Few things are as comforting as a bowl of soup, especially when each spoonful is steeped in tradition and culture. Soups are storytellers, connecting us to different corners of the world through their flavors, ingredients, and techniques. From the bustling streets of Hanoi to cozy Parisian cafes, every country has its iconic soup, and every traveler has a favorite bowl. Here’s a ladle-full of some of the best soups from around the globe—including where you can find the ultimate version of these heartwarming dishes.

1. French Onion Soup (France)

Rich, caramelized onions swimming in a savory beef or vegetable broth beneath a layer of toasted baguette and oozy Gruyère cheese. French onion soup is that elegant classic that feels simultaneously fancy and homey.

Cultural Significance

This soup hails from humble origins as a peasant dish in 18th-century France and has since become a staple of French cuisine. Its hearty appeal made it a natural fit for Paris’s brasseries and bistros, where it’s often served as a decadent starter.

Where to Try It

  • Le Procope (Paris, France): Known as the oldest cafe in Paris (dating back to 1686), they serve a legendary bowl of French onion soup that’s rich in both flavor and history.
  • Benoit (Paris, France): A Michelin-starred bistro with spectacularly indulgent soup that melts in your mouth.

Pro Tip: When making it at home, take your time caramelizing the onions to achieve their signature sweetness.

2. Pho (Vietnam)

Pho (pronounced “fuh”) is Vietnam’s national treasure. This noodle soup features a fragrant broth simmered with beef bones, star anise, cinnamon, and other spices. It’s typically loaded with rice noodles, tender slices of beef or chicken, and topped with fresh herbs, lime, and bean sprouts.

Cultural Significance

Born in the early 20th century in northern Vietnam, pho became a cultural symbol as it spread across the country. It’s now a morning meal staple, but truthfully, locals and tourists alike eat it all-day long.

Where to Try It

  • Pho Thin (Hanoi, Vietnam): Believed to serve the best traditional northern-style pho, their smoky, deeply flavored broth is unmatched.
  • Pho 2000 (Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam): This spot gained international fame when President Bill Clinton dined here in 2000, giving their pho a presidential stamp of approval.

Pro Tip: Add a splash of fish sauce to enhance the umami punch of your homemade broth.

3. Tom Yum (Thailand)

Tom yum is a Thai masterpiece of contrasts, famous for its tangy, spicy, and savory notes. Made with lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, galangal, fresh chilies, and shrimp (or chicken), it’s packed with bold flavors that dance on your palate.

Cultural Significance

Often considered a cure-all, tom yum’s zingy heat is believed to ward off colds and improve digestion. It’s a must-order dish at Thai restaurants and a source of pride for home cooks perfecting their family recipes.

Where to Try It

  • The Blue Elephant (Bangkok, Thailand): This iconic restaurant combines royal Thai cuisine with a modern twist—including an unforgettable tom yum.
  • Jay Fai (Bangkok, Thailand): This street food vendor turned Michelin-starred chef is famous for her elevated take on tom yum prawns.

Pro Tip: Don’t skip fresh ingredients like lemongrass and lime leaves; they’re essential for the authentic taste.

4. New England Clam Chowder (USA)

Thick, creamy, and loaded with clams, potatoes, onions, and bacon, New England clam chowder is the ultimate comfort food. Its velvety texture and savory richness are practically synonymous with chilly coastal evenings.

Cultural Significance

This chowder dates back to the early settlers in the northeastern U.S. Its popularity spread through coastal communities, eventually anchoring itself as a New England culinary icon, especially in Maine and Massachusetts.

Where to Try It

  • Union Oyster House (Boston, USA): The oldest continuously operating restaurant in America, famous for their traditional clam chowder.
  • The Lobster Pot (Provincetown, USA): A must-visit spot in Cape Cod for a hearty, classic bowl.

Pro Tip: For the creamiest chowder at home, use heavy cream and add a splash of dry white wine for depth.

5. Borscht (Ukraine/Russia)

Borscht is a vibrant beet soup that’s beloved in Eastern Europe. Typically served hot or chilled, this ruby-red broth often features cabbage, potatoes, carrots, and beef or pork. A fresh dollop of sour cream on top rounds out the earthy, tangy flavors.

Cultural Significance

Rooted in Slavic culture, borscht has been a culinary staple for centuries. It’s a dish that symbolizes warmth and hospitality, served in homes and festive dinners alike. Today, it’s recognized as part of Ukraine's national identity, though its origins are shared across the region.

Where to Try It

  • Pervak (Kyiv, Ukraine): This cozy spot specializes in traditional Ukrainian cuisine, and their borscht is both hearty and beautifully presented.
  • Mari Vanna (Moscow, Russia): A charming restaurant offering an authentic take on this classic soup.

Pro Tip: Save the beet greens to make a flavorful garnish!

6. Harira (Morocco)

Harira is the hearty Moroccan soup traditionally eaten to break the Ramadan fast. Its rich tomato base is flavored with turmeric, cinnamon, and ginger and slowly simmered with lentils, chickpeas, and sometimes lamb for extra indulgence.

Cultural Significance

Harira’s history weaves together Berber, Arab, and French influences, making it a culinary symbol of Morocco’s cultural diversity. Though associated with Ramadan, it’s enjoyed year-round as a nourishing family meal.

Where to Try It

  • Al Fassia (Marrakech, Morocco): An elegant spot famous for its traditional Moroccan dishes, including a soul-warming harira.
  • Dar Moha (Marrakech, Morocco): For a more modern take, their beautifully presented harira will knock your socks off.

Pro Tip: Pair it with fresh dates or chebakia (Moroccan sesame cookies) for the full experience.

7. Avgolemono (Greece)

Avgolemono is a silky, lemon-infused chicken soup enriched with egg and rice. Its bright tang and creamy texture make it the ultimate Mediterranean comfort food.

Cultural Significance

Avgolemono has been a central dish in Greek households for centuries, served as a homely starter or as a remedy for when you’re feeling under the weather. It’s simplicity and elegance in one bowl.

Where to Try It

  • Klimataria (Athens, Greece): A beloved tavern serving authentic avgolemono perfect for a rainy day.
  • Ouzeri Lesvos (Thessaloniki, Greece): Known for its seafood, they also make a mean avgolemono with an extra lemony kick.

Pro Tip: To prevent curdling when making it at home, temper the eggs before adding them to the hot soup.

Traveling for these soups is an adventure all by itself, but the beauty is that these recipes can also be recreated in your own kitchen. Whichever route you take, grab a spoon and prepare to warm your soul with the flavors of the world!