Vancouver restaurants for delicious soup bowls
With a large multicultural population, Vancouver is one of the best places in Canada to find a variety of scrumptious soups. You can find high quality versions of almost any kind, from expertly crafted pho and ramen bowls to nostalgic childhood faves like creamy tomato and chicken noodle. There’s a whole wide world of soup in the city, here are some of the best places to start your journey.
Yaletown L'Antipasto
1127 Mainland St, Vancouver, BC V6B 5P2Yaletown L’antipasto is most famous for their delicious and complex Italian dinner menu, but a more stripped-down lunch menu has made it a popular midday destination. The soup-and-sandwich combos are surprisingly affordable and are delivered in a timely manner, which explains why this place is packed during the midday lunch service. The featured soup rotates daily, so you’ll never know what they’ll be serving, which makes every trip a bit of a culinary adventure.
Burgoo Kitsilano
2272 4th Ave W, Vancouver, BC V6K 1N8Burgoo has mastered the art of the soup-and-sandwich special by celebrating the many soups found throughout the world. Choosing what to order is like taking a walk around the globe, with rotating menu items drawing inspiration from Spain, Vietnam and everywhere in between. Mix-and-match your choices depending on your mood; the traditional French crab bisque with a simple grilled cheese is a delicious and creamy combination. Whatever you end up ordering, the high quality ingredients will satisfy.
Salsa & Agave Mexican Grill
1205 Pacific Blvd, Vancouver, BC V6Z 2R6Soup might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Mexican food, but Salsa and Agave's version of Azteca (tortilla soup) is good enough to change your outlook. The soup makes for a warm pick-me-up on Vancouver’s chillier days; the savoury blend features fresh avocado, chipotle peppers, cheese and a house-made sour cream. Every bowl also comes with your choice of burritos or tacos on the side. Affordable and delicious, Salsa and Agave brings an exciting Mexican flair to the classic soup-and-sandwich meal.
Liquids + Solids
1550 Broadway W, Vancouver, BC V6J 5K9Liquids + Solids is a truly local shop that specializes in (as the same would suggest) soup-and-sandwich combos. All of their suppliers are located within 25 km of the shop, all of the menu items are preservative free, and everything is made entirely from scratch using fresh ingredients. The menu rotates, with new creations appearing every day, but you’ll also find a soup, stew, chili and chowder that makes full use of Vancouver’s amazing seafood scene. All their soups are sold wholesale as well, so you can recreate this nutritious and delicious dinner at home.
Mui Ngo Gai Vietnamese Restaurant
2052 Kingsway, Vancouver, BC V5N 2T3Hot, quick, affordable and delicious, it’s easy to see why Mui Ngo Gai has become a Vancouver institution. Their specialty is pho, made with fresh ingredients and generous portions of beef (or chicken, or veggies if you prefer). Even if you aren’t a pho fan, you’re bound to find something to enjoy. Like their Bun cha ca, made with caramelized shallots, fish patty and sautéed tomato. No matter your choice, your meal is sure to be reasonably priced and served quickly, making this Kingsway restaurant a perfect choice for warming up on a busy day.
The Soup House
5763 Victoria Drive, Vancouver, BC V5P 3W5The Soup House is dedicated to serving up spectacular liquid meals. The focus might be on soup, but the food menu also features an extensive range of options for those with big appetites. Specializing in Chinese and South Asian delicacies, this Victoria Drive eatery really does have something for everyone. For a light and refreshing meal, try their dendrobe teal soup, made with pears and a light herbal broth. If you want something more substantial, their hearty noodle soups come in portions so large, you’ll be lucky if you can finish them.
Hokkaido Ramen Santouka
1690 Robson St, Vancouver, BC V6G 1C7Hokkaido Ramen Santouka is a Japanese chain that only recently made the jump across the Pacific, and many Vancouverites are delighted by the expansion. They serve authentic ramen, taking great care to cook this tasty noodle soup the exact same way they do back in Japan. It’s definitely quite a process; the tonkotsu pork soup broth simmers for over 20 hours before serving. With plenty of options ranging from mild to spicy, this is one of Vancouver’s most authentic ramen joints.
Song Huong Vietnamese
1613 Nanaimo St, Vancouver, BC V5L 4T9Even in a multicultural city like Vancouver, authentic Vietnamese food can be difficult to find. But the traditional flavours at Song Huong have helped it become a local favourite. The menu features a wide range of adventurous dishes, such as the Bún bò Huế soup made with pig blood, pig feet and banana blossoms. Their pho is also one of the best in the city, made by simmering beef bones for hours to draw out the best possible flavour. Be prepared to wait in line during peak times; Song Huong’s commitment to authenticity has made them a popular lunch spot.
Gyoza Bar
622 Pender St W, Vancouver, BC V6B 1V8Even in a multicultural city like Vancouver, authentic Vietnamese food can be difficult to find. But the traditional flavours at Song Huong have helped it become a local favourite. The menu features a wide range of adventurous dishes, such as the Bún bò Huế soup made with pig blood, pig feet and banana blossoms. Their pho is also one of the best in the city, made by simmering beef bones for hours to draw out the best possible flavour. Be prepared to wait in line during peak times; Song Huong’s commitment to authenticity has made them a popular lunch spot.
