It’s still soup season and Philly is home to some of the richest, coziest and heartiest broths out there. Sometimes a bowl of soup is the best remedy when it’s chilly out. Every culture has their take on what makes soup special, and Philly’s diverse food scene has a variety of flavors and styles to choose from. Whether you like your soup silky and pureed or chunky and loaded, Billy Penn has put together a list of some of the best broths in the city to help you out.
Bayou chicken gumbo at South Jazz Kitchen in Fairmount
Southern comfort in the chilly months is a no-brainer. Filled with turkey andouille sausage, pulled chicken and Carolina rice, this gumbo is stuffed! Plus, South Jazz Kitchen doubles as a jazz club, so you can also catch some of the city’s liveliest music ensembles while there.
French onion soup at Parc in Rittenhouse
With beef broth, caramelized onions, bread and a thick layer of gooey cheesy deliciousness to top it off, it’s hard to go wrong with French onion soup. What could be more decadent than sitting down at Parc and feeling cozy in the warm Parisian ambiance?
Soft tofu stew at Buk Chon in Old City
This soup comes bubbling hot in a dolsot pot. Buk Chon’s soft tofu stew is loaded with seafood, pork and tofu in a delicious bone broth, with an egg to top it off. If the soup isn’t enough to keep you warm, the spice level should do the trick.
Hand-drawn noodle soup at Nan Zhou in Chinatown
Classy, salty, yummy. Any of the hand-drawn noodle soups at Nan Zhou will do. Whether you’re looking for seafood, chicken, beef or tofu, the Chinatown staple is for you. The broth packs a punch and is loaded with your protein of choice. With chili sauce and sriracha on the side, you can mix and match for the perfect spice level.
Matzoh ball soup at the Famous 4th Street Delicatessen in Queen Village
There may be healing properties in 4th Street’s matzoh ball soup. Filled with delicious shredded chicken and tender veggies, the Jewish staple does not skimp on its main ingredient — a perfectly salted, softball-sized matzoh ball dazzles in the middle of the bowl.
Pozole rojo at Café y Chocolate in South Philly
Café y Chocolate’s pozole rojo is rich and full of warm goodness. The pork broth is traditional and well-developed with chunks of hominy (large corn pieces) and two tostadas to boot. Plus, red chiles add the perfect little spice kick.
Chicken soup from Palenque in the Italian Market
The caldo de pollo at Palenque is home-cooked perfection that can brighten up any gloomy, rainy day in the city. It comes deliciously scalding hot. With half a pound of chicken, potatoes, corn, pear squash, onions and cilantro, it’s chock full of everything you want out of a chicken soup and more.
Tomato lager soup at South Philly Tap Room in Point Breeze
Sometimes a soup is perfect in its simplicity. South Philly Tap Room’s tomato lager soup is a bowl of tomatoey deliciousness with Yuengling added as its secret sauce. Plus those who demand grilled cheese with their tomato soup will be satisfied. The three-cheese grilled cheese comes with a cup of the tomato soup and fries.
Kimchi soup at Dubu in Elkins Park
Looking for tangy deliciousness and spicy umami richness that can clear your sinuses? Look no further. Dubu makes its Kimchi in house and has a cozy Asian market feel. The tofu is silky and you can add meat for extra heft.
Pumpkin soup at Autana in Poplar
Autana is a Venezuelan pandemic pop up that became an Ardmore favorite. While its brick and mortar closed last summer, you can still snag soups from their ghost kitchen at the North Center Food Nest. The pumpkin soup (which is more of a butternut squash soup) is extremely addictive. Silkier, brighter and richer than your average squash offering, this soup pops with color and taste. Feeling extra hungry? Get an empanada on the side for dipping.
Well-done brisket and eye-round beef soup at Pho 75 on Washington Avenue
For a cheap meal packed with oodles of noodles and flavor, Pho 75 has you covered. Located in a strip mall, the soup comes hot and it comes fast. The beef is tender, the broth is salty and the herbs are fresh.
Consommé at South Philly Barbacoa in the Italian Market
Christina Martinez’ tacos put her on the map of Philly legends, but the consommé at South Philly Barbacoa should not be missed. Made from the drippings of the slow-cooked lamb meat that made the menu famous, it can warm anyone up any day of the week.
Cabbage and beef soup at Hymie’s Deli in Bala Cynwyd
Some may argue that a deli is only as good as its soup, and that’s good news for Hymie’s. This soup is a classic. Thick and full of delicious chunks of beef brisket, it’s sure to keep bellies full and happy.
Egusi at Suya Suya in Bala Cynwyd
For those uninitiated with this West African classic, head to Suya Suya. Egusi is a melon seed soup, filled with spinach, chicken and beef. The restaurant does the traditional favorite up right. Order it with a side of rice or fufu, a yummy starchy ball of doughy perfection.
Reading Terminal in Center City
While this is not a specific soup recommendation, Reading Terminal is a soup emporium filled with wonder, so it’s too hard to pick just one. From Beck’s Cajun Café‘s turtle snapper soup to Herschel’s matzo ball soup to Little Thai Market’s coconut chicken soup and more — there’s a plethora of good broths to discover.
