Asia-Pacific Soup Recipes with Bone Broth: A Journey Through Pho, Laksa, Ramen, Tom Yum, Kimchi Jjigae & Shabu Shabu
Asia-Pacific Soup Recipes with Bone Broth: A Journey Through Pho, Laksa, Ramen, Tom Yum, Kimchi Jjigae & Shabu Shabu
The most popular Asia-Pacific soups include Vietnamese pho, Thai tom yum, Malaysian laksa, Japanese ramen, Korean kimchi jjigae and Japanese shabu shabu. These traditional dishes are built around flavourful broths, fresh ingredients and regional cooking traditions that make them some of the world's most loved comfort foods.
From the bustling streets of Hanoi and Bangkok to the ramen bars of Tokyo and hawker markets of Malaysia, soup is one of Asia’s most loved comfort foods.
What makes these iconic dishes so memorable is not simply the noodles, vegetables or toppings.
It’s the broth.
A great broth creates depth, balance and satisfaction. It transforms simple ingredients into a meal that feels nourishing, comforting and deeply flavourful.
Traditionally, many Asian soups require hours of simmering to develop their signature flavour. Using bone broth provides a practical shortcut while adding naturally occurring protein, collagen-derived amino acids and rich savoury depth.
In this guide, you'll discover four iconic Asian soups:
✔ Vietnamese Beef Pho
✔ Thai Tom Yum Soup
✔ Malaysian Laksa
✔ Japanese Ramen
Along with practical recipes and tips to help you create restaurant-quality soups at home.
Why Bone Broth Works So Well In Asian Soups
Across Asia, traditional soups are often built from slow-simmered stocks made from bones, meat, vegetables and aromatics.
Bone broth provides:
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Rich flavour
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Naturally occurring protein
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Collagen-derived amino acids
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Minerals and electrolytes
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A satisfying, savoury base
A serve of Broth & Co Bone Broth provides approximately 5g of naturally occurring protein and can easily be incorporated into everyday meals.
Whether you're creating pho, ramen, laksa or tom yum, bone broth provides the foundation that brings the entire dish together.
Vietnamese Beef Pho (Pho Bo)
What Makes Pho Special?
Pho is Vietnam's most iconic dish.
It combines:
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Aromatic spices
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Rice noodles
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Fresh herbs
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Tender beef
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A clear, fragrant broth
The result is a soup that feels both light and deeply satisfying.
Ingredients
Broth
-
1 litre beef bone broth
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500ml water
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1 cinnamon stick
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2 star anise
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3 cloves
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1 small onion, halved
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5cm ginger, sliced
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1–2 tbsp fish sauce
Soup
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200g rice noodles
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200g beef sirloin, thinly sliced
-
1 spring onion, sliced
To Serve
-
Fresh coriander
-
Thai basil
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Bean sprouts
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Lime wedges
-
Fresh chilli
Method
Step 1: Build The Broth
Combine bone broth, water, cinnamon, star anise, cloves, onion and ginger.
Simmer gently for 20–30 minutes.
Step 2: Prepare Noodles
Cook noodles according to packet directions.
Drain and divide between bowls.
Step 3: Add Beef
Place thinly sliced beef over the noodles.
Step 4: Assemble
Remove spices from broth.
Pour hot broth over noodles and beef.
Step 5: Finish
Top with herbs, bean sprouts and chilli.
Serve with lime wedges.
Pho Flavour Profile
-
Light
-
Aromatic
-
Fresh
-
Warming
Perfect for:
✔ Everyday lunches
✔ Gut-friendly meals
✔ Light dinners
Thai Tom Yum Soup
Why Tom Yum Is So Popular
Tom Yum delivers one of the most exciting flavour combinations in Asian cuisine.
It balances:
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Spice
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Citrus
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Fresh herbs
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Savoury depth
The result is bright, refreshing and incredibly satisfying.
