20 Best Soups from Around the Globe You Must Try

Soups are more than just a meal – they are a window into a region’s culture, history, and culinary artistry. From hearty broths that warm the soul to light, refreshing bowls that fight the heat, soups are as versatile as they are flavorful. Today, global trends in food culture show an increasing appreciation for international dishes, and soups are no exception. From comfort foods to gourmet creations, soups tell the story of a place and its people.

Statista projects that the global soups market will generate $64.68 billion in revenue by 2025. The market is poised for steady expansion with an anticipated annual growth rate of 5.74% (CAGR) from 2025 to 2030.

Here’s a closer look at 20 must-try soups worldwide, bringing you on a culinary tour through diverse flavors, traditions, and techniques.

French Onion Soup (France)

Arguably one of the most luxurious soups for such simple ingredients, French onion soup comes from Parisian working-class roots. Slow-cooked caramelized onions provide a rich base, which is topped with a crusty layer of gruyère cheese and stale bread broiled to perfection. 

This soup exemplifies how expert techniques can elevate the most straightforward pantry staples into a dish bursting with comforting flavor.

Pho (Vietnam)

Vietnam’s beloved pho is more than just a noodle soup – it’s an aromatic experience. This globally famous dish begins with a meticulously prepared broth with beef bones, spices such as star anise and cinnamon, and sweet onions. 

Paired with flat rice noodles, thinly sliced brisket or chicken, and fresh herbs like Thai basil, pho is a national treasure and a dish celebrated worldwide for its perfect balance of flavors.

Tom Yum Goong (Thailand)

This vibrant soup invigorates the senses with its hot-and-sour flavors. Tom Yum Goong features shrimp in a flavorful broth made from lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, and galangal. Popular both within Thailand and worldwide, the soup’s zesty, spicy aroma and medicinal properties make it a favorite for warding off colds or just enjoying its complex and bright taste.

Clam Chowder (United States)

Hailing from the New England coastline, clam chowder is a thick, creamy soup brimming with potatoes, onions, and ocean-fresh clams. This dish tells the story of America’s early settlers, who relied on local seafood for comfort and sustenance. Served in sourdough bread bowls in places like San Francisco, clam chowder has become a quintessential comfort food.

Goulash (Hungary)

Goulash blurs the line between soup and stew, offering rich, smoky, paprika-infused flavors. Originating from Hungarian shepherds, this hearty dish strikes the perfect balance – tender beef chunks swim in a broth enriched with onions, potatoes, and strong, warm spices. It’s been a cultural treasure since the 9th century, showing how one humble dish can unite generations.

Ramen (Japan)

Ramen isn’t just a soup; it’s a global culinary obsession. Both the creamy pork-based tonkotsu broth of Fukuoka and the savory soy-based shoyu style of Tokyo tell a regional story. Adding chashu pork, ajitsuke eggs, and noodles creates a symphony of textures, making ramen a universally adored indulgence.

Laksa (Malaysia & Singapore)

Laksa is a spicy noodle soup that is a blend of Chinese and Malay culinary traditions. Its creamy coconut milk base (curry laksa) or tangy tamarind-infused broth (asam laksa) adds versatility that aligns with Southeast Asia’s diverse food culture. 

Packed with ingredients like shrimp, tofu puffs, and fish cakes, laksa is bold and comforting and a beloved street food dish from hawker centers.

Avgolemono (Greece)

This Greek classic is an unforgettable combination of chicken broth, lemon juice, and eggs, which are whisked together to create a silky, tangy soup. Avgolemono is typically served warm with rice and pairs beautifully with rustic bread. For centuries, this soup has comforted families throughout Greece’s Mediterranean shores.

Borscht (Ukraine)

Borscht is an Eastern European classic with roots in Ukraine, easily recognized by its bold ruby-red color from beetroot. This soup celebrates humble ingredients – beets, potatoes, cabbage, carrots, and dill all come together with a tangy broth often topped with sour cream. 

