It’s that time of year when the weather starts to cool off, sweater season begins, the leaves start to fall, and it makes me crave a large bowl of soup! Here are some of my favorite soups to eat right here in Southwest Missouri!
Wonton Soup From Corner 21
Corner 21 has taken Springfield by storm with its menu filled with dishes from various regions of China. The small spot on Sunshine Street is known for having a parking lot filled with cars and even more people grabbing to-go orders for their delicious food. My favorite item to order when I visit is the wonton soup. This bowl of soup is large enough to share with someone and the amount of wontons in this soup is astronomical! Seriously, a must-try when you visit Corner 21.
Address: 1369 E. Sunshine St., Springfield, 1730 E. Republic Road Suite A, Springfield
Pozole From Cesar’s Old Mexico
Listen up friends, this soup is only served twice a week at Cesar’s so you must base all your plans around it! Friday and Saturday only, Cesar’s Old Mexico serves homemade pozole. Known as the “hangover” soup, it is a large bowl packed with shredded tender pork and hominy. Toss in a large helping of purple cabbage, chopped onion and a few dashes of hot sauce, and you have a big bowl of soup guaranteed to warm anyone’s soul…. or cure that bad hangover you are battling.
Address: 2627 E. Sunshine St., Springfield
Sliced Rare Beef Pho From Hong Yen
When you walk into Hong Yen, the aroma of delicious broth makes your mouth start to water. The menu has at least 11 different varieties of soup to choose from. My favorite is the rare beef pho; I get it almost every time I visit Hong Yen. It’s a large bowl filled with rich broth, rice noodles and thinly sliced ribeye. They bring you a side dish of bean sprouts, fresh sliced jalapenos, cilantro, Thai basil, and mint. The whole bowl of pho is savory, rich, and comforting at the same time. You can also choose from meatballs, ox tail, or chicken pho.
Address: 2926 S. Campbell Ave., Springfield
French Onion Soup Jimm’s Steakhouse & Pub
The French Onion Soup from Jimm’s Steakhouse & Pub is a true masterpiece! Underneath that thick layer of cheese and bread, you are met with a beefy, onion-packed broth that warms a person’s soul! Pair it with a steak or the famous salad bar for the perfect meal!
Address: 1935 S. Glenstone Ave., Springfield
Split Lentil Soup From That Lebanese Place
When you find yourself on Historic Commercial Street and need to warm up, look no further than That Lebanese Place. Not only do they have great kabobs, but the split lentil soup is so good! The soup is a blend of lentils, onions, and spices. It is rich with deep flavor and brightens with a squeeze of lemon. Perfect for a fall day in the Ozarks!
Address: 338 E. Commercial St., Springfield
Hot & Sour Soup From Leong’s Asian Diner
Leong’s may be famous for creating Springfield-style Cashew Chicken, but don’t sleep on their hot and sour soup! It is filled with pork, tofu, and vegetables in a spicy broth. It’s savory, spicy, and tangy, but most importantly, it warms you up with every bite! Drop in some crunchy wonton strips for added texture, and enjoy!
Address: 1540 W. Republic Road, Springfield
Cream of Mushroom and Sage Soup Farmers Gastropub
This well-known soup has quickly become a must-order whenever I visit Farmers Gastropub. The Cream of Mushroom and sage soup, with the garlic croutons, is packed with sliced mushrooms and plenty of crunchy croutons. It’s creamy, earthy, and just downright delicious! You can order it by the cup or bowl; either way, it’s a win for your taste buds.
Address: 2620 S. Glenstone Ave., Springfield
Karai Ramen from Karai Ramen + Roll
Karai is known for its large bowls of ramen, filled with homemade broths and assortments of proteins and vegetables. The Karai Ramen is my go-to. It’s a large bowl of their homemade Tonkatsu bone broth that is spiked with a sweet and savory spicy sauce. Then, they fill it with spring onions, bean sprouts, bamboo shoots, and your choice of either chicken, pork, or tofu. They don’t skimp on the onion and bean sprouts, either! Pair it with one of their sushi rolls for a great meal!
Address: 640 W. Republic Road, Springfield
Chicken & Wild Rice Soup From Sugar Leaf Bakery Café & Espresso
Nothing beats a road trip down to Branson on a cool fall afternoon to grab lunch at Sugar Leaf Bakery. The menu is filled with great salads, sandwiches, cakes, cookies, and cobblers. There is one dish that I will drive out of my way for and that is the chicken and wild rice soup! This soup is the perfect example of how well simplicity with ingredients can make something so wonderful. The perfect ratio of rice to tender chicken and the creamy broth make it pair perfectly with just about anything on the menu. Next time you are in Branson, go to Sugar Leaf, order the ultimate BLT and a bowl of chicken and wild rice soup, you'll thank me later.
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