One-Pot Wonders - How to keep warm with soups from around the globe

Baby, it’s cold outside. To keep you snug, we scoured Chicagoland for soulful soups—particularly ethnic, seasonal varieties. And what an alluring array we found! Imagine dazzling, international flavors and a host of mouthwatering textures. Our lineup includes such culinary wonders as fragrant Vietnamese phô, succulent Japanese ramen, and the adored classic French onion. Not to be missed, these inviting “bowls of comfort” love you from the inside out. So, bundle up. Ready? Let’s go!

Ryuu Asian BBQ {2766 North Milwaukee Avenue; 773.661.1919}

Fresh noodles are made in-house from scratch for the savory Udon Soup at Ryuu. At this popular spot for Korean, Thai, and Japanese barbecue, the toothsome noodles bathe in a rare Laotian clear pork short rib broth. Asian pork sausage, shredded chicken, cilantro, green onion, fried garlic, and white pepper also play their parts to produce a beloved noodle soup that sates with colorful spice.

Kama Indian Bistro {9 South La Grange Road, La Grange; 708.352.3300}

The award-winning Kama Indian Bistro redefines Indian food with made-from-scratch, crossover dishes. Their sought-after Lamb Shorba features homemade stock made with black cardamom, cloves, cinnamon, bay leaves, and black pepper. A touch of ginger and cilantro add an intriguing layer of flavor. Served with Tibetan-style steamed Minced Lamb Momos (dumplings), this fragrant soup is a sure-fire choice for dining satisfaction.

Photo via Enso Sushi & Bar

Enso Sushi & Bar {1613 North Damen Avenue; 773.878.8998}

At the calming, candle-lit Enso, guests savor soul-satisfying bowls of flavorful ramen. The Tonkotsu version is a special favorite. Containing no MSG, the fresh-from-scratch ramen offers layers of delicious flavor from chicken, pork, caramelized onions, garlic, ginger, vegetables, aromatic herbs, fish cake, soft-poached egg (remember to break the yolk), and a dash of Japanese sesame chile oil. On top? Made-to-order seared pork belly.

Le Colonial  {937 North Rush Street; 312.255.0088}

At the legendary Le Colonial, diners revel in up­­-scale French-Viet­na­mese fare. Here, ar­o­ma­tic Phô is lo­vingly prepared with a rich oxtail broth and served with noodles, beef tenderloin, onions, bean sprouts, red chi­le pepper, ci­lantro, and scallions. On the side? Plum and chile sauce. Note: If you’re feeling unwell, this “miracle in a bowl” is a wonder.

Photo via Alhambra Palace

Alhambra Palace {1240 West Randolph Street; 312.666.9555}

In an ornate, generous space that’s both a restaurant and performance venue, you’ll find clas­sic Mid­­dle Eastern dishes accompanied by live musicians and belly dan­cers. Amidst the spec­tacle of brightly co­lored costumes, en­joy hearty Lentil Soup simmered slowly with whole allspice and sautéed onions. The popular menu item comes topped with additional caramelized onions and crisp pita croutons.

Ramen Misoya {213 East Ohio Street; 312.496.3566}

Visitors to the petite, bustling Misoya are happy to stand in line for Miso Ramen served in a casual setting. The menu offers broth that is either “gold,” meaning full-bodied, or “silver,” which is lighter. Ramen noodles, ground pork, crunchy toppings, a soft-boiled egg, and a friendly vibe make this branch of the Japan-based chain a favorite spot for lunch and dinner.

Photo via Mezcalina

Mezcalina {333 East Benton Place #100; 312.240.5000}

For upscale Mexican food in a gallery-like space, Chicagoans head to Mezcalina. Here, they dine on authentic Mexican flavors amidst soaring canvases painted by renowned Mexican artists. The menu, offering dishes from Oaxaca, Puebla, Jalisco, and other Mexican states, includes Tortilla Soup, which is topped with creamy avocado, dollops of queso fresco, dried chile pasilla, and slender, toasted tortilla strips.

Bites Asian Tapas & sushi {3313 North Clark Street; 773.270.5972}

At Bites, a busy pan-Asian restaurant serving fusion tapas and sushi, the spicy Tonkotsu Ramen is made with classic pork broth and the addition of mayu (blackened garlic oil). This adds a unique aromatic flavor. Toppings? Try the sweet, succulent char-siu pork, which is marinated with lots of ginger, soy sauce, and sake. Or crown it with fried tofu, shrimp tempura, or sweet potato tempura.

Kiki’s Bistro {900 North Franklin Street; 312.335.5454}

Open for 26 years and winner of a 2015 OpenTable Diner’s Choice Award, Kiki’s Bistro is the place to go for classic French cuisine. Entering this cherished bistro is like stepping back in time. And, naturally, Kiki’s serves classic French Onion Soup. Legend has it, the delightful concoction of caramelized onion in meaty broth beneath heavenly melted cheese was first invented by King Louis the XV of France.

Photo via Kurah Mediterranean

Kurah Mediterranean {1355 South Michigan Avenue; 312.624.8611}

For traditional and innovative Middle Eastern specialties, pay a visit to Kurah Mediterranean. Here, Red Lentil Soup has been a staple since the restaurant opened in 2013. Consistently rated one of their best dishes, it features carrots, onions, celery, garlic, lemon, and, for a zesty finish, a hint of cayenne pepper. Freshly made pita bread soaks up the delicious flavors, making this meal a special treat on a cold day.

 By Jessica Hausman

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