Vietnamese Macaroni Soup with Chicken (Súp Nui Gà)

If you’re looking for a comforting and nourishing meal that’s both familiar and a little bit different, Vietnamese Macaroni Soup with Chicken – known as Súp Nui Gà – is a perfect choice. This beloved dish is a staple in many Vietnamese households and is enjoyed at any time of day, whether for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

What sets Vietnamese macaroni soup apart from Western-style chicken noodle soups is its use of rice macaroni. Unlike traditional pasta made from wheat, rice macaroni is crafted from rice flour, making it naturally gluten-free and giving the soup a delicate, slightly chewy texture. The broth is another highlight: it’s light, clear, and subtly seasoned with ginger, onion, and fish sauce, resulting in a soup that’s both flavourful and easy to digest.

Súp Nui Gà is typically garnished with fresh herbs, crispy fried shallots, and a squeeze of lime, adding layers of aroma and brightness. It’s a dish that brings comfort and warmth, and its simplicity makes it a favourite for home cooks and families across Vietnam. If you’re new to Vietnamese cuisine or looking for a lighter take on chicken soup, this recipe is sure to become a new favourite.

Q&As on Vietnamese Macaroni Soup with Chicken

1. What is rice macaroni?

Rice macaroni is a type of pasta made primarily from rice flour, rather than the durum wheat flour used in traditional macaroni. This makes it a popular choice in many Asian cuisines, including Vietnamese cooking.

The main difference between rice macaroni and regular macaroni lies in the ingredients – rice macaroni is made from rice flour, while regular macaroni is made from wheat flour. This gives rice macaroni a softer, slightly chewier texture and makes it naturally gluten-free. It’s a great alternative for those with gluten sensitivities or anyone looking for a lighter pasta option.

Rice macaroni has a mild, neutral flavour that easily absorbs the taste of the broth or sauce it’s cooked in. Unlike wheat-based pasta, it doesn’t have a strong “wheaty” taste, allowing the other ingredients in your dish to shine.

You can usually find rice macaroni in Asian grocery stores or in the international sections of well-stocked supermarkets. Look for it in the pasta or noodle aisle.

2. Can I substitute regular macaroni for rice macaroni in this recipe?

Yes, you can, but the texture and flavour of the soup will be slightly different. Rice macaroni provides a unique, softer texture that complements the light broth of Súp Nui Gà. If you substitute, consider using a smaller pasta shape for a similar effect.

3. What is free-range chicken?

Free-range chicken refers to chickens that are raised with access to the outdoors, allowing them to roam freely for at least part of the day. This is different from conventional chickens, which are often kept indoors in confined spaces.

These chickens have more space to move, forage, and engage in natural behaviours, while regular (or conventionally raised) chickens are typically kept in more restricted environments. This difference in lifestyle can affect the chicken’s texture and flavour.

Many people find that free-range chicken has a firmer texture and a richer, more pronounced flavour compared to conventionally raised chicken. The varied diet and increased activity of free-range chickens contribute to these qualities.

4. Why do some Vietnamese recipes call for free-range chicken?

In Vietnamese cooking, free-range chicken (often called “gà đi bộ” or “gà ta”) is prized for its firmer meat and deeper flavour, which hold up well in soups and broths like Súp Nui Gà. It’s a traditional choice that adds authenticity and a satisfying texture to the dish.

5. Can I use regular chicken instead of free-range chicken in Súp Nui Gà?

Yes, you can definitely substitute regular chicken for free-range chicken in this recipe. While free-range chicken is preferred for its firmer texture and richer flavour, regular chicken will still work well and provide a delicious result. Just be mindful that the flavour might be a bit milder, so you may want to adjust the seasoning in the broth accordingly. The most important thing is to enjoy your homemade Súp Nui Gà!

6. Can I add more vegetables to Vietnamese Macaroni Soup with Chicken (Súp Nui Gà)?

Yes, absolutely! Súp Nui Gà is a very versatile dish – once you have a good, light soup base, you can add almost any vegetables you like. Popular additions include corn, peas, mushrooms, bok choy, or even tomatoes. However, as a personal preference, I always like to keep my soup simple to allow the main ingredients – like the chicken, quail eggs and carrot – to really shine through. This way, the delicate flavours of the broth and the key components aren’t overshadowed, but feel free to make it your own with your favourite veggies!

7. How do you pronounce “Súp Nui Gà?”

Pronouncing Vietnamese can be tricky, but here’s a simplified guide to help you with “Súp Nui Gà”:

• Súp: Sounds like “soup” in English, but with a slightly higher tone.
• Nui: Sounds like “new-ee,” with the “new” part said quickly and the “ee” held slightly longer.
• Gà: Sounds like “gah,” with a slightly lower tone.

So, putting it all together, it’s roughly “Soup New-ee Gah.” Don’t worry too much about getting it perfect – Vietnamese is a tonal language, but native speakers will appreciate your effort!