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If you love travel and food, you don’t have to leave your kitchen to experience international soups.
And it is the perfect way to combat those winter blues is by indulging in pure comfort food.
From the aromatic Vietnamese Pho to the hearty French onion soup, there are many famous soups to choose from.
A warm bowl of soup uplifts your mood and benefits your health.
So, grab a bowl, take a seat, and let us take you on a delicious journey around some of the best soups in the world.
Our List of International Soups to Warm the Cockles of Your Heart
Africa
Egusi Soup – West Africa
The first on our list of soups is Egusi soup, a popular West African dish beloved for its rich, flavorful broth and hearty mix of ingredients.
Made with a base of ground melon seeds (also known as egusi), this soup is typically cooked with various vegetables, meats, dried shrimp, and spices to create a truly unforgettable dining experience.
Some common additions to the broth include leafy greens like spinach or kale, chunky pieces of beef or chicken, and aromatic ingredients like peppers, onions, and garlic.
Harira – Morocco
Harira Soup is a traditional dish from Morocco that has considerable popularity in Moroccan cuisine for its savory taste and comforting texture.
This dish is a hearty blend of lentils, chickpeas, aromatic spices, and diced vegetables with the recipe varying slightly with recipes from each household and region of the country.
Harira soup is particularly popular during the month of Ramadan, where it is traditionally served as the first meal of Iftar. The soup is believed to provide an excellent energy source after a day of fasting.
African Sweet Potato and Peanut Soup
African sweet potato and peanut soup is a delicious dish packed with rich flavors and nutrients.
This hearty soup is made with creamy peanut butter, sweet potatoes, carrots, and a blend of spices and herbs. It is a popular African dish known for its thick and creamy texture.
The sweet potato adds a subtle sweetness to the soup, while the peanut butter gives it a rich and nutty flavor.
Americas
Tortilla soup – Mexico
This flavorful soup is thought to have originated in central Mexico and has since become a popular comfort food across the country.
Key ingredients include a base of chicken broth, slow-cooked shredded chicken, and a medley of vegetables such as tomatoes, onions, peppers, and garlic.
But what sets this soup apart is the addition of crispy corn tortillas that are fried and added as a topping right before serving.
Chowder Soups – USA
Chowder soups from the USA have a rich and diverse history. These meals originated from fishing communities on the East Coast and were made using any catch available to them.
While the traditional chowder has clams as its main ingredient, different regions have developed variations using lobster, fish, and even vegetables.
Typically, the chowder consists of a creamy broth along with potatoes, onions, and some smoky flavoring like bacon.
Some soup recipes will also call for celery, bay leaves, and thyme to spice things up. The result is a delicious, hearty soup perfect for a chilly evening meal.
Cajun Gumbo – USA
Cajun Gumbo is a classic southern dish that originated in Louisiana.
This hearty and flavorful soup is a staple in many households across the United States. The key ingredients typically include roux, onion, green bell pepper, celery, garlic, chicken or seafood, and Andouille sausage.
It is seasoned with a generous amount of spices, such as thyme, oregano, and cayenne pepper, which give it its signature taste.
Chupe de Camarones – Peru
Chupe de Camarones is a delicious seafood soup from the coastal regions of Peru.
This savory dish is made with shrimp, plantains, yucca, potatoes, white wine, and a mixture of herbs and spices that give it a distinct flavor.
What makes this soup unique is its preparation – the ingredients are mashed up and cooked until they form a thick, creamy consistency that is both satisfying and filling.
Tacaca – Brazil
Tacaca is a traditional soup that originates from the northern region of Brazil.
This flavorful soup is made with a base of tucupi, a yellow broth extracted from manioc or cassava, and seasoned with garlic, salt, and wild cilantro. The soup is also filled with shredded jambu, a local herb that has a unique tingling sensation on the tongue.
Tacaca is a popular dish served in street markets and traditional gatherings during the rainy season.
Asia
Egg Drop Soup – China
Egg drop soup is a beloved staple in Chinese cuisine, and it’s easy to see why. The simple base of the egg drop soup, is typically a clear chicken broth, which is then flavored with soy sauce, ginger, and garlic.
What sets this soup apart is the addition of eggs whisked rapidly into the broth to create delicate strands of egg throughout.
