and Hanoi, are the greatest choices. Below are some good addresses to try súp cua.

In Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City)

Súp cua chợ Hồ Thị Kỷ
Address: 68/4 Hồ Thị Kỷ street, District 10, Ho Chi Minh City
Opening time: 2:30 PM to 6 PM
Súp cua bong bóng cá
Address: 239 Lương Nhữ Học street, District 5, Ho Chi Minh City
Opening time: 11 AM to 7 PM
Súp cua nhà thờ Đức Bà
Address: No. 86 Nguyễn Du street, Bến Nghé Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
Opening time: 11 AM to 9 PM

In Hanoi

Súp cua Hoa
Address: 75 P. Ô Chợ Dừa, Chợ Dừa, Đống Đa District, Hanoi
Opening time: 9 AM to 10:30 PM
Súp cua trứng bắc thảo Tôn Đức Thắng
Address: No. 162E Tôn Đức Thắng street, Đống Đa District
Opening time: 9:30 AM to 12 AM (Midnight)
Súp cua Chị Bụi
Address: 108 Yên Lãng street, Đống Đa District and 44 Nguyễn Trường Tộ street, Ba Đình District
Opening time: 9 AM to 10 PM

After exploring the best spots to enjoy crab soup in Vietnam’s major cities, let’s now examine the benefits and drawbacks of indulging in it.

Pros and Cons of Eating Súp Cua

It’s time to check the advantages and potential downsides of súp cua, as outlined in the detailed table below.

Pros

Rich Flavor: Súp Cua offers a delicious blend of sweet crab and corn, often enhanced with a variety of seasonings.
Comforting: It’s a warm, comforting dish that can be particularly soothing in cold weather or when you’re feeling under the weather.
Versatile: Súp Cua can be enjoyed as a starter or street food and can be easily adjusted to suit personal tastes.

Cons

Dietary Restrictions: Not suitable for those on a vegetarian or vegan diet due to the crab meat.
Allergens: Crab is a potential allergen for many people.

Ultimately, don’t miss out on any diners’ other concerns about this crab soup of Vietnam in the next section.

Súp Cua FAQs

Yes, by omitting the crab meat and using vegetable stock, you can create a vegetarian version of this soup.

Yes, imitation crab meat can be used as a substitute, although it will alter the traditional taste and texture of the soup.

It can be considered a healthy dish as it typically contains a good balance of protein from the crab meat, vitamins and minerals from any added vegetables, and is relatively low in fat. However, its healthiness can vary depending on the recipe and preparation methods.

It can be made gluten-free by ensuring that all ingredients, including the starch, are free from gluten contamination. However, traditional recipes may not be gluten-free due to the inclusion of ingredients like soy sauce, which often contains gluten.

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Truc Tran (Kris)

Senior Food Editor

Expertise

Home Cooking, Meal Planning, Recipe Development, Baking and Pastry, Food Editor, Cooking-video Maker, Vietnamese Food Evaluation Expert

Education

Hospitality (Commercial Cookery) at TasTAFE
Culinary Arts at Kendall College (Australia Branch in Sydney)
Vietnamese Cuisine Head Chef at HNAAu School (Vietnam, International Joint Training Program)

Truc Tran (Kris), an experienced food writer and editor, is great at exploring and describing global cuisines, from simple street food to fancy dining. In her writing, she skillfully mixes different flavors, cooking methods, and culinary traditions, showing the unique character of various cultures through their food and drinks. On azcuisines.com, Kris highlights her knowledge, especially in Asian cuisine and worldwide traditional dishes.