UNESCO even added Ukrainian borscht to its list of Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2022, recognizing the dish as vital to local communities. Warm, hearty, and full of history, borscht is a must-try for anyone who appreciates the blend of culture and flavor.

Mulligatawny (India)

Mulligatawny, which roughly translates to “pepper water,” is a fragrant soup of Tamil origin, now adapted worldwide. Made with lentils, mild curry spices, and a touch of coconut milk, it offers rich, creamy layers of flavor. Traditionally vegan, the soup can include chicken, depending on preference, making it iconic in Indian and fusion cuisine.

Harira (Morocco)

Harira is Morocco’s celebrated dish, especially during Ramadan, as it’s often eaten to break the fast. Ingredients like lentils, chickpeas, tomatoes, and lamb simmer in a fragrant broth filled with cinnamon, ginger, and turmeric. Hearty, rich, and steeped in tradition, Harira reflects Morocco’s cross-cultural heritage.

Gazpacho (Spain)

Unlike many soups, gazpacho is served chilled, making it a refreshing summer option in southern Spain. This Andalusian soup blends tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, and olive oil for a vibrant nutrient dish while highlighting the Mediterranean region’s seasonal bounty.

Sopa Azteca (Mexico)

Known as tortilla soup, Sopa Azteca combines roasted tomatoes, guajillo chilies, and epazote herbs for a smoky and tangy base. Topped with crispy tortilla strips, avocado, and queso fresco, this dish beautifully reflects Mexico’s pre-Hispanic traditions.

Pumpkin Soup (Australia)

Australia’s pumpkin soup, featuring creamy, roasted pumpkin, is a staple in cozy weather. Often enhanced with coconut milk or ginger touches, it speaks to the balance between earthy flavors and modern twists that highlight Australia’s culinary creativity.

Feijoada (Brazil)

Feijoada is a robust black bean stew loaded with various pork cuts. It has become Brazil’s beloved national dish, which was developed initially by enslaved Africans. Accompanied by rice, greens, and orange slices, it’s enjoyed every weekend at family gatherings nationwide.

Wonton Soup (China)

Wonton soup is a Cantonese staple. It consists of delicate dumplings filled with minced pork or shrimp simmering in a light broth. Traditionally shared during Chinese New Year celebrations, this warm and comforting dish reflects the harmony of flavors in Chinese cuisine.

Minestrone (Italy)

This hearty vegetable soup makes the most of seasonal produce, beans, and pasta, often using a tomato or meat broth. Minestrone recipes vary by Italian region, but they all share one thing in common – the satisfaction of a healthy, vibrant meal in every bowl.

Cullen Skink (Scotland)

Cullen skink, a creamy soup made with smoked haddock, potatoes, and onions, showcases the rustic flavors of Scottish cuisine. It is perfect for warming chilly evenings and reflects Scotland’s maritime culture and simple yet flavorful cooking traditions.

Tom Kha Gai (Thailand)

Tom Kha Gai is an indulgent fusion of coconut milk, chicken, mushrooms, and galangal, accented with lime leaves and herbs. Silky and aromatic, it’s a milder alternative to Tom Yum but equally packed with Thai flavor.

Shorbet Adas (Lebanon)

This comforting red lentil soup is a Levantine household favorite. Enriched with cumin and fresh lemon, it’s hearty yet bright. Its humble ingredients make it a universal dish loved by all.

From Asia’s tangy Tom Kha Gai to Europe’s earthy borscht and America’s hearty chowders, soups signify comfort, culture, and unity. They encapsulate the culinary pride of nations and remain staples in our diets for good reason. By trying these soups, you’re not just tasting a dish – you’re experiencing the world.

Disclaimer – This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information. It is not intended to be professional advice.

Disclosure: For transparency, this content was partly developed with AI assistance and carefully curated by an experienced editor to be informative and ensure accuracy.

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