Ingredients
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500ml water
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2 tbsp bone broth concentrate
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200g prawns
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1 stalk lemongrass, smashed
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3 kaffir lime leaves
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1 tbsp sliced ginger or galangal
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1–2 red chillies
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100g mushrooms
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1–2 tbsp fish sauce
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Juice of 1 lime
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Fresh coriander
Method
Step 1: Create The Broth
Combine:
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Bone broth
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Water
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Lemongrass
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Lime leaves
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Ginger
Bring to a gentle simmer.
Step 2: Add Mushrooms
Cook for 5 minutes.
Step 3: Add Protein
Add prawns and cook until just done.
Step 4: Season
Add fish sauce.
Remove from heat.
Stir through fresh lime juice.
Step 5: Garnish
Top with coriander and chilli.
Tom Yum Flavour Profile
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Hot
-
Sour
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Fresh
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Vibrant
Perfect for:
✔ Warm weather meals
✔ Light dinners
✔ Refreshing lunches
Malaysian Laksa
The Ultimate Comfort Soup
Laksa is one of Southeast Asia's most beloved noodle soups.
Rich coconut milk combines with aromatic spices to create a creamy, warming and deeply satisfying bowl.
Ingredients
-
400ml coconut milk
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250ml water
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2 tbsp bone broth concentrate
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1 tsp fish sauce
-
400g chicken, prawns, beef or tofu
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100g rice noodles
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1 kaffir lime leaf
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Laksa paste
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Fresh coriander
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Thai basil
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Spring onion
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Chilli
Method
Step 1: Cook Laksa Paste
Heat a little oil.
Cook laksa paste until fragrant.
Step 2: Add Liquids
Add:
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Coconut milk
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Bone broth
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Water
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Fish sauce
Bring to a gentle boil.
Step 3: Add Protein
Add protein and lime leaf.
Simmer for 8–10 minutes.
Step 4: Cook Noodles
Prepare noodles separately.
Divide between bowls.
Step 5: Assemble
Pour laksa broth over noodles.
Top with herbs and chilli.
Laksa Flavour Profile
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Creamy
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Rich
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Spicy
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Comforting
Perfect for:
✔ Cold weather
✔ Family dinners
✔ Hearty lunches
Japanese Ramen & Mushroom Soup
Quick, Nourishing & Full Of Umami
Ramen is comfort food at its best.
This simple version uses bone broth and mushrooms to create rich flavour in minutes.
Ingredients
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3 tbsp Energy Bone Broth Powder
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150g ramen noodles
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100g tofu cubes
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4 spring onions
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1 tsp wakame flakes
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1 litre hot water
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1 tsp miso paste (optional)
Method
Step 1: Prepare Broth
Combine:
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Bone broth powder
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Water
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Miso
Bring to a gentle boil.
Step 2: Cook Noodles
Add noodles.
Cook until tender.
Step 3: Add Wakame
Add wakame during the final minute.
Step 4: Serve
Ladle into bowls.
Top with tofu and spring onions.
Ramen Flavour Profile
-
Umami-rich
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Savoury
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Warming
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Comforting
Perfect for:
✔ Winter meals
✔ Quick dinners
✔ Meal preparation
Korean Soups & Stews: Fermented, Warming & Nourishing
Korean cuisine is famous for combining rich broths with fermented ingredients, creating meals that are deeply satisfying and full of flavour.
Many traditional Korean soups are built around:
- Bone-based broths
- Fermented vegetables
- Garlic
- Ginger
- Chilli
- Slow-cooked proteins
These dishes are designed to provide warmth, comfort and nourishment, particularly during colder months.
Kimchi Jjigae (Kimchi Stew)
Kimchi Jjigae is one of Korea's most iconic comfort foods.
What Makes It Unique?
The combination of:
- Fermented kimchi
- Bone broth
- Tofu
- Garlic
- Chilli
creates a bold, savoury and warming dish.
