With sweater weather and fall foliage comes the coziest culinary time of year: soup season. Whether you’re nursing a cold or just warming up on a chilly day, there are plenty of spots to get your comfort food fix.
Asian Soups
Different Asian cultures boast their own unique versions of comforting soups, and we're fortunate enough to have quite a few represented here in the capital city. For the Vietnamese favorite pho, make your way to Five Points favorite Pho Viet where the warm broth and fresh herbs are sure to warm your soul, their extensive menu has combinations that will hit the spot every time. In West Columbia, Mai Thai’s coconut soup is equal parts refreshing and hearty, perfect for those warmer fall days here in the Midlands. And we can’t talk about Asian soups without mentioning ramen. When the cold winds blow, Menkoi Ramen House is the place to go. Grab the chicken or pork ramen and make it spicy – sure to clear those sinuses when the runny nose hits.
Vegan
Pick up a vegan-friendly bowl of goodness curated with an original blend of spices from Rosewood Market. The recipe rotates daily, so be sure to check their Instagram for the update. If you’re feeling under the weather, Tasty as Fit’s Immunity Soup is just what the doctor ordered. Stock up on the soup from their Grab-n-Go fridge or hit up the Tasty as Fit blog to make some at home. Goodlife Café has a rotating soup of the day as well if you find yourself down on Main Street.
Definitely Not Vegan
For a heartier spoonful, these definitely not vegan soups will fill you right up. Cozy up on Black Rooster’s heated rooftop patio with a beautiful view of downtown Columbia and a bowl of the Onion Soup Gratinée. On a chilly fall day in Five Points, find a table at The Gourmet Shop and order a bowl of their famous Tomato Bisque – pairs well with a croissant sandwich. For a full bowl of Southern hospitality and warmth, look no further than Lizard's Thicket. With multiple locations around town, you can easily stop in after some fall fun for a bowl of their seasonal Chili and Beans or the Spicy Black Eyed Pea Soup. Head to a local hot spot for lunch, Spotted Salamander, and see what the kitchen has for the soup of the day, the menu rotates daily and is posted on the public Instagram. Past favorites include tomato parmesan and pork, turnip-top, black eye pea stew.
Soup of the Day
They may be different every day of the week, but the Soup of the Day at Fusco’s Market in Irmo never disappoints. Customers have raved about the Mediterranean seafood bisque so much that it’s now in their permanent rotation of recipes. Backstreets Grill on Devine Street specializes in the concept of soup du jour. The changing item has multiple options a day, including house made concoctions such as filet bisque and the veggie creamy broccoli soup and a vegetarian option.