It’s been a roller-coaster winter, the kind that calls for something hearty, flavorful, and warming. Whether it’s a vegetable broth spiked with filling beans and greens or an Asian noodle stew with tender morsels of chicken, St. Louis restaurants deliver on soup. The following represent some of the crème de la crème of the local soup scene—at prices that won’t break the bank:
1. Olive + Oak: Curried carrot and lentil soup with smoked bacon and scallion pistou
The menu changes regularly at Olive + Oak, so you might not find this soup when you show up for dinner. But if you do, order it. The orange carrot and lentil broth is warm and bright, making you feel like you’re sitting fireside. Smoked bacon and scallion pistou add a complexity of flavor, raising the soup from appetizer to potential entrée. The soup rings in at $8.
2. KNEAD Bakehouse + Provisions: Potato Soup
If I ever had to walk through the Arctic, I’d want the potato soup at KNEAD waiting at the other end. (With the freezing temperatures of late, it’s not a difficult scene to imagine.) KNEAD’s potato soup comes with a side of the bakery’s signature sourdough bread and is garnished with crisp, herbed breadcrumbs. At $9, it’s one of the best winter lunch deals in town.
3. Fork & Stix: Chicken Khao Soi
Fork & Stix is a good place to hibernate during the winter, partly due to its chicken khao soi. The house specialty—consisting of egg noodle curry broth with red onion, pickled mustard greens, and crispy egg noodles—will cure what ails you. Chicken or tofu versions come to $10.95 (a small splurge but totally worth it). Meat lovers can order a beef version for a bit more.
4. Union Loafers: Kale and Garbanzo Soup
On gray, cloudy days, I head to Union Loafers for a bowl of kale and garbanzo soup. The broth is subtle but hearty, with tender pieces of carrot, bright, fragrant fennel, a splash of olive oil, and crunchy breadcrumbs. Truth be told, I often order it with a sandwich but the soup can also be ordered à la carte. A bowl is $8.
5. Pho Grand: Mi Dac Biet
Few soups are more reassuring than the Mi Dac Biet at Pho Grand. The South City staple combines hearty egg noodles with tender pieces of barbecue pork, crab, shrimp, and vegetables for the perfect warming winter stew. Scallions give it a rich flavor and added crunch. The soup rings in at $9.95.