This makes the soup visually appealing and adds a satisfying texture.
It is normally topped with black pepper and chopped scallions.
Rawon – Indonesia
Rawon is a delicious and flavorful beef soup dish that originates in Indonesia.
With a rich dark color derived from the main ingredient – keluwak fruit – Rawon has been a staple of Indonesian cuisine for generations.
Among the various soup and stews, Rawon stands out with its smoky and spicy flavors, balanced with the essence of aromatic herbs like lemongrass and bay leaves.
It originated from the Surabaya region during the Majapahit dynasty in the 13th century.
Interestingly, the dish’s dark color is because ancient Javanese people believed it had magical properties, repelling evil spirits.
In 2022 it was rated the best soup in the world by Taste Atlas.
Pho – Vietnam
Pho is a traditional Vietnamese soup that is enjoyed around the world all over.
This fragrant dish has been enjoyed for over a hundred years and is a staple in Vietnamese cuisine.
The secret to a great bowl of pho lies in the hot broth, made by simmering beef bones with charred onions and ginger for hours. The broth is then infused with star anise, cinnamon, cardamom, and clove, which gives it a distinct aroma.
The dish is also made with flat rice noodles called Banh Pho and topped with thin slices of meat, usually beef or chicken, fresh herbs, bean sprouts, and lime wedges.
Soup recipes vary from region to region, but one thing remains the same – a good bowl of pho is always comforting, warm and delicious.
Laksa – Singapore and Malaysia
Laksa, a popular dish from Singapore and Malaysia, is a flavorful and aromatic noodle soup that is truly a delight.
These soups have an interesting history, originating from the Peranakan culture, a blend of Chinese and Malay influences.
The soup base is made from coconut milk, spices, and herbs such as lemongrass and galangal.
The key ingredient, however, is the laksa paste, which gives the soup its distinct spicy and tangy flavor.
Alongside the soup, rice noodles are added, as well as a variety of vegetables and proteins, including shrimp, tofu, and fish balls.
When in Kuala Lumpur, try a laksa on Jalan Alor Food Street.
Ramen – Japan
Ramen, the savory Japanese soup of wheat noodles, has gained immense popularity and has become a staple meal in Japan and beyond. Its discovery dates back to the late 19th century when Chinese immigrants in Japan introduced the dish.
The broth sets Ramen apart, with several variations of flavors to choose from, like miso, soy sauce, shrimp, and pork, to name a few.
The key ingredients are Chashu pork, the broth, the noodles, and toppings that include boiled eggs, nori seaweed, menma (fermented bamboo shoots), and scallions.
Miso – Japan
Miso soup is a staple in Japanese cuisine and is beloved not only for its delicious taste but also for its health benefits.
This soup consists of a savory broth made from miso paste, which is fermented soybeans, and contains various other ingredients, such as tofu, seaweed, and scallions.
Japanese culture considers miso soup a comfort food symbol of home, heartiness, and warmth.
It is also considered a traditional Japanese medicine and is believed to promote digestion, boost the immune system, and provide essential vitamins and minerals.
Masoor Dal – India
Masoor Dal is a popular lentil dish in India that many love for its distinct taste and numerous health benefits.
This savory and creamy dal is made from red lentils that have been hulled and split into two halves.
Originating from the Punjab region of India, this humble dish, often a homemade soup, has found a special place in the hearts of many across the country.
Its key ingredients include turmeric, cumin, coriander, onions, garlic, ginger, and tomatoes to create a perfect balance of flavors.
Tom Yum – Thailand
Tom Yum is a popular staple in Thai cuisine. This spicy and sour soup originated in Thailand and has become a favorite in many Asian restaurants worldwide.
The soup is a combination of various herbs and spices, which gives it its unique flavor, consisting of lemongrass, galangal, kaffir lime leaves, lime juice, fish sauce, and crushed chili peppers.
These ingredients give Tom Yum its distinctive taste and a delicious aroma that fills the air.
Soto – Indonesia
Soto is one of the most popular dishes in Indonesia, and it’s easy to see why.
This traditional soup is hearty, flavorful, and packed with spices and ingredients, making it a true delight for the senses.
