With fall fast approaching, we’re rounding up some of our favorite soups from around the world. Hearty and delicious, these recipes are great for when you’re craving a warm bowl of comfort. From robust soups made with lots of meat to vegetarian-friendly, vegetable-based soups, there’s something for everyone. So why not take a trip around the world — without ever having to leave your kitchen — with these international soup recipes? Check out our top 10 favorite soups from around the world below!
#1 Italy — Escarole and White Bean Soup
Escarole, garlic, cannellini beans, and lemon juice combine to create this creamy, sharp, bitter, and fragrant soup. A perfect alternative to heavier pasta dishes, this Italian classic pairs wonderfully with a bit of crusty bread. We highly recommend that you add this international soup to your repertoire!
#2 France — French Lentil Soup
This hearty French soup is perfect for keeping you warm on a chilly night. Lentils provide an earthy flavor and plenty of protein, vegetables provide bulk and nutrients, and bits of bacon lend plenty of smokiness and bite. Bonus? This filling soup comes together in just one hour! Ready to enjoy a taste of France without leaving your kitchen?
#3 Hungary — Hungarian Mushroom Soup
This vegetarian soup is hearty, satisfying, and packed with flavor. Umami-packed mushrooms are sauteed with onions until succulent and chewy. Sweet Hungarian paprika, thyme, dry white wine, and dried dill add flavor while sour cream and whole milk provide this soup’s characteristic richness. Ready to learn how to make this decadent, mushroom-packed soup at home?
#4 Japan — Miso Soup
One of our favorite soups from around the world, this simple dish is absolutely packed with umami flavor. The base ingredients are miso paste and dashi. Green onions, seaweed (wakame), and silken tofu are often included as well. Want to learn how to make your own authentic miso soup from scratch?
#5 Portugal — Portuguese Bread Soup
Stale bread, eggs, olive oil, garlic, water, and spices come together to form this simple, filling soup. It is one of our favorite international soups because it is not only delicious, but it comes together quicky and is quite easy to make! Bonus? This recipe is a great way to use up old bread! Ready to learn how to make this traditional Portuguese soup at home?
#6 Turkey — Mercimek Çorbasi (Turkish Red Lentil Soup)
Rich, smooth, and filling, this naturally vegan and gluten-free soup is made with red lentils, potatoes, carrots, tomato paste, olive oil, and a handful of spices. It comes together in just one pot in less than an hour and is naturally vegan and gluten-free. Serve yours with a lemon wedge and pide bread for an authentic Turkish meal. We highly recommend that you try your hand at this hearty Turkish soup!
#7 Cuba — Sopa de Pollo (Cuban Chicken Soup)
Shredded chicken is stewed with thin noodles, potatoes, carrots, and onions in a hearty chicken broth. Cumin, oregano, black pepper, and a chicken-flavored bouillon cube boost the flavor of this soup. Serve this warm, comforting dish with your choice of mini saltine crackers, lime wedges, and/or twice-fried plantains. Want to learn how to make this Cuban-style chicken soup at home?
#8 Italy — Pasta e Patate (Italian Potato Soup)
Thick, flavorful, and hearty, this Italian potato soup is perfect for a cold winter’s night. It’s made with mirepoix (carrots, onion, and celery), potatoes, olive oil, pasta, and guanciale (a cured meat product), although you can easily omit the meat to make this soup completely vegan. If you’d like, you can grate some Pecorino or Parmigiano on top before serving. Ready to learn how to make this hearty Italian dish at home?
#9 France — Butternut Squash Soup
Simple and delicious, this French soup is made with butternut squash, onions, garlic, and a pinch of nutmeg. It is naturally creamy and pairs perfectly with a hunk of crusty French bread. Bonus? It can easily be made vegan and comes together in around 30 minutes, so it is one of our favorite international soups to make on busy weeknights! Ready to learn how to make this autumnal soup in your own kitchen?
#10 Mexico — Sopa de Letras (Mexican Alphabet Soup)
Warm and comforting, this homemade Mexican soup is made with alphabet pasta, tomatoes, onions, garlic, chicken bouillon, and chicken broth. This nostalgic and kid-friendly recipe comes together in just 20 minutes. Bonus? It isn’t just easy to make — it’s also very easy to veganize with just two simple swaps. Want to learn how to make this beloved Mexican soup in your own kitchen?
Looking for the perfect accompaniment to pair with our favorite soups from around the world? Try baking one of our favorite international breads! Happy Cooking!