5 of the Best Spots to Slurp Stupendous Soup on a Cold Day
Words: Hannah Lemass
Images: Instagram & Unsplash
Well lads, that bitter chill in the air you’re feeling means two things: the march of Christmas draws ever nearer, and it’s full-on soup season.
It’s been a mild enough autumn, but the temperature has finally crept low enough to justify a big, steaming bowl of nourishing liquid sustenance.
Soup Parameters
In this list, we’ll explore the best spots for a soupy fix but let’s get one thing straight: soup comes in many forms. It can be thick, thin, chunky, smooth, hot, or cold. Ramen is soup. Stew is soup. Cereal is soup. Don’t agree? Fight me.
In no particular order, here are five places dishing out bowls of comforting, soupy goodness to keep you cosy throughout these bitterly cold months.
Nomo
When you’re craving some warming, broth-based goodness but also need a proper, hearty meal, ramen is the right move. I’ve tried a lot of ramen around town, and more often than not, they’ve been bland disappointments. But not at Nomo. Their broths are always flavourful, and with the option to dial up the spice, you’ll be heating up in more ways than one. They even offer a sensational vegan option, a rarity in the ramen world. Plus, they often have specials, so there’s always something new to try.
Soup Dragon
When you think soup in Dublin, you think of Soup Dragon. This is soup paradise, with an amazing selection of hearty and delicious concoctions. They have loads of different flavours to choose from, and they all hit from roasted red pepper to tomato & goat’s cheese to Thai green chicken curry and beyond. Everything is homemade and gluten-free, and there are always meat-free and dairy-free options too. It’s also one of the best-value lunches you’ll find in town. A small bowl is €5.50 and comes with bread and a piece of fruit.
Pho Kim
If you’re looking for a proper tonic to ward off illness and warm the cockles of your heart while still tasting divinely scrumptious, then go fill yourself with pho. Pho Kim is as authentic as it gets, with a menu heaving with Vietnamese delicacies. It really doesn’t get more comforting than a steaming bowl of delicious, light broth absolutely chock-full of fresh veggies, tender meat, and perfectly slurpable noodles.
Cornucopia
Cornucopia has been delighting diners with humongous portions of the most comforting and flavourful vegetarian dishes since 1989. When it comes to the offerings at the hot counter, you really can’t go wrong but you must try the soup. Even non–soup lovers will be hooked by the silky-smooth offerings here. The flavours change daily, but there will always be a choice of two, each served with a slice of bread and an optional swirl of green chilli oil and sprinkling of dukkah on top.
Fallon & Byrne
We never get tired of singing the praises of Fallon & Byrne’s deli. Their sandwiches, salads, focaccia, and hot meals are all wonderful offerings at a great price for the quality and size. The soup, however, is the real star of the show. The flavours change daily, but you will never get a bad batch. From delicious chorizo and bean to classic tomato and basil, they’re fresh, flavoursome, wholesome, and served piping hot. They’re so hearty even the small size fills you up nicely, especially with a bit of bread on the side.
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