Five of the best soups in Seattle

Call it what you want. Warm and wet or cool and dry. Winter is coming, and it is already cold. If you’re like the staff here, you’re craving bowls of hot slurpy goodness. We’re sure there are dozens of spots, both casual and formal, making memorable soups and stews in Seattle, but these five were the first and most comforting that came to mind. You’re souper welcome. 

Mee Hoon Kueh (Kedai Makan, Capitol Hill)

This version of Malaysian pann mee features hand torn and pinched wheat noodles (like spaetzle, but way better) with dried mushrooms, greens, ground pork and green onions all swimming in a pork and anchovy broth. Sensational and perfectly shareable. $13.50 (add an egg for $2).

Pozole Rojo (El Borracho, Ballard and Pike Place)

Here, the traditional Mexican soup is spiked with lots of red chilies for a delightfully spicy broth that adds a kick to pork and hominy. Use the delightful garnishes – shredded cabbage, radishes, pico de gallo, lime and dry oregano – to build your best bowl. So warm and comforting, just like abuela used to make. $5/cup or $8/bowl.

Daily French soups (Petit Pierre Bakery, Magnolia)

Open just two months, this authentic French bakery and cafe has wowed with fresh, daily, from-scratch soup offerings. We’ve loved every single one, from spinach and potato with a touch of cream to chestnut and carrot with nutmeg. Parisian baker Laure Le Benoist is getting so much attention for her pastries, but we’re enamored with her soups au moment, which come with a generous slice of fresh-baked baguette. Check Facebook page for daily menu and prices.

Vegetarian borscht (Piroshki Restaurant, Downtown)

This was one of the first soups I had in Seattle. Loved it then and still love it. Instead of being weighed down by sausage, beef broth and cream, like some versions out there, this slightly sweet bright pink Russian beetroot soup is lighter with shreds of carrots, cabbage and beets, of course. So flavorful and tasty – slightly sweet, actually – that I forgot the meat was missing. Visit restaurants for prices.

Build-your-own Chinese noodle soup (King Noodle House, Everett)

Two words. Hand-stretched spinach noodles. Ok, that was four. But, seriously. I loved building my own bowl at this fabulous, family-friendly noodle house in Everett. Sure, it’s a bit out of the way, but watching through the glass wall as chefs in the kitchen pulled noodles methodically was so cool. For $7.99, you get to choose from one of four broths, one of eight noodles, and from among 28 veggies and proteins including wood ear mushrooms, clams, wontons, fish balls, roast pork and so much more.