DCGuide
5 Soups To Keep You Warm This Winter
photo credit: Nina Palazzolo
There’s a certain feeling we get when we take the first slurp from a piping hot bowl of broth. A good bowl of tomato soup feels like a warm hug, a spicy bowl of tom yum can clear your sinuses, and they say chicken noodle soup is good for the soul. As the winter chill settles in and snow is on the horizon, you'll want to start embracing the best season of the year—soup season, baby. From lobster bisque to shoyu ramen, here are some of our favorite soups in DC.
THE SPOTS
Shellfish Bisque
While The Monocle's steaks shine, the real stunner is their shellfish bisque. Often served as an appetizer, this thick, creamy soup is loaded with succulent shrimp, lobster, and crab bites. Dip some bread in your bowl, and you'll find yourself coming back for the soup, not just the steak next time.
Shoyu Ramen
Maybe your landlord forgot to turn on the heat and you're sitting in your puffer and mittens in your living room, again. Whatever the case, Ramen by Uzu in Union Market has you covered. This take-out spot is your go-to for speedy and flavor-packed ramen. Their shoyu ramen is made with a savory chicken bone broth and topped with wakame, mushroom, and bamboo shoots. The dish is as delicious as it looks, with a powerhouse blend of slurp-worthy and umami-packed spices.
Mee Kathi
The moment we dug into Thip Khao's Mee Kathi, all the winter stress and looming battles with icy windshields just melted away. This noodle soup is made with a rich red coconut curry broth, then topped with peanuts, cabbage, bean sprouts, mint, and cilantro. It’s a dish that gives you a gritty and crunchy texture along with bold and fiery spices—the kind of spices that can clear up your sinuses on a cold and congested day. Which means it’s literally a healing experience. As a heads up, the soup is currently off-menu, but you can request it, and they'll prepare it for you.
photo credit: Nina Palazzolo
Avgolemono
If you’re a soup skeptic, the soups at Greek Deli could turn you into a believer. This Dupont deli has been a lunchtime hotspot for over 30 years, and despite having just two soups on the menu—lentil, and chicken and lemon—they're both ridiculously good. If we had to pick, it's the avgolemono that we'd gladly hand over our last $10 for. Like a cozy blanket, it's super thick with a rich chicken broth base that comes alive with a zing of lemon zest, orzo noodles, and shredded chicken.
Combo Pho
When it comes to soul-soothing bowls of pho, Pho House DC is our happy place. With more than 15 combinations on the menu, don’t overthink it—go for the #1. A hearty beef broth is jam-packed with just about everything: juicy well-done beef brisket, melt-in-your-mouth tendon, tripe, and meatballs. It’s a perfect mix of savory and salty. When topped with fresh Thai basil and a hint of sriracha, there's nothing better.
