Top 3 Easy and Authentic Vegan Bun Rieu Recipes to Make at Home

Vegan bun rieu is a wholesome, flavorful Vietnamese noodle soup featuring a naturally sweet broth made from vegetables, creamy vegan “riêu” crafted from tofu and soy milk, soft vermicelli noodles, and fresh herbs. It’s the perfect choice for full moon days, Vu Lan Festival, or anyone looking to enjoy a light and nourishing plant-based meal. Join Vo Uy Vegan Restaurant in exploring three simple ways to cook vegan bun rieu at home!

Ingredients You Need for Vegan Bun Rieu

To make a delicious bowl of vegan bun rieu, fresh and clean ingredients are essential. They help create a clear, flavorful broth and rich vegan “riêu.” From tender vermicelli noodles to ripe tomatoes and aromatic mushrooms, each component plays a vital role in this comforting dish that’s perfect for both spiritual days and everyday meals. Here’s what you need:

Tips for Choosing the Best Ingredients

• Choose off-white, slightly sour-smelling vermicelli noodles to ensure elasticity and authentic flavor for your vegan bun rieu.

• Use ripe, juicy tomatoes and fresh mushrooms (look for a bit of soil at the base) for a naturally sweet broth and vibrant color.

• Buy unsweetened soy milk or silken tofu from trusted stores like VinMart or Co.opmart to ensure quality.

If soy milk is unavailable, substitute with soft tofu and fermented bean curd (chao) for a creamy, rich vegan riêu. Straw mushrooms can be replaced with king oyster or oyster mushrooms to enhance the umami taste. Tamarind juice can be swapped with vinegar or lime juice if needed.

How to Make Vegan Bun Rieu with Soy Milk

Vegan bun rieu with soy milk offers a light, nourishing flavor with creamy vegan “riêu” and naturally sweet broth — perfect even for beginners to plant-based cooking. In just 45–60 minutes, you can prepare this comforting Vietnamese noodle soup at home. Follow these detailed steps to get it right the first time!

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Wash all fresh herbs (lettuce, mint, banana blossom) and soak them in lightly salted water for 10 minutes, then drain. Peel and chop the carrot, daikon, and chayote into bite-sized pieces. Cut the tomatoes into wedges — they’ll be sautéed to give the broth its signature color. Soak straw mushrooms or shiitake in warm water for 15 minutes, then finely chop to enhance the umami and form the vegan riêu.

Step 2: Make the Vegan “Riêu”

Gently heat 1 liter of unsweetened soy milk over low heat. Add 60ml of tamarind juice or calamansi juice while stirring slowly. Within 5–7 minutes, the soy milk will begin to curdle into soft clumps — this is your vegan riêu. Carefully strain and drain the curds, saving the liquid for the broth. Be sure to stir gently to avoid breaking the delicate riêu, and always use unsweetened soy milk for a pure, rich taste.

Step 3: Cook the Broth

Simmer the carrot, daikon, and chayote in 1.5 liters of water for 20–30 minutes, then remove the solids to keep the broth clear. Sauté chopped leeks or shallots in 1 tablespoon of annatto oil, then add tomatoes and cook until soft. Pour this mixture into the broth along with the reserved soy milk liquid. Season with 2 tablespoons of vegan fish sauce, 1 teaspoon of vegan broth powder, 1 teaspoon of sugar, and adjust to taste. Skim off foam to maintain a fragrant, clear broth.

Step 4: Assemble and Serve

Blanch fresh vermicelli noodles in hot water for 30 seconds and place in bowls. Add vegan riêu, fried tofu pieces, mushrooms, sautéed tomatoes, and fresh herbs. Ladle hot broth over everything, then top with crispy shallots, culantro, and a pinch of pepper. Serve with lime and fresh chili for an extra kick. Your homemade vegan bun rieu is now ready to enjoy — rich, balanced, and deeply comforting.

Pro Tip: Want creamy vegan riêu that doesn’t fall apart? Use unsweetened soy milk, stir gently on low heat, and scoop the curds as soon as they form.

How to Make Vegan Bun Rieu Without Soy Milk

Don’t have soy milk on hand? You can still make a delicious bowl of vegan bun rieu using silken tofu and fermented bean curd (chao) to create a rich, flavorful “riêu” and hearty broth. This quick recipe takes just 30–40 minutes — perfect for a wholesome, plant-based meal on busy days. Try it now and discover a new twist on this beloved Vietnamese dish!

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Mash 200g of silken tofu and mix it with 100g of finely chopped straw mushrooms (or shiitake), 1 tsp of vegan seasoning powder, ½ tsp of sugar, and a pinch of pepper. Wash all fresh herbs (lettuce, mint, banana blossom), soak them in lightly salted water for 10 minutes, then drain. Peel and chop the carrot, daikon, and chayote into bite-sized pieces. Cut the tomatoes into wedges.

Step 2: Make the Vegan “Riêu”

Sauté chopped leeks or shallots in 1 tablespoon of annatto oil. Add the tofu-mushroom mixture and stir-fry for 5 minutes. Then mix in 1 tablespoon of mashed chao (fermented bean curd) and 1 teaspoon of flour (or cornstarch) to help the mixture bind. Cook for another 2 minutes. The resulting vegan riêu will be creamy, aromatic, and perfectly textured for your vegan bun rieu.

Step 3: Cook the Broth & Serve

Simmer the carrot, daikon, and chayote in 1.5 liters of water for 20 minutes. Discard the solids. Sauté the tomato wedges in annatto oil until soft, then add them to the broth. Season with 2 tablespoons of vegan fish sauce, 1 teaspoon of vegan seasoning powder, and 1 teaspoon of sugar. Add the vegan riêu and gently simmer. Blanch the vermicelli noodles, arrange in bowls, and top with vegan riêu, fried tofu, fresh herbs, and crispy shallots. Ladle the hot broth over and serve immediately.

Pro Tips for a Richer Vegan Riêu:

• Add an extra tablespoon of chao for a creamier texture.

• Use cornstarch instead of flour if you prefer a firmer, bouncier riêu.

• Make sure to sauté the tomatoes thoroughly for a vibrant red broth that’s visually appealing.

How to Make Vegan Bun Rieu with an Air Fryer

Vegan bun rieu made with an air fryer is a perfect option for those following a low-oil or healthy plant-based diet. With just an air fryer and fresh coconut water, you can create crispy vegan “riêu” and a naturally sweet broth. Ready in just 40 minutes, this recipe is light, nutritious, and full of flavor. Follow these easy steps to try it today!

Step 1: Make Crispy Vegan Riêu in the Air Fryer

Mash 200g of silken tofu and mix it with 100g of finely chopped straw mushrooms, 1 tablespoon of mashed fermented bean curd (chao), 1 teaspoon of vegan broth powder, and 1 teaspoon of cornstarch. Spread the mixture evenly on the air fryer tray and cook at 180°C (356°F) for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway to ensure even crispiness. The vegan “riêu” will come out fragrant and crispy — no oil needed.

Step 2: Prepare the Broth

Instead of using vegetable stock, boil 1 liter of fresh coconut water for a naturally sweet and delicate flavor. Dry-sauté chopped leeks (without oil), then cook tomato wedges until soft and add to the coconut water. Season with 2 tablespoons of vegan fish sauce, 1 teaspoon of vegan broth powder, and ½ teaspoon of sugar. Add the crispy vegan riêu and let it simmer for about 5 minutes to absorb the flavors.

Step 3: Assemble and Serve

Blanch the vermicelli noodles and place them in serving bowls. Add air-fried vegan riêu, fried tofu, fresh herbs, and sliced banana blossom. Pour the hot broth over the toppings and garnish with crispy shallots, culantro, and a dash of black pepper. Serve with lime and fresh chili for that classic sweet-sour-spicy balance that makes vegan bun rieu so satisfying.

Pro Tips for Making Vegan Bun Rieu with an Air Fryer:

• Use fresh coconut water to naturally sweeten the broth without needing to add too much sugar.

• Air-fry the tofu mixture at 180°C and flip after 6 minutes to ensure a crispy, golden texture.

Vegan Bun Rieu vs. Traditional Bun Rieu: Which One’s Better for You?

Vegan bun rieu is not only a light and nourishing dish, but it’s also packed with plant-based protein from tofu and mushrooms, offering a lower-calorie option (~200–250 kcal per bowl) that supports digestion and heart health. Compared to traditional meat-based bun rieu, the vegan version delivers a clean, wholesome experience without compromising on flavor.

Comparison Table: Vegan Bun Rieu vs. Traditional Bun Rieu

Key Benefits of Vegan Bun Rieu

• Low in calories: Ideal for those on a diet or looking to reduce daily intake.

• Cholesterol-free: Suitable for vegans or individuals with heart health concerns.

• Rich in nutrients: Packed with protein (from tofu and mushrooms) and vitamins (from vegetables).

• Versatile: Can be made with soy milk, coconut water, or silken tofu to suit different flavor preferences.

Pro Tips for Cooking Perfect Vegan Bun Rieu

To achieve a creamy, flavorful, and visually appealing bowl of vegan bun rieu, pay attention to the following tips and tricks:

Do This for the Best Results:

• Stir soy milk gently over low heat to form soft, creamy vegan “riêu” without breaking.

• Sauté tomatoes thoroughly with annatto oil to achieve a rich red broth.

• Add a slice of ginger or smashed lemongrass to the broth for a more aromatic, refreshing flavor.

• Blanch vermicelli noodles before serving to keep them firm and warm for better broth absorption.

Common Mistakes & How to Fix Them:

• Curds break apart: Use low heat and stir slowly when curdling soy milk. Scoop as soon as curds form.

• Cloudy broth: Skim foam regularly and strain out vegetable solids after simmering.

• Bland taste: Season slowly, taste frequently, and don’t be afraid to adjust with vegan fish sauce.

• Flat flavor: Simmer vegetables for 20–30 minutes or substitute with coconut water for a naturally sweet base.

Enjoy Authentic Vegan Bun Rieu at Vo Uy Vegan Restaurant

If you’re looking to enjoy authentic vegan bun rieu in a tranquil, Zen-inspired setting, head to Vo Uy Vegan Restaurant in Go Vap. Here, all dishes are made with organic ingredients and absolutely no MSG, offering you a healthy and refined plant-based dining experience.

In addition to the flavorful vegan bun rieu, Vo Uy also serves a wide variety of unique and delicious vegan dishes that are definitely worth trying.

Contact Information – Vo Uy Vegan Restaurant

• Address: 47 Street No. 3, CityLand Park Hills, Ward 10, Go Vap District, Ho Chi Minh City
• Hotline: 0902 353 527
• Website: https://nhahangvouy.com/
• Fanpage: https://www.facebook.com/nhahangchayvouy
• Google Maps: Link Google Maps

Start your vegan food journey today! Try our vegan bun rieu at home or book a table at Vo Uy to experience one of the best plant-based meals in Ho Chi Minh City.