Comfort FoodLunch FoodNoodle Soup

    Crab Tapioca Noodle Soup

    Bánh Canh Cua

    4.7₫35k - 70kBest for breakfast, lunch, or an early dinner; many local spots sell out by late afternoon when the broth is finished
    Chirido Lai
    Overview

    Hue's comforting crab noodle soup

    A thick, chewy rice-and-tapioca noodle soup served in a savory crab-based broth, often topped with minced crab, shrimp, pork, quail egg, and scallions. In Hue, versions can be richer, slightly sweeter, and sometimes mildly spicy.
    Gallery

    Photos

    What's in it

    • thick tapioca or rice noodles
    • crab broth
    • minced crab meat
    • shrimp
    • pork slices or pork bone broth
    • quail egg
    • green onions
    • coriander
    • pepper
    When to eat

    Best moments to enjoy it

    BreakfastLunchDinner

    Best for breakfast, lunch, or an early dinner; many local spots sell out by late afternoon when the broth is finished

    The story

    Origin & history

    Bánh canh developed across central and southern Vietnam as a noodle soup made with thick tapioca or rice noodles. Hue's version reflects the city's royal-era preference for layered, balanced broths and small, refined portions, often featuring crab from nearby coastal waters.

    At the stall

    How to order & pay

    Ordering

    For solo diners, order one small bowl first if you are unsure of portion size; say 'ít bánh canh' for less noodles or 'không cay' if you want no chili. If available, ask for 'thêm cua' for extra crab.

    Paying

    Cash is still the safest option at small local stalls; keep 20,000-100,000 VND notes ready.

    Good to know

    Allergens, nutrition & health

    Allergens

    Contains shellfish and seafood; may include pork and egg; broth may contain fish sauce

    Nutrition & benefits

    Provides protein from crab and egg, plus energy from noodles; broth can be hydrating and filling without being too heavy

    Health notes

    If you are sensitive to seafood, ask about broth ingredients before ordering. Choose a busy stall with high turnover for fresher soup.

    Where to eat it

    Best spots in Hue

    • Bánh Canh Cua Rời Mệ Nga

      4.7

      32 Phạm Hồng Thái, Thuận Hóa, Huế 530000, Vietnam

      Hours
      6:00 AM – 8 :00 PM
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    • Bánh canh O Bướm

      4.3

      3 Trịnh Công Sơn, Phú Xuân, Huế, Vietnam

      Hours
      4:30 PM – 2:00 AM
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    • Bánh Canh Cua Hương

      4.3

      30 Phạm Hồng Thái, Thuận Hóa, Huế 530000, Vietnam

      Hours
      6:00 AM – 9 :00 PM
      View on map
    From the Journal

    Stories about Hue