New York City is a mix of many flavors. This is true in its soups. You can find everything from warm comfort food to exotic winter soups.
We’ve searched for the best soups in New York. We went to 14 amazing restaurants in different areas. Our goal was to find the best broths for you.
Looking for a classic matzo ball soup or something new? NYC has it all. From ramen to unique Persian stews, there’s something for everyone.
Ready to try some of New York’s best soups? Let’s explore the city’s diverse flavors. They’re perfect for warming up on cold days.
Classic NYC Soups and Where to Find Them
New York City is a mix of many flavors. Its soup scene is no different. The city has many comforting bowls to try. Let’s explore some iconic NYC soups and where to find them.
French Onion Soup at Lucien
Lucien in the East Village is known for its French onion soup. It costs $18. The soup has a rich broth, caramelized onions, melted cheese, and a crouton. It’s great for cold days.
Manhattan and New England Clam Chowder at Bigelow’s
Seafood fans will love Bigelow’s in Rockville Centre. They have Manhattan and New England clam chowder for $10. The Manhattan is tomato-based, while the New England is creamy. Both are full of clams and veggies.
Matzo Ball Soup at Brooklyn Diner
Brooklyn Diner offers Jewish comfort food. Their matzo ball soup is $14.50. It has a big matzo ball, chicken broth, pulled chicken, and veggies. It’s great for colds or bad days.
Lobster Bisque at Lenny’s Clam Bar
Lenny’s Clam Bar in Cross Bay has a luxurious lobster bisque. It’s $13. The soup is creamy with lobster meat and black pepper. It’s a dream for seafood lovers.
| Restaurant | Soup | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Lucien | French onion soup | $18 |
| Bigelow’s | Clam chowder (both styles) | $10 |
| Brooklyn Diner | Matzo ball soup | $14.50 |
| Lenny’s Clam Bar | Lobster bisque | $13 |
NYC Soups: International Flavors
New York City is a melting pot of cultures. This is seen in its diverse soup offerings. From Vietnamese pho to Nigerian pepper soup, the city offers a world of flavors in a bowl. Let’s explore some standout spots for international soups and ethnic cuisine that showcase NYC’s culinary diversity.
Vietnamese Pho at Hanoi House
Hanoi House in the East Village brings authentic northern Vietnamese pho to NYC. Their rich, seasoned broth is different from southern versions. It offers a true taste of Hanoi. This hearty soup is perfect for cold days or late-night cravings.
Ukrainian Borscht at East Village Restaurant
Ukrainian East Village Restaurant takes you back to Soviet-era times. Their traditional borscht is a comforting blend of beets, cabbage, and tender beef. It’s a flavorful journey to Eastern Europe without leaving Manhattan.
Tibetan Tsak Sha Chu Rul at Phayul
For a unique soup experience, head to Phayul in Jackson Heights. Their tsak sha chu rul, a Tibetan specialty, features yak milk, beef, and noodles. This funky, flavorful soup offers a taste of the Himalayas in the heart of Queens.
Nigerian Goat Pepper Soup at Buka
Buka in Bed-Stuy brings the heat with their Nigerian goat pepper soup. This spicy, nutritious dish is a staple of West African cuisine. It’s a perfect introduction to the bold flavors of Nigerian cooking.
While not as common as hot and sour soup or Mulligatawny soup, these international soups showcase NYC’s incredible culinary diversity. With 40% of US consumers interested in global soups and stews, it’s no wonder NYC’s soup scene is thriving. Whether you’re craving comfort food or eager to explore new flavors, these spots offer a world tour in a bowl.
Hidden Gem Soup Spots in the Boroughs
NYC boroughs have many neighborhood restaurants and hidden gems. We found some local favorites that serve amazing soups. They’re worth trying.
Queens: Garlic Soup at Koliba
Koliba in Astoria offers Czech-Slovak food. Their garlic soup, česnečka, is a must-try. It’s served in a cozy mountain lodge setting.
This hearty soup warms you up on cold days. It’s a great comfort food.
Brooklyn: Crossing Bridge Noodles at Yun Nan Flavour Garden
In Sunset Park, Yun Nan Flavour Garden has a special soup. Their crossing bridge noodles let you make your own soup. It’s a unique experience.
This Yunnan specialty shows Brooklyn’s diverse food scene. It’s a hidden gem.
Manhattan: Yuzu Chicken Noodle at Her Name Is Han
Koreatown’s Her Name Is Han has a modern chicken noodle soup. It has tender chicken and thick noodles in a citrusy broth. It’s a fresh twist on a classic.
| Borough | Restaurant | Signature Soup | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Queens | Koliba | Garlic Soup (Česnečka) | $8 – $12 |
| Brooklyn | Yun Nan Flavour Garden | Crossing Bridge Noodles | $12 – $16 |
| Manhattan | Her Name Is Han | Yuzu Chicken Noodle | $14 – $18 |
These spots offer unique soup experiences in NYC’s diverse boroughs. From Czech garlic soup to Yunnan noodles and Korean chicken soup, they show the city’s rich food culture. Explore beyond tourist spots to find these local favorites and enjoy New York City’s true flavors.
Conclusion
New York City’s food scene is a mix of many flavors. Its soup variety is especially diverse. From French onion soup to Nigerian goat pepper soup, the city has it all.
Our trip through Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Queens showed us a wide range of tastes. These tastes reflect NYC’s diverse people and food culture.
We found hidden gems like Koliba in Queens and Yun Nan Flavour Garden in Brooklyn. Her Name Is Han in Manhattan also caught our eye with its yuzu chicken noodle soup. These places, along with famous spots, show the variety of soups in NYC.
As we finish our soup tour, it’s clear NYC’s food scene keeps changing. New places like Pho Ga Vang on Market Street add fresh flavors. Family-run spots like Pho Ga Thanh Thanh also grow.
With over 1,700 soup shops in the city, there’s always something new to try. Whether you want matzo ball soup or Tibetan tsak sha chu rul, you’ll find it.
