The Ultimate Guide to Cooking Crab Noodle Soup with Thanh Nam Vermicelli

When it comes to traditional Vietnamese cuisine, crab noodle soup made with Thanh Nam rice vermicelli is a must-mention. The thin, soft strands of Thanh Nam vermicelli—lightly chewy and naturally fragrant with the aroma of rice—perfectly complement the rich, savory sweetness of crab paste and the subtle tang of fermented vinegar. This irresistible combination creates a flavor that leaves many diners in awe.

Not only is this dish widely sold at street food stalls across Vietnam, but it has also become a beloved choice in everyday home cooking for Vietnamese families.

Why You Should Use Thanh Nam Nadisa Rice Vermicelli to Make Crab Noodle Soup

Thanh Nam Nadisa rice vermicelli is considered a source of pride for many families in the countryside of Ninh Binh, Vietnam. Each strand of vermicelli carries the care, diligence, and dedication of local farmers—turning it into a meaningful gift that brings loved ones together around the dining table.

Today, many home cooks and mothers are choosing Thanh Nam vermicelli over traditional thin rice noodles when making crab noodle soup, thanks to several outstanding advantages:

1. Made from 100% Pure Native Canna Starch

Thanh Nam vermicelli is made entirely from naturally grown native canna without artificial coloring or fillers. It’s safe and clean, offering a light, fresh taste that’s both wholesome and delicate. The signature aroma of traditional canna noodles, blended with the rustic flavors of the countryside, creates a nostalgic experience that leaves a lasting impression.

2. Soft Yet Chewy Strands That Don’t Fall Apart When Cooked

Unlike conventional dry vermicelli or rice noodles, Thanh Nam noodles are thin strands that are naturally sun-dried using traditional methods—free from bleaching agents yet still beautifully colored. Their texture remains pleasantly chewy, non-sticky, and resistant to breaking or turning mushy during cooking. They’re incredibly versatile and can be used in a wide range of dishes like noodle salads, crab noodle soup, vermicelli with tofu and shrimp paste, or chicken soup with vermicelli.

3. Gentle on Digestion and Cooling for the Body

Thanks to its natural ingredients sourced from native canna, this vermicelli is light, easy to digest, and cooling—unlike many regular noodles that can cause body heat or bloating. That makes it an ideal choice for those following a clean diet, trying to lose weight, or managing a naturally “hot” constitution.

How to Cook Crab Noodle Soup with Thanh Nam Vermicelli – A Beginner-Friendly Guide

At first glance, many people assume that making crab noodle soup with Thanh Nam vermicelli is a complicated and time-consuming process. But with just a few clear steps, you’ll be able to whip up a delicious, crowd-pleasing dish that your whole family will love!

Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you create this flavorful recipe with ease:

Ingredients for Making Crab Noodle Soup with Thanh Nam Vermicelli

• 1 pack of Thanh Nam Nadisa vermicelli

• 300g of ground field crab (cua đồng)

• 2 chicken eggs

• 200g of fried tofu

• 2 ripe tomatoes

• Shallots, scallions, Vietnamese coriander (rau răm)

• Fermented shrimp paste (mắm tôm), giấm bỗng (rice vinegar) or tamarind for sourness

• Seasonings: fish sauce, salt, seasoning powder, cooking oil

• Fresh herbs: lettuce, banana blossom, perilla

• Optional condiments: chili oil, lime, shrimp paste, fried shallots, vinegar

• Step-by-Step Instructions

• Once all the ingredients above are ready, here’s a step-by-step guide that’s easy to follow and perfect for beginners

• Step 1: Prepare the Crab Broth

  You can either buy pre-ground field crab at the market or grind it yourself at home.

  • Rinse the crab shells thoroughly, then remove the aprons (yếm cua) and extract the crab fat (gạch cua) inside—set it aside in a clean, dry place.

  • Blend the crab meat with a pinch of salt and filter it through a fine mesh strainer using about 2 liters of clean water. Be sure to retain the crab-infused liquid.

  • Pour the strained crab water into a pot and bring it to a boil over high heat, stirring gently. When the crab paste (riêu cua) rises to the surface, reduce the heat and carefully skim it off and set it aside.

  Tip: Beat one egg and mix it with the crab paste before serving. This helps enhance the sweetness and rich creaminess of the crab mixture.

  

  Step 2: Prepare the Ingredients

  • Wash the tomatoes and cut them into wedges. If you don’t like tomato skins, you can parboil them briefly and peel off the skins.

  • Finely chop the shallots and sauté them in cooking oil over medium heat until golden. Remove and set aside.

  • Wash the scallions and fresh herbs, then drain well.

  • Cut the tofu into bite-sized pieces and fry until golden and crispy.

  Step 3: Season and Cook

  • Season with a bit of salt, MSG, seasoning powder, and 1 spoonful of fermented shrimp paste (optional).

  • Add giấm bỗng (fermented rice vinegar) to the crab paste to create a tangy flavor. If unavailable, you can substitute with tamarind or pickled dracontomelon juice (nước sấu).

  • Pour the pre-cooked crab broth into the pot and continue to adjust the seasoning to your taste.

  • Add the fried tofu into the pot and simmer with the broth.

  Step 4: Blanch the Thanh Nam Nadisa Vermicelli

  • Soak the vermicelli in cold water for 5–7 minutes to soften the strands.

  • Bring a pot of water to a boil, then blanch the noodles for 4–5 minutes. Remove and drain well

    

• Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

  • Place the blanched Thanh Nam vermicelli into a bowl.

  • Add fried tofu, beef (if used), scallions, and the prepared crab paste (riêu cua) on top.

  • Pour in the hot broth, then garnish with banana blossom, fried shallots, and fresh herbs.

  • Customize to your taste with chili oil, garlic vinegar, or shrimp paste as desired.

  Conclusion

  Crab noodle soup made with Thanh Nam vermicelli offers a fresh and creative twist on a classic Vietnamese dish—retaining its rich, creamy, and naturally tangy-sweet flavors.
  
  We hope this article has given you valuable insights and inspired you to explore new, flavorful recipes in your kitchen!