Burmese Soup Recipes Veg: Easy & Delicious Ideas

Updated On: October 7, 2025

Burmese cuisine is a delightful fusion of flavors, textures, and aromas, and their soups are no exception. For those seeking comforting, hearty, and vegetarian-friendly options, Burmese vegetarian soups offer a perfect balance of fresh vegetables, fragrant herbs, and savory spices.

These soups are not only nourishing but also easy to prepare, making them ideal for a cozy meal any day of the week. Whether you’re a fan of light broths or something more robust, Burmese soups bring vibrant taste and wholesome goodness to your table.

In this blog post, we’ll explore several authentic Burmese vegetarian soup recipes that showcase the rich culinary heritage of Myanmar. From the classic Tofu Nway (warm tofu soup) to the spiced and tangy Tea Leaf Soup, you will find delicious ways to enjoy vegetables in an exotic and satisfying way.

Ready to warm up your kitchen with these flavorful soups? Let’s dive in!

Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Burmese vegetarian soups are a celebration of simplicity and flavor. They are:

  • Healthy and wholesome: Packed with fresh vegetables, herbs, and plant-based proteins.
  • Flavorful: Utilizing aromatic spices like ginger, garlic, and turmeric to create rich yet balanced tastes.
  • Comforting: Perfect for chilly days or anytime you need a soothing bowl of warmth.
  • Versatile: These soup recipes can be adjusted to suit your dietary preferences and available ingredients.
  • Authentic: Experience the unique flavors of Burmese cuisine, which you may not find in typical Asian soups.

Ingredients

Ingredient Quantity Notes
Firm tofu 400 grams Cut into cubes
Garlic 4 cloves Minced
Ginger 1 inch piece Grated
Onion 1 medium Chopped
Tomatoes 2 medium Chopped
Green beans 150 grams Cut into 2-inch pieces
Carrots 2 medium Sliced
Vegetable stock 6 cups Preferably homemade or low sodium
Turmeric powder 1 tsp For color and flavor
Fish sauce substitute (soy sauce or tamari) 2 tbsp For umami flavor
Lime juice 1 tbsp To brighten flavors
Fresh coriander (cilantro) Handful Chopped for garnish
Optional chili flakes 1 tsp Add for heat if desired

Equipment

  • Large soup pot or Dutch oven
  • Cutting board and sharp knife
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Ladle for serving
  • Optional: Blender or immersion blender (if you want a smoother soup texture)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the tofu: Drain the tofu and cut it into bite-sized cubes. Optionally, lightly pan-fry the tofu cubes in a non-stick pan with a bit of oil until golden to add texture.
  2. Sauté aromatics: In your large soup pot, heat 1-2 tablespoons of oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic, grated ginger, and chopped onions. Cook until the onions become translucent and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
  3. Add spices and tomatoes: Stir in the turmeric powder and chopped tomatoes. Cook for another 3-5 minutes until the tomatoes soften and release their juices.
  4. Add vegetables: Toss in the green beans and sliced carrots. Stir well to coat the veggies with the spice mixture.
  5. Pour in vegetable stock: Add the 6 cups of vegetable stock to the pot. Bring everything to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Let it cook for about 15 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
  6. Add tofu and seasoning: Gently add the tofu cubes to the soup. Stir in the fish sauce substitute (soy sauce or tamari) and optional chili flakes. Simmer for another 5 minutes to let flavors meld.
  7. Finish with lime juice: Remove the pot from heat and stir in the fresh lime juice to add brightness and balance.
  8. Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish generously with chopped fresh coriander.

Tips & Variations

“For a creamier texture, you can blend part of the soup with an immersion blender before adding the tofu.”

  • Add leafy greens like spinach or kale in the last few minutes of cooking for extra nutrition.
  • Try substituting tofu with tempeh or chickpeas for a protein twist.
  • For an extra kick, toss in some freshly sliced green chilies or a drizzle of chili oil before serving.
  • Use kaffir lime leaves or lemongrass during the simmering process for a more authentic Burmese flavor.
  • Serve with steamed jasmine rice or Burmese flatbreads for a complete meal.

Nutrition Facts

Nutrient Amount per Serving
Calories 180 kcal
Protein 12 grams
Carbohydrates 20 grams
Fat 7 grams
Fiber 5 grams
Sodium 550 mg (can be reduced with low-sodium soy sauce)

Serving Suggestions

This Burmese vegetarian soup pairs wonderfully with traditional Burmese dishes like flatbreads or steamed jasmine rice. For a light meal, serve it alongside a fresh cucumber salad or some pickled vegetables to add crunch and acidity.

To round out your meal, consider trying other Asian-inspired recipes such as the Low Fodmap Appetizer Recipes or enjoy a sweet treat like the Honey Raisin Challah Recipe to finish.

