Definition

1. Noun:
   • Broth / Soup base: The primary meaning of "nước lèo" is a clear, savory liquid broth, typically made by simmering bones, meat, or seafood with aromatics. It is the foundational liquid for many Vietnamese soups and noodle dishes.
   • Sauce / Dipping sauce: In some regional contexts, "nước lèo" can also refer to a seasoned liquid sauce used for dipping.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Nước lèo của món bún riêu rất ngọt thanh. (The broth for the crab noodle soup is delicately sweet.)
  • Bánh canh Trảng Bàng nổi tiếng nhờ nước lèo trong veo. (Trang Bang thick noodle soup is famous for its clear broth.)
  • Chị ấy pha nước lèo chấm bánh xèo. (She mixed a dipping sauce for the savory pancake.)

Advanced Usage

• The term is most strongly associated with the culinary traditions of Southern Vietnam. The character of the "nước lèo" (its clarity, sweetness, or richness) is often the defining feature of a noodle dish.

Variants and Related Words

• Nước dùng (n): A more general term for soup stock or broth, used across all regions of Vietnam.

  • Nước dùng gà là nguyên liệu cơ bản. (Chicken stock is a basic ingredient.)

• Nước chấm (n): The standard term for a Vietnamese dipping sauce, which is usually fish sauce-based.

  • Nước chấm mặn ngọt rất quan trọng. (The sweet and salty dipping sauce is very important.)

Synonyms

• Broth: A savory liquid made from simmering meat, bones, or vegetables.
• Soup base: The foundational liquid component of a soup.
• Stock: A flavored liquid preparation, though "stock" is often less seasoned than "nước lèo".

Related Culinary Terms

• Bún nước lèo: A category of noodle soups characterized by their broth, such as (fish noodle soup) or (fermented fish noodle soup).
  • Quán này chuyên về các món bún nước lèo. (This restaurant specializes in noodle soups with broth.)

1. Sauce