Vegetable Thukpa is a popular soup from Tibet and Nepal. It is inspired by Chinese cuisine and uses vegetables. It is spicy, nutritious, and comforting. I make this vegetable noodle soup in the Instant Pot. Tibetan thupka is very easy and convenient to make for dinner. Some basic vegetables added to thukpa are radish, tomatoes, spring onions, and spinach, and you can also add any vegetable of your choice. Adding garlic enhances the taste of the Tibetan thukpa soup. This is a great recipe to have when you are feeling sick or need something warm on a cold day. So here I’m sharing the recipe of thukpa, which is easy to make at home.
Ingredients for the thukpa recipe
- 250 g of noodles
- 2 tbsp oil
- 1-2 tsp salt
- 1 Litre of water
- 1 Chopped carrot
- 1 chopped Onion
- 1 cup chopped cabbage
- 1 cup chopped mushrooms
- 1 chopped capsicum
- 1 tbsp finely chopped ginger
- 1 tbsp finely chopped garlic
- 2-3 green chilli
- 1 tsp turmeric powder
- 1-2 tsp chili powder
- 1/4 cup chopped spring onion
- 1 tbsp mustard oil
- 2 tomatoes (roasted)
- 10-12 soaked dried red chilies
- 2 tbsp soya sauce
- 1/4 cup chopped coriander leaves
- 3-4 green chilli
- Extract 1 lemon juice
Instructions for the Recipe of Thukpa
Step 1: Boil the noodles
Boil 1 liter of water. Add a 1tsp of salt and a 1tbsp of oil. Then add 250 g of noodles and cook for 5-10 minutes or until they are almost soft but still slightly chewy. Strain the noodles and keep them aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Vegetable Stock
Put all the Sliced vegetables (onion, carrot, cabbage, and mushroom) in a cooker and add water so the vegetables are completely covered. Cook for 4-5 whistles till the vegetables release their juices, making a rich stock.
Step 3: Roast the Aromatics
Heat oil along with some mustard oil in a pan. Add finely chopped ginger and garlic. Fry till golden brown.
Step 4: Add Spices and Vegetables
Add 2-3 green chilies, 2 tbsp soya sauce, 1 cup cabbage, 1 cup mushroom, 1 bell pepper, and 1/4 cup spring onion to the pan. Add 1 tsp turmeric powder and 1 tsp chili powder and mix. Saute the mixture until the vegetables become soft.
Step 5: Combine Noodles and Stock
Strain the prepared vegetable stock into a pan with the fried vegetables. Add the reserved noodle cooking water to enhance the taste. Boil the mixture and cook over low heat for 2-3 minutes. Add boiled noodles and mix properly.
Step 6: Prepare the Spicy Tomato Sauce/ Chutney
Roast 2 tomatoes and mix them with 10-12 soaked dried red chilies, 3-4 green chilies, 1/4 cup chopped coriander leaves, and juice of 1 lemon. Mix till it becomes a coarse paste.
Step 7: Serve the Thukpa

Pour the thukpa into a bowl and top with spicy tomato sauce or chutney. Garnish with coriander leaves. Serve it hot and enjoy.
Also read: How to Make Best Tea (Chai): Recipe