More Burmese Vegetarian Soup Recipes to Try

Tofu Nway (Warm Tofu Soup)

This comforting soup features silken tofu in a light, turmeric-infused broth with garlic, ginger, and fresh herbs. It’s a simple and nourishing dish perfect for a quick lunch or dinner.

Ingredients

  • Silken tofu – 300 grams
  • Turmeric powder – 1/2 tsp
  • Garlic – 3 cloves, minced
  • Ginger – 1 inch, grated
  • Vegetable stock – 4 cups
  • Scallions – 2, chopped
  • Fish sauce substitute (soy sauce) – 1 tbsp
  • Fresh coriander – for garnish

Instructions

  1. Heat oil in a pot; sauté garlic and ginger until fragrant.
  2. Add turmeric and vegetable stock; bring to a simmer.
  3. Gently add tofu cubes and scallions; heat through for 5 minutes.
  4. Season with soy sauce and garnish with coriander before serving.

Burmese Tea Leaf Soup (Lahpet Thoke-Inspired)

This unique soup includes fermented tea leaves, a staple of Burmese cuisine, combined with vegetables and crunchy nuts for texture. Although traditionally served as a salad, this soup adaptation is a warm, comforting twist.

Ingredients

  • Fermented tea leaves (lahpet) – 2 tbsp
  • Tofu – 200 grams, cubed
  • Carrots – 1, sliced
  • Cabbage – 1 cup, shredded
  • Vegetable broth – 5 cups
  • Garlic – 2 cloves, minced
  • Chili flakes – 1/2 tsp (optional)
  • Roasted peanuts – 1/4 cup (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Sauté garlic in a pot until golden.
  2. Add vegetable broth, carrots, and cabbage; simmer until tender.
  3. Stir in tofu and fermented tea leaves; heat through.
  4. Serve garnished with roasted peanuts and chili flakes.

Burmese Pumpkin and Lentil Soup

A hearty, velvety soup made with pumpkin and red lentils, flavored with garlic, ginger, and Burmese spices. This is a great winter warmer and a protein-rich vegetarian option.

Ingredients

  • Pumpkin – 400 grams, peeled and diced
  • Red lentils – 1/2 cup, rinsed
  • Onion – 1 medium, chopped
  • Garlic – 3 cloves, minced
  • Ginger – 1 inch, grated
  • Turmeric powder – 1 tsp
  • Vegetable broth – 5 cups
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh coriander for garnish

Instructions

  1. In a pot, sauté onion, garlic, and ginger until soft.
  2. Add turmeric, pumpkin, lentils, and vegetable broth.
  3. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 20-25 minutes until lentils and pumpkin are tender.
  4. Blend partially for a creamy texture, if desired.
  5. Season with salt and pepper, garnish with coriander, and serve.

Conclusion

Burmese vegetarian soups are a delightful gateway to exploring the vibrant flavors of Myanmar’s culinary tradition. These soups are not only delicious but also packed with nutrition and warmth, perfect for any season.

From the light and fragrant Tofu Nway to the unique and hearty pumpkin and lentil soup, the variety offers something for every palate. By incorporating fresh herbs, authentic spices, and simple, wholesome ingredients, these recipes bring an exciting twist to your vegetarian cooking repertoire.

Whether you’re cooking for yourself, family, or guests, these Burmese soups will impress with their depth of flavor and comforting qualities. Don’t forget to check out other recipes like Low Fodmap Appetizer Recipes and the Halibut Dip Recipe for more culinary inspiration.

Happy cooking and enjoy your delicious Burmese vegetarian soups!

📖 Recipe Card: Burmese Vegetable Soup

Description: A light and flavorful Burmese vegetable soup packed with fresh greens and aromatic spices. Perfect as a comforting meal or appetizer.

Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT30M
Total Time: PT45M

Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1-inch piece ginger, grated
  • 2 medium tomatoes, chopped
  • 2 cups chopped spinach
  • 1 cup chopped green beans
  • 1 medium carrot, sliced
  • 4 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
  • Salt to taste

Instructions

  1. Heat oil in a pot and add mustard seeds until they crackle.
  2. Add chopped onion, garlic, and ginger; sauté until fragrant.
  3. Stir in tomatoes and cook for 5 minutes.
  4. Add turmeric powder and mix well.
  5. Pour in vegetable broth and bring to a boil.
  6. Add carrots and green beans; simmer for 15 minutes.
  7. Add spinach and cook for another 5 minutes.
  8. Season with salt to taste and serve hot.

Nutrition: Calories: 120 kcal | Protein: 4 g | Fat: 5 g | Carbs: 15 g

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Photo of author

Marta K

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