Ingredients
- 1 litre bone broth
- 2 cups kimchi
- 200g tofu, cubed
- 150g beef or pork (optional)
- 2 spring onions
- 1 tbsp gochujang
- 1 tsp sesame oil
Method
- Add broth, kimchi and gochujang to a pot.
- Simmer for 15 minutes.
- Add tofu and protein.
- Cook until heated through.
- Finish with spring onion and sesame oil.
Flavour Profile
- Fermented
- Savoury
- Spicy
- Deeply comforting
Japanese Shabu Shabu: Interactive Broth Dining
Shabu Shabu is one of Japan's most popular communal meals.
Unlike ramen, the focus is not the noodles but the simmering broth.
Thin slices of meat and vegetables are cooked directly in the broth before being eaten.
Why It Works So Well With Bone Broth
Bone broth provides:
- Rich umami flavour
- A savoury cooking liquid
- Naturally occurring protein
- Depth without heaviness
Simple Shabu Shabu Broth
Ingredients
- 1 litre bone broth
- 1 piece kombu (optional)
- Mushrooms
- Bok choy
- Spring onion
- Thinly sliced beef or chicken
- Tofu
Method
- Bring broth to a gentle simmer.
- Add vegetables.
- Cook meat briefly in the hot broth.
- Serve immediately.
Flavour Profile
- Clean
- Light
- Umami-rich
- Interactive dining experience
Build Your Own Asian Soup
Once you understand the formula, creating your own Asian-inspired soups becomes easy.
Step 1: Choose Your Style
Pho
-
Light and aromatic
Ramen
-
Deep and savoury
Laksa
-
Rich and creamy
Tom Yum
-
Fresh and vibrant
Step 2: Add Protein
Choose:
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Beef
-
Chicken
-
Seafood
-
Eggs
-
Tofu
Step 3: Add Vegetables
Try:
-
Mushrooms
-
Bok choy
-
Bean sprouts
-
Spinach
-
Asian greens
Step 4: Finish Fresh
Add:
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Coriander
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Thai basil
-
Lime
-
Chilli
-
Spring onion
Comparing Asia's Most Popular Soups
| Soup | Origin | Texture | Flavour |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pho | Vietnam | Light | Aromatic |
| Tom Yum | Thailand | Light | Hot & Sour |
| Laksa | Malaysia | Creamy | Rich & Spicy |
| Ramen | Japan | Medium-Rich | Umami |
| Kimchi Jjigae | Korea | Rich | Fermented & Spicy |
| Shabu Shabu | Japan | Light | Clean Umami |
Why These Soups Continue To Be Loved
Across Asia, comfort food often follows the same simple formula:
Broth + Protein + Vegetables + Herbs
This combination provides:
-
Flavour
-
Variety
-
Satisfaction
-
Nutritional value
Bone broth allows these traditional recipes to fit easily into modern life while preserving the characteristics that make them so enjoyable.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the healthiest Asian soup?
Pho and Tom Yum are generally lighter options, while Laksa and Ramen tend to be more substantial meals.
Why use bone broth instead of stock?
Bone broth contributes naturally occurring protein, collagen-derived amino acids and rich flavour.
Can I meal prep these soups?
Yes. Prepare the broth in advance and add noodles and fresh toppings when serving.
Which soup is easiest for beginners?
Pho and Tom Yum are usually the easiest starting points.
Can these recipes be gluten free?
Yes. Simply choose gluten-free noodles and sauces.
Final Thoughts
Asian soups have remained popular for generations because they combine simplicity, flavour and nourishment in a single bowl.
Whether you prefer:
-
Vietnamese Pho
-
Thai Tom Yum
-
Malaysian Laksa
-
Japanese Ramen
the secret remains the same:
A deeply flavourful broth paired with fresh ingredients.
Using bone broth makes these iconic recipes easier to prepare at home while creating meals that are satisfying, comforting and packed with flavour.
Because great soup isn't complicated.
It's simply good ingredients brought together in the right way.