It’s full-on soup season, and I don’t mean to brag, but I am something of a connoisseur 🧑🍳 Here are 10 of the best soups to keep you fueled through the D.C. winter.
Tom Kha Lobster Bisque at Baan Mae
Shaw, $25
Whole lobster, oyster mushroom, carrot, and galangal infused in a coconut soup topped with roasted chili oil and a Chinese donut. The seasonal menu items here switch frequently so get it before it’s gone!
Aush Soup at Lapis
Adams Morgan, $14
Lapis has a variety of soups that are "guaranteed to win over your Afghan mother-in-law (or find you one)." The Aush is made with rice noodles, red kidney beans, ground beef, dill, and garlic yogurt.
Ukrainian Borscht at D Light Cafe & Bakery
Adams Morgan, $13
I don’t have a Ukrainian grandmother, but if I did, this is what I think she’d make. A bright red beet and cabbage stew with tender chunks of beef topped with sour cream and dill bread puffs. I’ve tried to recreate it at home, and trust me, it’s not the same.
Ukrainian Borsch from D Light. (Kaela Cote-Stemmermann/City Cast DC)
Butternut Squash Soup at Green Almond Pantry
Georgetown, $9
Sometimes classic is best, this vegan soup is made with squash, sweet onion, bay leaf, cinnamon, and olive oil. Don’t miss a piece of their chocolate cake on the side.
Spicy Lemongrass Pho at Pho Viet
Columbia Heights, ~$14
No D.C. soup list would be complete without this lemongrass pho, a style of spice that can be combined with any of their noodle bowls. It has healed me mentally and physically on more than one occasion. Top it with lots of bean sprouts, hoisin, and lime.
Arrabbiata Ramen at Tonari
Chinatown, $15.60
Perhaps D.C.’s best-kept soupy secret is the Italian-style ramen at Tonari. They are only available during lunch on weekends but are worth seeking out. The Arrabbiata is a spin on tomato soup, with tomato-miso tare, ramen noodles, garlic, chili oil, and parsley.
Arrabbiata Ramen at Tonari. (Courtesy of Tonari)
Pozole Verde at Cielo Rojo
Takoma Park, $15
A textural feast, this pozole is a hominy stew with green chilies topped with chicken, radish, lime, cashew cream, tostadas, and herbs.
Kimchi Jjigae at Anju
Dupont, $25
This will kick any cold on its butt. A piping hot pork belly stew with soft tofu and aged kimchi served in a hot stone bowl. It’s the perfect amount of heat when paired with some hot rice.
Mushroom Soup at Mikko
Dupont, $15
Savory mushrooms with a hint of truffle and served with rye bread, how can you not feel cozy eating this? I also love their traditional fish soup with salmon, cod, and potatoes.
French Onion Soup at Bistro Du Jour
The Wharf & Capitol Hill, $16
Bistro Du Jour's Soupe À L'Oignon is made with caramelized onions, a savory broth, Gruyère cheese melted to bubbly goodness, and crispy baguette croutons. I mean, come on!
