Simple Vietnamese Pumpkin Soup (Canh Bí Đỏ)

Canh Bí Đỏ (Vietnamese Pumpkin Soup) is a beloved and easy-to-make dish in everyday Vietnamese cooking. This humble yet flavorful soup features tender pumpkin simmered with minced pork or shrimp, offering a meal that’s wholesome, light, and nourishing.

What is Canh?

You might be surprised to learn that popular Vietnamese dishes like Phở, Bún Bò Huế, or Bánh Xèo aren’t typically made at home. These dishes are time-intensive and require advanced cooking skills, so most locals enjoy them at street food stalls instead.

The typical Vietnamese family meal, on the other hand, is simple and quick to prepare. It usually includes steamed jasmine rice, a protein dish (món mặn), a vegetable side (món rau), and a light soup, known as canh.

Canh refers to a light, brothy soup often made with veggies and minced pork or shrimp, perfect for saving time in the kitchen. Most versions take only about 15 minutes to cook, though some, like Canh Khổ Qua (bitter melon soup), may take a bit longer.

When it comes to Western-style soups, they’re called Súp in Vietnamese, like Súp Măng Cua (asparagus and crab soup). For slow-cooked Chinese-influenced soups, the term Canh Tiềm is used. However, these are less common in everyday family meals.

In Vietnam, we have a saying: “Cơm không rau như đau không thuốc”, meaning “A meal without vegetables is like illness without medicine.” This perfectly sums up how important veggies and herbs are in our daily meals—they’re the heart of Vietnamese cooking.

Check out my post about Vietnamese herbs and Vietnamese vegetables to discover how to identify and incorporate them into your own dishes!

Ingredients for Canh Bí Đỏ

• Pumpkin or Squash: Both work well, but kabocha and butternut squash are my top picks.
• Protein: Minced pork, chicken, beef, or shrimp are all great options. Pork and shrimp are the most traditional choices.
• Seasonings: Chicken powder, or simply use salt and MSG for seasoning.
• Shallots or the white part of scallions: These create a fragrant and flavorful base for the soup.
• Herbs: Rice paddy herb pairs best with Canh Bí Đỏ, but cilantro and scallions are great substitutes.

How to Serve Canh Bí Đỏ

You can savor Canh Bí Đỏ on its own or pair it with steamed rice for a simple, comforting meal. But for the full Vietnamese dining experience, serve it alongside other dishes for a balanced feast.

I highly recommend pairing it with savory classics like Sườn Ram (caramelized pork ribs), Gà Kho Gừng (ginger chicken), or Thịt Kho Trứng (braised pork and eggs). These hearty dishes perfectly complement the light and wholesome flavors of the soup.