Around the World In 10 Soups

What’s your favorite bowl?

The Fumbling Generalist
3 min readMar 24, 2024

Let’s slurp, sip, and savor our way across the globe through these iconic dishes.

Let taste buds be our guide as we explore the rich and flavorful world of soups.

Photo by Max Griss on Unsplash

#1 Pho (Vietnam)

Let’s start our culinary adventure in Vietnam, where the aromatic broth of Pho reigns supreme.

This fragrant soup is a symphony of flavors, featuring thinly sliced beef or chicken, rice noodles, and a medley of herbs and spices like star anise, cinnamon, and ginger.

Served piping hot with a side of fresh bean sprouts, lime wedges, and Thai basil, Pho is a sensory delight that captivates the palate with its rich umami essence.

#2 Gazpacho (Spain)

From the bustling streets of Madrid to the sun-drenched shores of Barcelona, Gazpacho embodies the vibrant spirit of Spanish cuisine.

This chilled tomato-based soup is a refreshing oasis on a sweltering summer day, bursting with the flavors of ripe tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, bell peppers, and onions.

Infused with garlic, vinegar, and olive oil, Gazpacho is a harmonious blend of sweet, tangy, and savory notes that evoke the essence of Mediterranean sunshine.

#3 Tom Yum (Thailand)

Known for its bold and spicy flavors, this iconic Thai dish features a fragrant broth infused with lemongrass, galangal, kaffir lime leaves, and chili peppers.

Prawns, mushrooms, and other seafood delicacies swim amidst this aromatic broth, creating a symphony of flavors that tantalize the taste buds with each spoonful.

#4 Minestrone (Italy)

Italy’s culinary legacy shines brightly in the hearty bowl of Minestrone soup. A rustic medley of seasonal vegetables, beans, pasta, and herbs come together in a tomato-based broth, creating a comforting and nourishing meal.

From the verdant hills of Tuscany to the bustling streets of Rome, each region adds its own twist to this timeless classic, making Minestrone a beloved staple in Italian kitchens around the world.

#5 Miso Soup (Japan)

Simple yet satisfying, this traditional Japanese dish features a delicate broth made from fermented soybean paste, dashi stock, and seaweed. Tofu cubes, scallions, and sometimes mushrooms float gracefully in this savory elixir, offering a harmony of flavors that embody the essence of umami.

#6 Borscht (Russia/Ukraine)

From the frosty landscapes of Russia to the fertile plains of Ukraine, Borscht holds a special place in Eastern European hearts. This vibrant soup, with its deep crimson hue, is a symphony of flavors derived from beets, cabbage, potatoes, and carrots, simmered to perfection in a rich beef or vegetable broth.

Tangy notes of vinegar and a dollop of sour cream add a refreshing contrast, making Borscht a beloved comfort food for cold winter nights.

#7 Chicken Noodle Soup (United States)

A culinary hug in a bowl.

Tender chicken, al dente noodles, and an assortment of vegetables come together in a soul-warming broth that soothes both body and soul. Whether enjoyed as a remedy for the common cold or a nostalgic reminder of childhood, this timeless classic embodies the heartwarming essence of home.

#8 Caldo Verde (Portugal)

This hearty soup, hailing from the verdant valleys of the Minho region, features thinly sliced kale, potatoes, onions, and chorizo simmered in a flavorful broth. A drizzle of olive oil adds a touch of richness, while crusty bread on the side completes this satisfying culinary experience.

#9 Avgolemono (Greece)

This velvety concoction, with its creamy texture and bright citrus notes, is made from a blend of chicken broth, eggs, and lemon juice, thickened to perfection with rice or orzo. Fragrant dill adds a burst of freshness, making Avgolemono a delightful ode to Greek culinary heritage.

#10 Laksa (Malaysia/Singapore)

Our culinary odyssey concludes with the bold and aromatic flavors of Laksa, a beloved dish in Malaysia and Singapore.

This coconut milk-based soup is a tantalizing fusion of Malay, Chinese, and Indian influences, featuring a symphony of spices such as lemongrass, turmeric, and chili. Fresh seafood or tender chicken swim amidst rice noodles, bean sprouts, and tofu puffs, creating a sensory explosion that lingers long after the last spoonful.

I know, I know, I’ve missed a few good ones.

Goulash, Bouillabaisse, anyone?

Let me know what’s your favorite bowl. (Ramen is good too!)

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The Fumbling Generalist

I write about random things that I feel suddenly passionate about. And I’m man with many passions. (About 204,753 of them…and counting!)