The Best Vietnamese Soups to Pair with Grilled Meat

Vietnamese cuisine is renowned for its diverse flavors, textures, and harmonious balance between fresh herbs, spices, and proteins. When it comes to pairing grilled meat with soup, the options are plentiful, offering varying flavor profiles and warmth. Here are some of the best Vietnamese soups to complement grilled meat dishes.

1. Pho
One of the most iconic Vietnamese soups, pho is a fragrant noodle soup typically made with beef or chicken broth. The aromatic broth, garnished with cilantro, lime, and chili, pairs beautifully with grilled meat, especially grilled beef skewers. The rich flavors of the grilled meat enhance the subtle spices of the pho, making it a perfect combination.

2. Bun Bo Hue
This spicy beef noodle soup from the central region of Vietnam features thick rice noodles and a fragrant broth infused with lemongrass and chili. When enjoyed alongside grilled pork or beef, the soup's bold flavors enhance the smoky sweetness of the grilled meats, creating a satisfying meal.

3. Canh Chua
Canh chua is a sour soup commonly made with tamarind, pineapple, and fresh herbs, often featuring fish or shrimp. The tangy notes of this soup create a delightful contrast with grilled meats, particularly tangy grilled chicken. The fresh herbs in canh chua underscore the flavors of the grilled protein, bringing a refreshing balance to the meal.

4. Hu Tieu
This versatile soup includes a variety of ingredients, such as rice noodles, proteins, and a flavorful broth that can be both clear and rich. Grilled meat, especially shrimp or pork, complements the light yet savory broth, while the noodles add a comforting texture. A squeeze of lime over the top brightens the dish further.

5. Mien Luon
Made from glass noodles and typically featuring eel, mien luon is a soup that combines various flavors in one bowl. When paired with grilled meats, such as shrimp or pork, the tenderness of the grilled meat contrasts nicely with the chewy glass noodles. The rich broth, often spiced with garlic and scallions, elevates the entire experience.

6. Sup Mang Tay (Asparagus Soup)
This light and elegant soup features tender asparagus and often includes chicken or seafood. Its delicate flavor profile makes it an excellent accompaniment to grilled meats, especially when seasoned with a touch of pepper and lime. The subtlety of the soup balances the stronger flavors of grilled proteins, making it a delightful pairing.

With so many wonderful Vietnamese soups to choose from, finding the right one to enhance your grilled meat dishes is an enjoyable culinary adventure. Each soup brings its own unique taste and character, ensuring there’s a perfect pairing for everyone’s palate. Next time you fire up the grill, consider serving one of these delectable soups alongside your favorite grilled meats for a well-rounded and flavorful meal.