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As the days get shorter and the temperatures drop, we often find ourselves reaching for warm bowls of comfort to fight off the seasonal sniffles. Across the globe, soups have long been a go-to remedy for colds and flu, offering both nourishment and a touch of nostalgia.
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From ancient broths steeped in tradition to globally inspired bowls packed with restorative ingredients, here’s our roundup of the best soups to carry you through sick season.
A classic from Greece, avgolemono is a silky, tangy soup made with chicken stock, rice or orzo, egg yolks, and lemon juice. The soup’s name translates to “egg-lemon” in Greek, referencing its signature creamy texture and citrusy brightness. Traditionally served as a comforting meal in Greek households, avgolemono is both hearty and refreshing, making it an ideal pick-me-up when you’re under the weather.
Why it’s nourishing:
The combination of chicken broth and eggs provides protein and amino acids that support immune health, while lemon juice adds a dose of vitamin C. The starch from the rice or orzo makes it filling enough to soothe an empty stomach without being too heavy.
Known affectionately as “Jewish penicillin,” matzo ball chicken soup is a staple in Jewish cuisine and has long been associated with healing. The broth, made from simmering chicken, vegetables, and herbs, is served with tender matzo balls made from matzo meal, eggs, and schmaltz (chicken fat). Its reputation as a cure-all is deeply rooted in both tradition and science, with grandmothers worldwide swearing by its restorative properties.
Why it’s nourishing:
Chicken soup has anti-inflammatory properties, thanks to compounds released during the cooking process, while matzo balls add a comforting, carb-rich component that can help keep energy levels up. Plus, the warm broth is soothing for sore throats and stuffy noses.
Ramen has become a global phenomenon, but at its heart, it’s a deeply restorative dish rooted in Japanese culinary tradition. The base of ramen varies, from miso and soy to pork-rich tonkotsu, but all versions include a savory, umami-laden broth, noodles, and a variety of toppings like soft-boiled eggs, green onions, and nori. Perfect for a chilly day, ramen is as comforting as it is versatile.
Why it’s nourishing:
Ramen is a well-balanced meal in a bowl. The broth provides hydration and electrolytes, the noodles deliver energy-boosting carbs, and toppings like eggs and vegetables add protein and nutrients. The warmth and umami flavors also help stimulate appetite and lift spirits.
A beloved staple in Vietnamese cuisine, pho is a fragrant noodle soup traditionally made with either beef (pho bo) or chicken (pho ga). The broth is the star, simmered for hours with spices like star anise, cinnamon, and cloves. Topped with rice noodles, fresh herbs, bean sprouts, and lime, pho is both a feast for the senses and a remedy for the body. You will learn to make a chicken Pho on our Nutrition in Culinary Practice Course.
Why it’s nourishing:
Pho’s broth is rich in collagen and nutrients extracted from bones during the long cooking process, while the fresh herbs (like cilantro and Thai basil) provide a boost of antioxidants. The warm broth and gentle spices also help to clear congestion and ease digestion.
Hailing from Indonesia, soto ayam is a vibrant yellow chicken soup flavored with turmeric, lemongrass, and ginger. This aromatic dish is typically served with shredded chicken, rice or vermicelli noodles, hard-boiled eggs, and crispy shallots. Known for its bright, uplifting flavor, soto ayam is a popular comfort food in Indonesia and a great way to fight the sniffles.
Why it’s nourishing:
The turmeric in soto ayam has powerful anti-inflammatory properties, while ginger aids digestion and helps reduce nausea. The chicken and eggs supply protein, and the fresh lime juice adds a hit of immune-boosting vitamin C.
From Portugal comes caldo verde, a rustic soup that translates to “green broth.” Made with potatoes, kale, and chouriço (a type of Portuguese sausage), this dish is hearty, wholesome, and packed with flavor. Traditionally served at family gatherings, it’s a comforting soup that feels like a warm hug.
Why it’s nourishing:
Caldo verde combines leafy greens for vitamins and fiber with potatoes for energy and sausage for protein. The simple ingredients make it both filling and gentle on the stomach, while the warmth of the broth soothes from the inside out.
What’s your go-to bowl of comfort during sick season? Let us know—we’re always on the lookout for new favourites!