Soto typically contains a variety of key ingredients, including chicken or beef, lemongrass, ginger, fried onions, and various herbs and spices.
But what sets it apart is the unique blend of flavors from using turmeric, kaffir lime leaves, and coconut milk.
Tinola – Philippines
Tinola is a chicken soup dish from the Philippines that is made with tender chicken slices and cooked in a flavorful broth made with ginger, garlic, onions, and fish sauce.
Tinola is often consumed as a midday meal, especially in the hot summer, to help combat dehydration. Pandan leaves are added to the broth, giving it a unique aroma and flavor.
Tinola can be enjoyed with a hot bowl of rice; some even prefer adding a bit of chili to spice things up.
Dwaeji Gukbap – South Korea
Dwaeji Gukbap is a beloved dish from South Korea that will delight your taste buds.
This soup has succulent pork slices, fresh scallions, and spicy chili peppers, which is a burst of flavor in every spoonful.
Its roots can be traced back to the city of Daegu, located in the southeastern region of Korea, where it has become a local specialty.
In fact, the name dwaeji gukbap translates to “pork soup and rice from Daegu.”
Tom Kha Gai – Thailand
Tom Kha Gai is a creamy coconut soup that originated in Thailand.
The name translates to “chicken galangal soup,” and it’s known for its complex combination of sweet, spicy, sour, and creamy flavors.
The soup’s key ingredients include galangal, lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, and coconut milk.
These ingredients give the soup its distinct aroma and taste. Traditionally, Tom Kha Gai is made with chicken, but vegetarian and vegan variations are available.
Bun Bo Hue – Vietnam
Bun Bo Hue is a popular and flavorful noodle soup that originated in the central region of Vietnam, specifically in the city of Hue.
This dish is unique for its spicy and hearty broth made with lemongrass, pork bones, and spices such as chili and shrimp paste.
The soup is then filled with chewy round noodles, slices of beef, congealed pig’s blood, and garnished with fresh herbs, sprouts, and lime wedges.
Bun Bo Hue is not only a delicious dish, but also a significant part of Vietnamese culinary history. It was traditionally served to royalty during the Nguyen dynasty, making it a dish fit for a king or queen.
Europe
French Onion Soup
French Onion soup, also known as onion soup gratinée, is a classic dish from France that has become a staple on dining tables across the globe.
The ingredients in this dish are simple and can be found in any French kitchen: onions, beef broth, bread, and Gruyere cheese.
The secret to a delicious French Onion soup is in the preparation.
The onions must be caramelized for at least 45 minutes, giving the soup a distinct sweet and savory flavor.
Top it off with a crispy slice of bread and a generous amount of melted cheese, and you have a recipe for a comforting and satisfying meal that warms the soul.
One of the most popular soups in the world.
Gazpacho – Spain
Gazpacho, a popular dish from Spain, is a refreshing cold soup made from raw vegetables, bread, and olive oil.
Its origins can be traced back to the Andalusian region in Southern Spain, where it was traditionally consumed by farmers during the hot summer months.
Gazpacho’s unique taste and texture are owed to combining fresh ingredients such as tomatoes, bell peppers, cucumbers, onions, garlic, and a dash of vinegar.
The soup is typically served with a garnish of chopped vegetables or croutons, making it both healthy and satisfying.
Tarhana Corbasi – Turkey
Tarhani Corbasi is a traditional soup from Turkey that has been enjoyed for centuries. The soup is made with red lentils, roasted red bell peppers, and onions, giving it a rich and flavorful taste.
What makes this soup unique is the addition of dried mint leaves, which brings a refreshing twist to each spoonful.
This international soup has a long history that dates back to the Ottoman Empire, where it was served in royal courts on special occasions. Today, Tarhani Corbasi is a popular choice for formal gatherings and casual meals.
Caldo Verde – Portugal
Caldo Verde is a traditional soup from Portugal that is often served as a comforting dish on cold winter evenings.
This simple yet delicious soup is made with a few key ingredients, such as potatoes, onions, and garlic. Served with slices of Chourico, a type of Portuguese sausage, this dish is known for its hearty and warming flavor.
The show’s star, however, is the kale which gives the soup its signature green color and brings a fresh and earthy taste to the dish.
As with many European soups, this soup has been around for centuries and is a staple of Portuguese cuisine.
