Chicago readers' favorite cold-fighting soups
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Red pozole at Pozoleria San Juan. Photo: Monica Eng/Axios
Despite the relatively balmy temps so far this fall, it's just a matter of time before we need some steamy soups to warm our bones and chase away our colds.
- So we recently checked out some of your cold-fighting soup suggestions.
Monica tried a recommendation from Chris B., who loves the red pozole ($14) at Pozoleria San Juan in West Humboldt Park.
- Full of tender pork chunks, spongy hominy and rich broth, this traditional Mexican soup (also available in green and white) bursts with flavors and textures, especially when you add the cabbage, avocado, radishes and fried pork skin.
Carrie tried Stephanie R. and Joe J.'s suggestion for Dr. K's Cure All Noodle Soup ($15.95) at Amitabul in Norwood Park.
- The piping-hot bowl is full of thick-cut veggies, cubes of silky tofu, and rice noodles, all in a mildly spicy tomato broth.
- Your sinuses will instantly clear from the steam rising from the stew.
- Pro tip: Add some chili sauce to kick in some extra spice.
Justin took Andy P.'s advice and traveled to Hyde Park for Fidel's chicken soup at Medici on 57th.
- The hearty soup ($5.25) packs in all sorts of vegetables (including lima beans!) with a slightly spicy kick, which helps clear the nostrils.
- If you've never been, it's worth the visit. The family restaurant has been around for almost 60 years and serves up solid diner fare in a unique college atmosphere.
- I didn't get to carve my initials on the table, but maybe next time.
Also recommended:
Coconut pho from Urban Belly: Colin M. loves the "herby, aromatic broth in a rich coconut milk broth that could scare away any cold."
Tomato dill soup from Pasta Palazzo — Jennifer K.
Caldo de pollo at Cafe El Tapatio, tom kha from Anna's Thai Kitchen, and matzo ball soup from Steingold's — Tati A.
Green curry soup from Ruk. "My wife uses it to treat the flu." — Ben R.
Tortilla soup from Taqueria Moran and the caldo de pollo at El Taconazo — Jay K.
Goat consomme at Birrieria Ocotlan — Ruth L.
Avgolemono from the Athenian Room — Stacy B.
Korean ginseng chicken soup featuring a sticky-rice-stuffed cornish hen at Ssyal Ginseng — Joyce J. and Jen B.
Vietnamese bouillabaisse from Dirk's Fish — Dirk F.
Chicken consomme at Margarita's in Oak Park — Shawn T.
Beef bone with kombu soup and spicy stews from Joong Boo Market's prepared fridge section — Ethan L.
Kreplach soup from Manny's Deli — Micheline M.
Soupicurean in Winnetka serves "the best pea soup ever (next to my mom's)" — Chris N. and Peggy W.
Sopa de fideo at Cesar's Killer Margaritas works to "keep cold symptoms at bay and comfort the soul." — Jessica A.
Pho Cafe's "rare beef noodle soup with rice noodles has cured my sinus infections." — Diana N.
The Hakata Red from Wasabi in Logan Square or the #16 pho from LD Pho in Albany Park. — Lilly A.
Wow Bao's "bone broth is a miracle soup." — Alena A.
Chicken noodle soup from The Bagel, where "the broth is so flavorful and the noodles are perfect. If you go there, get a whole deli pickle for later; they are crunchy and scrumptious." — David J.
Pork and dill dumplings from Lao Peng You in West Town. The spicy broth is great at clearing your sinuses. — Brooke S.
Matzo ball, kale and lentil, and corn poblano from the Goddess and Grocer — Victoria K.
Seaweed soup from Mon Lung got me through my first "real Northern winter." Joel I.
Red pozole at La Principal in Evanston — Nancy S.
Avgolemono from Andie's "has a yummy lemony chicken flavor." — Sundee K.
A bowl of lugaw from Uncle Mike's Place "chases away any cold/flu with its warming ginger and garlic chicken soup base." — A.E. Moon and Sarahlynn P.
Red lentil soup from Libanais Restaurant and Bakery — Andy P.
Hot and sour soup with extra garlic and ginger from Shanghai Inn — Peter B.