Thick Noodle Soup – A Taste of the Sea in Every Bowl

When it comes to Ninh Thuan cuisine, people often think of fresh seafood, sun-drenched vineyards, and local specialties deeply influenced by the coastal lifestyle. Among these delicacies, Ninh Thuan Thick Noodle Soup (Banh Canh) stands out as a simple yet flavorful dish, capturing the essence of Vietnam’s central coastal region.

This dish may seem ordinary at first glance, but every bowl tells a story of fresh ingredients, meticulous preparation, and the warmth of the local people.

1. What Makes It Special?

Thick noodle soup exists in many regions of Vietnam, but each area adds its own unique touch. While the Mekong Delta’s Banh Canh features a sweet broth from freshwater fish, and the Southern version often has a thick, gravy-like texture, this noodle soup is all about fresh seafood, a clear and flavorful broth, and chewy noodles.

Key highlights of Ninh Thuan Thick Noodle Soup:

• Rich seafood-based broth made from fresh fish bones, shrimp, and local spices.
• Handmade noodles (rice flour or tapioca-based) that are soft, chewy, and slightly translucent.
• Fried and steamed fish cakes, a signature topping made from freshly caught fish.
• Toppings like shrimp, crab, and fish fillet, adding extra depth to the flavor.
• Fragrant herbs and condiments like spring onions, pepper, and spicy fish sauce, enhancing the overall experience.

This dish perfectly reflects Ninh Thuan’s coastal identity, blending the ocean’s freshness with a simple yet refined cooking style.

2. How Ninh Thuan Thick Noodle Soup is Made

Although Ninh Thuan Thick Noodle Soup is considered a humble dish, preparing it requires skill and patience to achieve the perfect balance of flavors.

🍲 Main Ingredients:

• Noodles: Made from rice flour or tapioca flour, slightly chewy but not overly soft.
• Broth: Simmered from fish bones, pork bones, or dried shrimp for natural sweetness.
• Fish cakes: A mix of steamed and fried fish cakes, usually made from mackerel, barracuda, or scad.
• Seafood toppings: Shrimp, crab, and fish fillet add an authentic coastal flavor.

• Condiments: Premium fish sauce, fresh chilies, black pepper, and spring onions enhance the taste.

👨‍🍳 Cooking Process:

• 1️⃣ Making the Broth – Fish bones or pork bones are slow-cooked for 2-3 hours, infused with grilled onions and ginger to remove any fishy smell.
• 2️⃣ Preparing the Noodles – Freshly made rice or tapioca noodles are cooked and briefly rinsed in cold water to maintain their elasticity.
• 3️⃣ Making Fish Cakes – Fresh fish is blended with spices and divided into two types: one steamed and the other fried to a golden crisp.
• 4️⃣ Serving the Dish – The noodles are placed in a bowl, topped with fish cakes, shrimp, and crab, then drenched in hot broth and finished with a dash of fragrant fish sauce.

3. A Bowl of Thick Noodle Soup – A Warm Taste of the Sea

The defining characteristic of Ninh Thuan Thick Noodle Soup is its naturally sweet and umami-rich broth, thanks to fresh seafood. Unlike other noodle soups, this dish does not rely heavily on artificial seasonings, allowing the true flavors of the ingredients to shine through.

On a cool morning in Ninh Thuan, sitting at a small street-side eatery and enjoying a steaming bowl of Banh Canh, you’ll experience the perfect harmony of ocean flavors, chewy noodles, and aromatic fish cakes.

Each spoonful brings a gentle yet powerful taste of the sea, making it a must-try dish for travelers looking to explore authentic Vietnamese cuisine.

4. Where to Try the Best Banh Canh in Ninh Thuan?

If you’re visiting Phan Rang – Ninh Thuan, here are some of the best places to enjoy Banh Canh:

• Banh Canh Be – Kinh Dinh, Phan Rang-Thap Cham, Ninh Thuan (natural sweetness, homemade noodles).
• Banh Canh Nhuong – 284 Ngo Gia Tu, Tan Tai, Phan Rang-Thap Cham, Ninh Thuan (rich broth, well-seasoned fish cakes).
• Banh Canh Chi Huong – H276+MCC, Nguyen Khoi, My Hai, Phan Rang-Thap Cham, Ninh Thuan (diverse toppings, crispy fish cakes).

Each eatery has its specialty, but they all share the commitment to using fresh, locally sourced seafood.

5. Why You Should Try Banh Canh When Visiting Ninh Thuan

• A unique local dish that reflects the coastal culture.
• Fresh, high-quality ingredients, especially the handmade fish cakes.
• Affordable and widely available, from street vendors to family-run restaurants.

Ninh Thuan Thick Noodle Soup is not just a dish—it’s an expression of the region’s identity. Every bowl carries the flavors of the ocean, the warmth of the locals, and the simplicity of a life connected to the sea.

If you are a food lover exploring Vietnam’s hidden gems, make sure to add Ninh Thuan Thick Noodle Soup to your must-try list! 🚀🍜

💬 Have you ever tried Ninh Thuan Thick Noodle Soup? Share your experience in the comments! 😊