u003cstrongu003eQ: Is this soup very bitter?u003c/strongu003e

u003cstrongu003eA:u003c/strongu003e No, the bitterness is mild and soft, especially when cooked with chicken and seasoning.

u003cstrongu003eQ: Can I use chicken breast only?u003c/strongu003e

u003cstrongu003eA:u003c/strongu003e Yes, chicken breast works well. Just be careful not to overcook it.

u003cstrongu003eQ: Can I store leftovers?u003c/strongu003e

u003cstrongu003eA:u003c/strongu003e Yes, store in the refrigerator and reheat gently.

Bitter Vines Soup with Chicken

5.0 from 1 vote

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Bitter Vines Soup with Chicken is one of those quiet, comforting dishes that doesn’t try to impress you at first glance. It’s simple. It’s humble. And yet, once you taste it, it stays with you in a gentle way, like a memory you didn’t know you missed.

This soup comes from the Khmer Krom countryside, where food is cooked with care, not hurry. It’s the kind of soup made early in the morning or just before sunset, when the house is calm and the pot is left to simmer while people talk softly nearby.

If you’ve never cooked with bitter vines before, don’t worry. The bitterness in this soup is very mild, almost refreshing. It blends beautifully with tender chicken and light seasoning, creating a clean, nourishing bowl that feels good to eat, especially with warm rice.

Why You’ll Love This Soup

This soup is incredibly easy to make, even if you are new to cooking. There are no complicated steps, no frying, and no special tools needed. Everything happens gently in one pot.

The flavor is light but satisfying. The bitterness from the vines is soft and balanced by the chicken and seasoning. It’s not strong or overwhelming, just enough to wake up your appetite.

It’s also a soup that feels good for the body. Many people grow up eating bitter vegetables because they believe it helps cool the body and improve digestion. Whether or not you follow that belief, this soup always feels clean and comforting.

My Personal Experience

I grew up watching this soup being made without a recipe. No measuring cups. No timers. Just hands, eyes, and experience. My elders would taste the soup, nod quietly, and turn off the fire.

When I was younger, I didn’t appreciate bitter vines. I wanted fried food, strong flavors, and sauces. But as I got older, my taste changed. I started craving lighter meals, especially soups like this one.

Now, when I cook Bitter Vines Soup with Chicken, it feels like slowing down. I listen to the sound of the water boiling. I smell the chicken as it cooks. I wait patiently for the vines to soften. It’s peaceful, in a very simple way.

Easy-to-Find Ingredients

One of the things I love most about this soup is how simple the ingredients are. You don’t need anything fancy or expensive.

Bitter vines are common in Southeast Asian markets, especially in Cambodian, Vietnamese, or Thai grocery stores. If you ask, someone will usually help you find them.

The rest of the ingredients are pantry basics. Chicken, fish sauce, sugar, salt, and pepper. That’s it. This is everyday cooking, the kind meant to be shared.

Ingredients List

4 cups of water
1 lb (450 g) chicken thighs or 1 chicken breast, cut into bite-size pieces
1 lb (450 g) bitter vines, cut in half and drained
2 tablespoons fish sauce
1 tablespoon sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 stalks green onion, chopped

Why These Ingredients Are Used

Water – Creates a clean, light broth without overpowering the natural flavors
Chicken – Adds protein and gentle richness to the soup
Bitter vines – Brings mild bitterness and traditional character
Fish sauce – Provides savory depth and balance
Sugar – Softens the bitterness and rounds out the flavor
Salt – Enhances all ingredients
Black pepper – Adds gentle warmth
Green onion – Fresh finish and light aroma

Cooking Equipment Needed

Soup pot – Large enough to hold all ingredients comfortably
Knife – For cutting chicken and vines
Cutting board – Keeps preparation safe and clean
Spoon – For stirring and tasting

Cooking Instructions

This soup is cooked gently, not rushed. You start with water and let it come to a boil. That bubbling sound is your signal that it’s ready.

Once the chicken goes in, the smell changes. It becomes warm and comforting. You’ll see the broth turn slightly cloudy, which is normal.

The bitter vines go in near the end. They cook quickly and soften fast. Overcooking them can make them too soft, so keep an eye on the pot.

Step-by-Step Directions

Pour water into a soup pot and bring it to a boil.
Add the chicken pieces and cook until tender.
Add the bitter vines and stir gently.
Season with fish sauce, sugar, salt, and black pepper.
Stir well and taste. Adjust if needed.
Turn off the heat and top with chopped green onion.
Serve hot with rice.

Tips for Best Flavor

Cut the chicken into even pieces so it cooks evenly
Rinse bitter vines well to remove any dirt
Taste the soup before serving and adjust seasoning gently
Don’t overcook the vines to keep their texture

Serving Suggestions

Serve hot with steamed jasmine rice
Enjoy as a light lunch or simple dinner
Pair with grilled fish or fried tofu on the side

Final Thoughts

Bitter Vines Soup with Chicken is not a flashy dish, but it’s honest. It’s the kind of food made when you want something soothing and familiar. Every time I cook it, I feel connected to the past, to family kitchens, and to quiet meals shared together.

If you enjoy gentle soups like this, you might also like Chicken Chayote Squash Soup or Yuchoy with Chicken Soup, both of which carry the same comforting spirit.

For those curious about bitter vegetables, I recommend reading about their benefits from Healthline’s guide to bitter foods, this resources help deepen appreciation without changing the heart of the dish.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Is this soup very bitter?

A: No, the bitterness is mild and soft, especially when cooked with chicken and seasoning.

Q: Can I use chicken breast only?

A: Yes, chicken breast works well. Just be careful not to overcook it.

Q: Can I store leftovers?

A: Yes, store in the refrigerator and reheat gently.

Bitter Vines Soup with Chicken

Recipe by Cambodia Recipe

5.0 from 1 vote

Course: SoupCuisine: CambodianDifficulty: Easy

Servings

servings

Prep time

minutes

Cooking time

minutes

Calories

180

kcal

Total time

hour

This Bitter Vines Soup with Chicken is a simple Khmer Krom countryside soup made with tender chicken, mild bitter vines, and light seasoning. It’s easy, comforting, and perfect with warm rice.

Ingredients

Metric US

4 cups 4 water
1 lb 1 (450 gram) of chicken thighs or 1 piece chicken breast, cut to bite sizes
1 lb 1 (450 gram) of bitter vines , cut length in half and drained
2 tablespoons 2 fish sauce
1 tablespoon 1 sugar
1/4 teaspoon 1/4 salt
1/4 teaspoon 1/4 black pepper
2 2 stalks green onion, chopped