Awesome Richmond Soups

Originally published in Nov. 2010

I love soup. One could say that I am even obsessed. For me, it is one of the most versatile food forms there is. Hot or cold, spicy or mild, creamy or brothy, chunky or smooth, it doesn’t really get old.

With the recent and abrupt change in weather, there is also no better comfort for the cold. As such, I have compiled a list of my favorite soup choices in the city. Of course there are many of them out there and many of which I haven’t tried. However, these are the select few go-to soup spots have failed to disappoint me.

In no particularly delicious order…

Tom Kha - Ginger Thai Taste

Three years ago when I first moved to Richmond, Ginger was one of the first restaurants I tried. This small Carytown gem will always have a special place in my heart, specifically for their soup. While there are only two soups on their menu, both are worth trying. My particular preference is for the Tom Kha, a spicy coconut soup with cilantro, lime leaves and galangal. Every soup is cooked to order with chunky chopped carrots, bell peppers, onions, whole mushrooms and the option of chicken, tofu, shrimp, scallop, squid or simply vegetable. While it doesn’t seem possible, this soup actually makes your mouth water while you eat it.

Pho – Mekong

Growing up in an area with a high population of Asian cultures, I loved eating dishes like Pho. A classic Vietnamese noodle soup, it is my go-to for any cold. Typically the soup is served very plain, with beef broth noodle and your choice of meat, including rare sliced beef, sliced chicken, scallop, shrimp, squid or fishballs. Scallions, purple basil, red chiles, bean sprouts, hoisin sauce and Sriracha normally come on the side for customizing. I typically make my broth red with spice, the perfect solution to any sinus problem. Regular $6.95, large $8.95, superbowl $10.95.

Navy Bean - Joe's Inn

Navy beans are not the most exciting of the bean family. They got their name for being a popular food choice in the United State Navy dining services. White in color, mild in flavor, these beans need a lot of dressing up. And this Fan-favorite restaurant has a recipe that does the trick. Popping up as their soup of the day ever so often, this cup is a must-try. I don’t know what goes in it, but this soup is perfectly spiced and hearty enough for a meal. Cup $2.25, bowl $2.95.

Chicken Soup – Chicken Fiesta

This casual take-out style Mexican restaurant definitely lives up to its name with their only soup. With the perfect combination of vegetables, braised chicken and steaming broth, the Chicken Soup is a cheap and delicious alternative to a classic chicken noodle. With just one size, you can find this cold-weather treat at either Midlothian or Broad Street location. $3.50

Billy Bi - Balliceaux

Always in with the new, Balliceaux keeps their fusion style menu interesting and flavorful, even down to the soups. I have never been disappointed by their seasonal menus, so I can’t say this is the only soup to try. Their current menu, however, boasts their Billy Bi soup, a cream-based black mussels and saffron cup of joy. Cup $4.50, bowl $6.50.

Sweet Water Crab Bisque - Julep's

Who can deny a good bisque when it comes to the holidays? Not me. And with Julep’s combination of crab with shiitake mushrooms, fresh thyme and a lemon-basil oil, there is truly no reason to. Rich and fragrant, this seafood delight is enough to make me wish this was on my Christmas table. Maybe it will be…

French Onion Soup - Bonvenu

French onion soup is tricky. There are so many factors, whether it be the cheese on top or the bread inside or the saltiness of the broth, that pleasing everyone is challenging. For my personal taste, the best I’ve found is at one of Carytown’s latest editions, Bonvenu. Baked with large garlic croutons and topped with a thick layer of provolone cheese, this soup is a seasonal treat. The cheese is a little heavy, but when you get into the broth underneath, the flavor is incredible. And while I’m picky about over-saltiness, the seasoning was perfectly warm and smooth for me. Most importantly, the price is worth the portion as it was enough for me to eat as a meal. $10

Harira soup - Cous Cous

This hearty, tomato-based soup is the perfect solution to the cold outside. A staple on the menu, Cous Cous makes their version of this traditional Moroccan soup with braised lamb and wild rice. With an unidentifiable blend of spices, I can easily say this family-style soup will warm your mouth, body and mind to Mediterranean cuisine. Cup $4, bowl $5.50.

Roasted Butternut Squash Bisque- Chez Foushee

If this soup didn’t come to you so piping hot, I would go as far to say that it is chuggable. As smooth as milk, this soup is a creamy ode to the fall season. Topped with a sherry crème fraiche, the bisque is a rich palette pleaser of holiday flavor. Their daily soups as well, while always changing, are always flawless. Cup $5, bowl $5.75.

Robin Hertel is Richmond.com’s Fall Intern and a senior at Virginia Commonwealth University. With a particular passion for food and culinary arts in the community, you can normally expect her to be perusing new restaurants or the local farmers markets and festivals. With any luck, she will graduate this fall and find a job that supports these expensive habits.