15 Best Asian Soups You Have To Try!

Every culture has its own take on soup. Ingredients plus water plus heat is a concept that everyone can get behind. But after this article, you'll see the true breadth, flavours and glory of Asian soups.

These soups are guaranteed to have you reaching for a second - or third bowl.

Let's dive into some of the most iconic Asian soups, why they're delicious, and how you can make them yourself.

Chinese Soups

Chicken & Sweetcorn Soup

A simple yet satisfying classic, this creamy soup is a Chinese restaurant staple - and a childhood favourite of ours. With shredded chicken, sweetcorn, and a velvety consistency (cooks everywhere; give thanks to corn starch and whisked egg), it's the ultimate comfort food.

Its origins trace back to blending heavier, Western cream soups with Chinese culinary flair.

Pro tip: Add a splash of sesame oil for a nutty finish or a dash of white pepper to elevate the flavour of this Chinese chicken soup.

Wonton Soup

So simple, yet so customisable. The broth is elegant and light, only using fresh vegetables, water and a protein, added after the beloved wontons.

Where it's taken from there is anyone's guess! By changing up the vegetables, adding ginger or garlic, the choice between fish or pork - no Wonton Soup is the same.

Egg Drop Soup

Silky strands of egg in a flavourful broth - the simplicity of egg drop soup is its charm. Due to the slow way the egg is poured, you'll see a fun ribbon effect in the soup. Add some tofu or a handful of peas and chow down.

Known for its quick prep and comforting warmth, this soup's origins may even stem from ancient China.

Southeast Asian Soups

Tom Yum

Spicy, sour, and fragrant, Tom Yum hails from Thailand and is a flavour explosion in a bowl.

Its vibrant broth is infused with lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, and galangal. Shrimp is the traditional protein, but chicken works too. For an authentic touch, use some Thai chilli paste and serve with jasmine rice.

Laksa

This Malaysian and Singaporean noodle soup is a personal favourite of ours.

Put simply, it's a spicy, coconutty masterpiece. Laksa varies regionally, with curry laksa and asam laksa being the most famous. The former boasts a creamy, spicy broth, while the latter is tangy and tamarind-based. Either way, it's a must-try for anyone. With plenty of variations across both countries, there's a Laksa for everyone.

Pho

Vietnam's beloved noodle soup, Pho, combines beef or chicken with a deeply aromatic broth simmered for hours. The garnish of this noodle broth soup can include lime, fresh herbs, bean sprouts, and chilli, but no two Pho have ever been the same.

The key to pho is patience; only after those bones have simmered for hours can you finally dig in.

Canh Chua

Canh Chua is a Vietnamese sweet and sour soup dish. From the Mekong Delta, it's no surprise that its tamarind broth is full of fish. Although difficult to cook at home, due to its traditional reliance on catfish, there are many substitutes people have tried in their homemade canh chua - from salmon to pork.

Soto Ayam

Soto Ayam is an Indonesian chicken noodle soup. Although you'll see it throughout Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei.

It combines turmeric, lemongrass, and fried shallots for a sunny, fragrant bowl. Add boiled eggs, potato cakes, or even a squeeze of lime for a punchy finish. A perfect, lighter touch to curry soups.

Korean Soups

Kimchi Jjigae

Kimchi lovers, rejoice! Kimchi Jjigae is a spicy, savoury stew packed with cabbage, tofu, and (if you really want to push the boat out) pork belly. Its punchy flavour and probiotic benefits make it a healthful indulgence.

On a cold winter day, there is truly nothing better.

Tteokguk (Rice Cake Soup)

A New Year's tradition in Korea, tteokguk symbolizes a fresh start. Its broth, made from beef or anchovy stock, is light yet flavourful, and the chewy rice cakes are pure joy. Garnish with egg strips, nori, and green onions for extra flair.

Kongnamul Guk (Soybean Sprout Soup)

This humble soup is a staple for cold mornings and hangover remedies alike. The nutty crunch of soybean sprouts in a light broth is as soothing as it is simple.

Try it at home! Simply blanche your beansprouts, drizzle some sesame oil over the top and add hot water. With some gochugaru, spring onions and fish oil, you can take it to another level.

Japanese Soups

Ramen

Ramen needs no introduction. We have all heard of it, and have likely tried at least its instant variety.

Go to a proper ramen shop however, and you'll be treated with its rich broth (be it tonkotsu, shoyu, or miso), springy noodles, and variety of toppings. Here, Ramen is both a meal and an experience. Want it spicy? So much pork fat you can see it swimming? A miso brother you can't say no to? The sky's the limit.

The authentic tonkotsu we had in Fukuoka was beyond our wildest imaginations. Truly one of the best types of Asian noodles.

Miso Soup

A quintessential part of Japanese cuisine, miso soup pairs fermented soybean paste with dashi broth. We love adding extra tofu, mushrooms, and spring onions to enhance its flavour. You can also add wakame seaweed, and scallions for an authentic touch.

Fun fact: Miso soup is as much about technique as ingredients. Dissolve the miso gently to avoid grainy soup.

It's the perfect light meal, side dish or starter!

Japanese Noodle Soup (Soba/Udon)

Soba (thin, buckwheat noodles) and udon (thick, wheat flour noodles) shine in their respective soups. This Asian noodle soup is light yet satisfying, these soups vary seasonally - warm broth in winter, and chilled (or even iced!) versions in summer.

Add anything from tempura, kamaboko (fish cake), or just a splash of soy for a quick, delightful meal.

Taiwanese Soups

Beef Noodle Soup

Taiwanese beef noodle soup has to be one of our favourite dishes. With a rich and often spicy broth, it's a perfect winter delicacy or comfort food.

Although it's quite a complex recipe, with tender braised beef and a broth people can spend hours on, it's absolutely worth the final product.

Final Word

Asian soups are an eclectic mix of flavours, cultures and comfort. From the rich broths of ramen to the vibrant spice of Tom Yum, there’s a soup for every palate. Whether you’re recreating them at home or savouring authentic bowls, these 15 iconic soups are guaranteed to warm your heart and soul.

Happy slurping!