Goulash – Hungary
Hungarian Goulash, or Gulyás, is a rich and hearty soup or stew that has been a staple in Hungarian cuisine for centuries.
With its deep roots in the nomadic lifestyle of Hungarian herdsmen, this dish has long been a favorite of those who appreciate a warm and satisfying meal.
The stew is usually made with beef, onions, and paprika, which give it its distinctive flavor.
Other popular ingredients include potatoes, carrots, and other vegetables that help balance the flavors and add nutritional value.
Potato Soup – Ireland
Potato soup from Ireland is a hearty and comforting dish that, along with many other stew recipes, has become a staple in Irish cuisine.
This original recipe includes key ingredients such as potatoes, onions, celery, garlic, and cream. Potatoes are the show’s star, as they are the base of the soup and provide a creamy texture.
The origins of potato soup can be traced back to the Great Famine in the mid-1800s when the Irish relied heavily on potatoes as a food source.
Minestrone – Italy
This hearty, delicious vegetable soup is made with various fresh vegetables, including zucchini, carrots, celery, and tomatoes.
It’s typically thickened with beans or rice and seasoned with various herbs and spices. While there are many variations of the dish, nothing warms the soul on a chilly winter’s day more than a steaming bowl of minestrone served with crusty bread.
Many food historians trace the origins of minestrone back to ancient Rome where it, alongside many other international soups, was a popular meal among the lower classes.
Borscht – Ukraine
Borscht is a well-known and beloved Ukrainian dish. With its deep red color and hearty flavor, it’s hard not to fall in love with this savory soup.
Traditionally made with beets, carrots, onions, garlic, potatoes, and sour cream, borscht has become a staple in Eastern European households.
It’s said that borscht originated in Ukraine in the 16th century and has since spread throughout Eastern Europe.
Interestingly, each region has its dish variation, with some using meat while others sticking to a vegetarian recipe.
Seafood Bisque – France
Seafood Bisque is a beloved dish from France, known for its rich and decadent flavors, and one of my favorite international soups.
This delicious soup is traditionally made with a mixture of different seafood, such as lobster, shrimp, and crab, all cooked in a creamy base.
What makes this bisque truly special is the addition of cognac, which adds a distinct and luxurious taste to the dish. The first recorded recipe for seafood bisque dates back to the 17th century when it was originally served in the royal courts of France.
Cullen Skink – Scotland
Cullen Skink is a traditional Scottish soup that hails from the fishing village of Cullen in northeast Scotland.
This hearty and comforting soup is made with smoked haddock, potatoes, onions, and milk and has been a staple dish in Scotland for centuries.
Cullen Skink’s unique flavor comes from smoked haddock, gently poached in milk to create a rich and velvety soup base. The dish’s origins are uncertain, but it is speculated that it was created by fishermen who would boil leftover fish bones and scraps with potatoes and milk.
Oceania
Kokoda Soup – Fiji
Fijian Kokoda soup is a dish that combines fresh seafood with a unique blend of flavors to create a mouthwatering experience.
Although the origins of this dish are unclear, it has become a staple in Fijian cuisine and is enjoyed by locals and tourists alike.
The basic ingredients of Kokoda soup consist of raw fish marinated in coconut milk and lime juice, with a variety of herbs and spices added for extra zest.
The result is a sweet and tangy mixture that is refreshing and satisfying.
Chicken and Corn soup – Australia
Another of the adopted international soups, chicken and corn soup is a comforting and popular dish in Australia. It originated from Chinese cuisine but has been adapted to suit the Australian palate.
The key ingredients are a combination of fresh or frozen sweet corn kernels and tender chicken pieces cooked together in a flavorful broth made from chicken stock, ginger, garlic, and soy sauce.
Some dish variations may include other vegetables, such as carrots or mushrooms.
Frequently Asked Questions on International Soups
Some of the most common types of soups include chicken noodle soup, tomato soup, clam chowder, vegetable soup, and French onion soup. These soups are made with various ingredients like meat, vegetables, legumes, grains, and spices, giving them distinct flavors and textures.
Summary
I hope you enjoyed our journey around the world sipping our way through the list of international soups. If so, you may be interested in some our other food-related posts:
