Red Noodle Soup with Crab (Bánh đa cua)

This colorful noodle soup is a local specialty hailing from Hai Phong. It consists of pork-based broth that is topped with a variety of ingredients such as crab meat, fresh herbs, pork balls, chả lụa sausage, or ground meat wrapped with betel leaves (bò lá lốt).

The ingredients may vary, but each bowl needs to have a serving of locally made noodles (bánh đa) that are characterized by their light red hue. Lime wedges, lettuce, perilla leaves, or sliced chili peppers are usually served on the side.