10 Soups to Keep You Warm
Grab a spoon and hop to it!
Tomato soup from Grate and Barrel, grilled-cheese specialists.
Photo by Dan Clapson
Much like cardigans, wool sweaters and scarves, soup is officially back in style. Here are 10 bowls to think about trying this week.
Craft Beer Market Craft House Soup
Plenty of cheddar cheese, jalapenos and a hearty ale come together to form a soup that is equal parts cheesy and comforting. The perfect thing to enjoy over the lunch hour when it’s less than lovely outside.
345 10 Ave. S.W., 403-514-2337, craftbeermarket.ca, @craftbeermarket
Grate and Barrel Tomato Soup
A simple no-frills tomato soup that can play second fiddle, giving you something to dip your grilled cheese sandwich into. The comforting soup is served in to-go coffee cups too, so you can even stroll down 4th Street while taking sips. People will just think you have a coffee in your hand, but only you’ll know the delicious truth.
2308 4 St. S.W., 403-453-0330, @grateandbarrel
King’s Restaurant Wor Wonton Soup
This is one of the best versions of wor wonton you’ll be able to find around Calgary (and it’s at its very best at the original location on Barlow Trail). The big bowl is perfect for big appetites, loaded with vegetables, wontons, pork and noodles in a clear broth that with the help of a little chili oil can help clear those sinsus’ if you’ve got a bit of a cold.
various locations, 403-272-2332, kingsrestaurant.ca
Nho Saigon House Special Soup
My love for a good pho sate is undying, but sometimes you’ve got to mix it up a bit. You’ll find a “house special” soup at most Vietnamese eateries, but this one has a little something special in the broth (I suggest a little star anise and cinnamon) making it beautiful fragrant and perfect for the season. It’s also jam-packed with wontons, shrimp, chicken and vegetables too. It’s definitely worth a try.
2111 33 Ave. S.W., 403-246-1388
Oak Tree Tavern Dill Pickle Soup
Yes, you read that correctly. Only a few people know the true deliciousness that lies in a bowl of this relatively unusual soup. A little dill pickle brine mixed with some cream, potatoes, diced pickles and spices make for something that’s surprisingly comforting and uncharacteristic of the typically cold, crispy burger topping we all love.
124 10 St. N.W., 403-270-3347, oaktreetavern.ca, @oaktreeyyc
Pig and Duke Chicken Noodle Soup
It’s pretty much a fact that you can’t survive a Calgary winter without knowing where to get a good bowl of chicken noodle soup. Look no further than Pig and Duke for chef Evan Robertson’s take on this classic comfort dish. It arrives at your table in a wide glass jar with a side of garlic bread. I’m not sure what’s in the broth, but whatever it is, it’s rich-tasting and hits the spot every time.
two locations, 403-245-8487, pigandduke.com, @pigandduke
Shiki Menya Chili Goma Ramen
A little spice and a rich, salty housemade broth makes this one of the most sought after bowls of ramen in the city. Come here as early as possible for lunch to avoid the daily (lone) line-ups.
827 1 Ave. N.E., 403-454-2722, shikimenya.ca, @shikimenya
Tamarind Vietnamese Laksa
Galangal, tumeric, ginger and coconut milk are, but a few ingredients that create the broth in this big bowl of noodle soup. Chock full of noodles, fried tofu and veggies, this one is as filling as it warming. Oh, it’s vegan too! Surprise!
1111 6 Ave. S.W., 403-262-6644, tamarindyyc.com
Tuk Tuk Thai Tom Yum Soup
A little tom yum soup is good for the appetite and good for the soul. Pop into this new fast-casual spot on 17th Avenue (just a couple stores down from Una) and grab a little bowl of this tangy, lemongrass-y broth with tender mushrooms and prawns.
636 17 Ave. S.W., 403-455-0999, tuktukthai.com, @eattuktukthai
Yellow Door Bistro Braised Oxtail French Onion Soup
In terms of the cooler seasons in Calgary, this one of my favourite things to warm up with. The soup itself is sweet and rich, with big chunks of tender meat and onions while the top is appropriately bubbly and ooey-gooey cheesy when it hits the table. Let it cool down a bit first before diving in though, otherwise you may get the dreaded cheese string chin burn. Ain’t nobody got time for that!
119 12 Ave. S.W., 403-206-9585, yellowdoorbistro.ca, @yellowdooryyc