Katutubo Thursday One-Pot Cooking: TCM-inspired Chicken Vermicelli Soup | Amrey’s Kitchen™

One-Pot TCM-inspired Chicken Vermicelli Soup

I’ve been coughing a lot these past few days. Nothing too dramatic, but just enough to leave me feeling tired and without much appetite. On days like these, I turn to my comfort staple — noodles. They’re warm, filling without being heavy, and always manage to soothe me when nothing else sounds appealing. #noodlic

For this Katutubo Thursday One-Pot Cooking, I wanted to create something simple yet healing. This Chicken Vermicelli Soup is inspired by the gentle wisdom of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), where ingredients are chosen not just for taste, but for their balancing and restorative properties.

A Bowl of Culture and Comfort

Here in the Philippines, noodle soups like sotanghon are more than just everyday meals — they’re part of our healing traditions. A steaming bowl of vermicelli, often cooked with chicken and ginger, is what many Filipino families prepare for loved ones under the weather. It’s a dish that carries both nourishment and comfort, rooted in our kitchens and memories.

This recipe takes inspiration from that familiar warmth while weaving in a touch of TCM wisdom — reminding us that food can be medicine, and that healing can be as simple as one pot simmering on the stove.

Katutubo Thursday

Now, before you go into the kitchen to make this nourishing dish, let’s expand our Katutubo 101 word bank.

manok - chicken

luya - ginger

tanglad - lemongrass

pechay - Philippine cabbage

sotanghon - vermicelli

patis - fish sauce

tubig/danum - water

pagkaing ginhawa - comfort food

mangkok - bowl

A Bowl Full of LOVE

In TCM, ginger warms the body and eases coughs, lemongrass helps calm and refresh, and cabbage adds a gentle sweetness that’s easy on the stomach. The chicken provides strength without heaviness, while the noodles — well, noodles are my heart food.

On days when I don’t feel like eating, this noodle soup reminds me that food is more than just fuel. It’s kindness, LOVE, care, and medicine. With just one pot and a handful of simple ingredients, I can bring myself back to balance, one soothing spoonful at a time.

What’s your go-to comfort bowl when you’re not feeling well? I can’t wait to drool over your take on this recipe on IG @amreyskitchen #amreyskitchen #amapolism #gotofood #pagkaingginhawa #noodles. Remember, sharing is loving.

Let’s keep spreading LOVE with Amrey’s Kitchen™ mindfully crafted recipes and creations!

Stay healthy and nourished, lovelies! #mettalove