Delicious and Nutritious Duck Noodle Soup in Saigon
Duck noodle soup made its way to Saigon around the mid-1970s. Based on the original recipe, the Chinese community in Cholon adapted and innovated, creating a dish that quickly won the hearts of the Vietnamese. Today, this dish is popular throughout the South, but its most authentic flavor can still be found in Ho Chi Minh City.
The preparation of duck noodle soup involves a meticulous combination of duck meat, herbs, vegetables, and noodles. Its intricate cooking process results in a dish that is both aromatic and uniquely flavorful.
Carefully Prepared Ingredients
Duck noodle soup boasts a distinctive flavor profile, thanks to its blend of ingredients. The soul of the dish lies in its broth, simmered with bones, star anise, cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, and shiitake mushrooms, creating a clear, rich, and herb-infused taste that’s both mild and palatable.
The duck is slow-cooked for hours, resulting in tender meat that absorbs the flavors perfectly, while its crispy skin adds a delightful crunch. The thin noodles are chewy and smooth, never cloying. The dish is further enhanced with sweet bok choy, soft mushrooms, pickled papaya, chili sauce, and soy sauce, adding depth to its flavors.
Tender Slow-Cooked Duck
Depending on the restaurant and customer preferences, prices for duck noodle soup vary. A standard bowl typically ranges from 40,000 to 50,000 VND. Premium versions can exceed 100,000 VND per bowl. Some establishments charge even higher, from 130,000 to 350,000 VND per serving, especially when adding abalone or sea cucumber, yet they remain bustling with customers.
If you’re in Ho Chi Minh City, consider visiting these renowned yet affordable duck noodle soup spots.
Thiêm Huy Duck Noodle Soup
Thiêm Huy, established in 1975, has been passed down through three generations. What began as a street cart has evolved into a three-story restaurant with a spacious and elegant ambiance. Renowned as one of the best duck noodle soup spots in Ho Chi Minh City, it’s always crowded, regardless of the time of day.
The restaurant offers a diverse menu of nearly 100 dishes, primarily featuring Chinese specialties, with duck noodle soup as the highlight. The broth, prepared using a family recipe, is clear, sweet, and subtly flavored with traditional herbs. The house-made noodles are chewy, and the duck meat is tender and fragrant. Prices range from 135,000 to 145,000 VND per bowl, depending on the order.
Quảng Huê Viên Duck Noodle Soup
Quảng Huê Viên is another historic duck noodle soup restaurant in Saigon, spanning three generations. Founded in the early 20th century by a Chinese man, it initially served congee before adding dim sum, rice noodles, and eventually duck noodle soup.
Special Duck Noodle Soup
Despite its higher prices, this Saigon duck noodle soup spot continues to attract diners. The duck meat here is exceptionally flavorful: tender, with skin that’s both crispy and chewy. The sweet, aromatic broth pairs perfectly with golden, chewy noodles and blanched bok choy, making it one of Saigon’s best duck noodle soups.
Lương Ký Mì Gia
No discussion of Saigon’s duck noodle soup is complete without mentioning Lương Ký Mì Gia. Starting as a small cart, it has grown into a well-known restaurant through generations. According to patrons, the noodles here are thin and chewy, and after blanching, they remain dry and non-sticky. Each bowl is generously filled with noodles, bok choy, and a large duck leg. Prices range from 70,000 to 80,000 VND per bowl.
Note that due to its affordable pricing, suitability for all, and delicious flavors, the restaurant is always crowded. Arrive early to secure a spot, as waiting times can exceed an hour.
Lộc Ký Duck Noodle Soup
Lộc Ký is a beloved duck noodle soup spot in Saigon, highly regarded for its quality. With five locations across the city, it’s easily accessible. The broth, simmered with natural herbs, is clear and pure, while the duck is fragrant and rich, catering to most palates. The menu also features dishes like meat-filled dim sum, shrimp and pork dumplings, Hong Kong-style meatballs, and wonton noodles.
A Must-Try Dish
Hữu Ký Duck Noodle Soup
Located on Nguyễn Văn Lạc Street, Hữu Ký may be small but is tidy and clean, appealing to customers. While it serves various Chinese dishes like dumplings, noodles, and wontons, most visitors come for the duck noodle soup. Each bowl features a whole crispy duck leg, with tender meat and sweet skin. The broth is rich and fragrant, complemented by bok choy and pickles to prevent richness.
Other notable spots to enjoy duck noodle soup include Hải Ký Mì Gia, Bồi Ký Mì Gia, Hào Ký’s duck noodle soup with dumplings, and Ba Huy, all priced under 100,000 VND.
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