Is there anything more comforting than a bowl of soup? Of course not. Whether you prefer your soup chock full of hearty meats and veggies, or pureed to perfection, a steaming bowl of the good stuff is guaranteed to keep you warm and cozy on the windiest, bitterest of late fall and winter days. Here are four recs around the neighborhood to fill you up until spring comes:
If you need to sate your savory tooth… tonkotsu shoyu ramen at Kuu Ramen
The Kuu chili ramen is (rightfully) a bestseller at neighborhood standby Kuu Ramen, but we’re even bigger fans of the tonkotsu shoyu ramen. Hearty pork bone broth is made extra flavorful and elevated with black garlic chili oil, with seared pork adding an extra richness. If you want a little more heat, get Kuu’s famous housemade chili oil on the side; and be sure to add in an order of pork gyoza for an extra nosh. (20 John St.)
When you need a hug…avgolemono at Pita Press
For the ultimate comfort food, the avgolemono at Pita Press is a traditional Greek soup that tastes like a warm hug from your yiayia. Pita Press’ version is an authentic take on Greek home cooking: Just chicken and rice in a lemony-egg broth (in Greek, avgo = egg, lemono = lemon). Its delicious simplicity is warming and nourishing all the same. Plus, if that’s not incentive enough to try it, every cup comes with a side of warm pita. (25 Cedar St.)
For a desk lunch…Italian wedding soup at Ashby’s
Ashby’s is a favorite quick neighborhood lunch spot, thanks in large part to the piping hot soups you can score at unbeatable prices. All of Ashby’s offerings are worth a try, but the veggie-and-meatball-heavy Italian wedding soup is our personal favorite, making for a filling, flavorful and affordable midday meal. Grab an Irish snack or candy on your way to the register, and you’re all set ‘til dinnertime. (120 Broadway, entrance at Pine Street)
When you want something fancy…soupe à l’oignon gratinée at Le Gratin
The namesake dish at Le Gratin tends to get all the attention, but don’t let that fool you — the sleeper hit at Daniel Boulud’s house of Lyonnaise cuisine is the French onion soup. Flavorful broth filled with thick caramelized onions comes topped with thick gooey cheese and melty bread, making for a perfect slurp with every spoonful. It’s the perfect dish for a cold winter’s day — or anytime, really. (5 Beekman St.)
photo: iStock
