Bánh Canh Ghẹ
What is Bánh Canh Ghẹ?
Bánh canh ghẹ is a Vietnamese noodle soup made with bánh canh—a type of thick, short noodle (similar to udon)—and ghẹ, a type of small crab with sweet, delicate meat. The dish is famous for its rich crab broth, fresh crab meat, and sometimes includes a whole crab served right in the bowl.
On Côn Đảo Island, where crab fishing is abundant, this dish stands out for the freshness of its ingredients and the care taken in cooking it.
Ingredients
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Fresh ghẹ (blue swimming crab) – either broken into pieces or served whole
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Bánh canh noodles – made from rice flour or tapioca flour for a chewy texture
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Crab broth – simmered from crab shells and pork bones
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Scallions and cilantro – for garnish
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Fried shallots – for extra aroma
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Chili, lime, fish sauce – optional for dipping or adding flavor
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Quail eggs or crab roe (optional) – sometimes added for richness
How It’s Made
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Prepare the broth: Crab shells are simmered with pork bones, onions, and a few spices to extract a sweet and rich base.
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Cook the noodles: Bánh canh noodles are boiled separately until they reach a soft and chewy texture.
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Cook the crab: Fresh ghẹ is either steamed separately or simmered in the broth. Sometimes, a whole crab is placed into each serving bowl.
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Assemble the bowl: Cooked noodles are placed in a bowl, topped with crab meat, possibly a whole crab, and then ladled with the hot, flavorful broth.
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Garnish: Add scallions, fried shallots, and herbs on top. Chili and lime are served on the side.
Taste and Experience
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Sweet and rich: The broth carries a natural sweetness from the crab.
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Savory and slightly peppery: Depending on the cook, black pepper and fish sauce might be added.
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Chewy noodles: The thick bánh canh noodles absorb the broth beautifully.
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Fresh crab meat: Tender, slightly sweet, and perfectly cooked.
Why You Should Try Bánh Canh Ghẹ in Côn Đảo
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🦀 Incredibly fresh crab, caught the same day
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🍜 Cooked with care in local eateries, often served with a whole crab
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🏝️ A quintessential island dish that reflects the sea-to-table culture of Côn Đảo
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🥣 Perfect as a hearty breakfast or a light dinner
Whether you’re a seafood lover or a first-time visitor to Vietnam’s coastal cuisine, Bánh Canh Ghẹ Côn Đảo is an unforgettable dish that offers authentic flavor, freshness, and a true taste of the island’s culinary identity.
