National Dish Brunei: Bihun Sup (Recipe)
In this article
Discover Bihun Sup, a fragrant noodle soup that ranks among Brunei’s best-loved comfort dishes! Delicate rice vermicelli swim in a warming, savoury broth alongside tender pieces of chicken and fresh vegetables. It is the kind of gentle, aromatic bowl that suits a light lunch just as well as a nourishing supper, and it carries all the vibrant flavours of Southeast Asia. Bring a taste of Brunei straight to your own kitchen with this soothing, endlessly adaptable soup.
About Bihun Sup
Bihun Sup is a much-loved dish from Brunei, prized for its aromatic character and its delicate, comforting flavour. At its heart is a beautiful soup built around rice vermicelli, fresh vegetables and a savoury broth. The generous variety of ingredients makes the dish wonderfully adaptable, so you can easily tailor it to your own preferences. Whether you serve it as a light lunch or a nourishing evening meal, Bihun Sup is always a welcome choice.
Ingredients (serves 1–2)
- 100 g bihun (rice vermicelli) noodles
- 500 ml chicken or vegetable stock
- 100 g chicken breast or tofu
- 1 carrot, thinly sliced
- 1/2 onion, chopped
- 2 spring onions, chopped
- 1 garlic clove, crushed
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
- Fresh coriander, to garnish
Shopping for the ingredients
To make a delicious Bihun Sup, it is worth choosing the right ingredients from the start. Many of the items you need are readily available in oriental or Asian grocery shops. When buying the bihun noodles, look for good quality — they should be thin and light. Fresh vegetables such as carrots and spring onions are equally important, as they round out the flavour of the finished dish.
Preparing the dish
Getting Bihun Sup ready is refreshingly simple and quick. First, soak the rice vermicelli in hot water until soft. While the noodles soften, wash and slice the vegetables. It is also a good idea to cut the chicken or tofu into small pieces so they cook through evenly and quickly.
Step-by-step instructions
- Sauté the chicken breast or tofu together with the onion and garlic in a pan.
- Pour in the stock and bring it to the boil.
- Add the carrot and turmeric, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 10 minutes.
- Stir in the soaked bihun noodles and cook for a further 2–3 minutes.
- Season with soy sauce and spring onions, mixing everything through well.
- Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh coriander.
Gluten-free / lactose-free version
Making a gluten-free or lactose-free version of Bihun Sup is perfectly straightforward. Use gluten-free bihun noodles made from rice or corn, and be sure to choose a stock that is free from gluten, swapping the soy sauce for tamari if needed. For the lactose-free variant you need nothing special at all, since the dish contains no dairy products to begin with.
Tips for vegans and vegetarians
For vegan or vegetarian versions of Bihun Sup, simply replace the chicken with tofu or seitan. Vegetable stock works beautifully to deepen the flavours, much as it does in a comforting bowl of Sayur Lodeh. Play with a wide range of vegetables — peppers, courgette or broccoli, for example — to make the dish even more nourishing. A squeeze of lime juice at the end also freshens up the taste.
More tips and tricks
To boost the aroma of your Bihun Sup, enrich the broth with spices such as ginger or chilli. Frying ingredients like spring onions and garlic in a little oil before adding them to the stock can bring extra depth of flavour, too. Try different herbs to adapt the dish to your own taste. Any leftover ingredients slot neatly into another meal, so there is very little waste.
Adapting the recipe to your taste
Bihun Sup is a highly adaptable dish that can easily be modified to suit different palates. Like it spicy? Add more chilli or a splash of hot sauce. Prefer more vegetables? Experiment with different varieties or even leafy greens such as spinach or pak choi. The flexibility of this recipe means every bowl can be made unique and matched to personal preference.
Ingredient substitutions
If some ingredients are hard to find, there are plenty of alternatives. In place of bihun you can use other rice noodles or even courgette noodles for a low-carb option, as you might in a fresh plate of Kerabu. There are no limits when it comes to the vegetables either: peas, beans or mushrooms all make tasty variations. Try different types of stock, as well, to discover new flavour horizons.
Drink pairing ideas
Light, refreshing drinks pair best with a dish like Bihun Sup. A delicate green tea or a ginger-and-mint iced tea is ideal for complementing the soup’s aromas. If you prefer something alcoholic, a pale, light beer or a fruity wine works well. A frothy Teh Tarik is another lovely option that both supports the meal and refreshes the palate.
Serving and presentation ideas
Presentation plays a big part in serving Bihun Sup. A prettily arranged bowl of colourful vegetables topped with fresh coriander gives the dish an inviting look. Use attractive bowls or plates to make it even more appealing. A wedge of lime or a chilli perched on the rim adds a decorative touch that is both eye-catching and practical.
A bit of history
Bihun Sup has its roots in traditional Bruneian cooking and is a popular dish on many occasions. It draws heavily on Malay and Indonesian influences, as these regions are rich in crisp vegetables and aromatic curries. The soup reflects the cultural diversity of Brunei and has become part of everyday dining over the years. Today Bihun Sup is treasured not only in Brunei but across much of the wider region, and it sits comfortably among the great noodle soups of Brunei cuisine.
More recipe ideas
Summary: Bihun Sup
Bihun Sup is a versatile and flavourful dish from Brunei, distinguished by its aromatic broth and its fresh ingredients. With the option to adapt the recipe to different tastes and dietary needs, Bihun Sup remains a firm favourite for many people. However you choose to prepare it, this dish offers an unforgettable taste experience and is perfect for any occasion. Let it inspire you and discover the variety of this delicious soup for yourself!
