A bowl of bright red tomato soup topped with crumbles of bread and shreds of cheese on a white plate alongside slices of crusty bread and a small green salad — The last of the summer tomatoes stewed with Alma’s rustic bread is just one steamy bowl to seek

12 Soul-Sustaining Soups in the Twin Cities

Satisfying bowls of pho, ramen, matzo ball, and more

by Joy Summers@JoyEstelle Updated Sep 30, 2020, 9:19am CDT

View as Map

The last of the summer tomatoes stewed with Alma’s rustic bread is just one steamy bowl to seek

| Restaurant Alma/Facebook

by Joy Summers@JoyEstelle Updated Sep 30, 2020, 9:19am CDT

When the cold wind blows straight down to the bone, there is only one way to combat that damp dreariness, by lowering your face into a steaming bowl of comfort made by expert hands. No matter the culture, there is a long simmered broth of beauty to be found. So, whether a rich stock mingled with cheese is what’s desired, a golden broth surrounding a fluffy mound of matzo, or anise-spiked perfume accompanied by a bowl of personal mix-ins, there is a perfect soup suited for any kind of cold Minnesota day.

Bryant-Lake Bowl & Theater

Copy Link

An icon of vegetarian chili, this bean and tomato redolent cup (or bowl) is wonderfully satisfying and filling. Forgoing all the meat without ever sacrificing on flavor, this is cold weather dish for the ages. Order online.

Open in Google Maps

810 W Lake St, Minneapolis, MN 55408

(612) 825-3737

Visit Website

Ramen Kazama

Copy Link

Ramen Kazama was an instant hit when the doors first opened on Nicollet Avenue. Now, with a second location on Como, there is no stopped this ramen revolution. The kara miso is best known as Magma, irresistible fire, full of of rich flavor that does not skimp on the spice. This soup has been known to cause a good sweat even in the dark days of a polar vortex. Order online for both locations.

Open in Google Maps

3400 Nicollet Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55408

(612) 353-6160

Visit Website

A bowl of fiery red broth with noodles and a pile of crumbled meat on top — It’s spicy

Also featured in:

Quang Restaurant

Copy Link

Choosing a favorite pho is a deeply personal decision, but there is no arguing about the value and quantity of what is served inside this family-run restaurant in Minneapolis. A veritible cauldron of broth with a welcome salty kick that’s especially effective if you’re feeling under the weather. Sup away and know that this bowl will likely be the only meal needed in one 24 hour period.

2719 Nicollet Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55408

(612) 870-4739

Visit Website

A woman stands beside a bubbling cauldron of soup inside Quang’s kitchen — Not quite the actual serving size, but it feels close

Also featured in:

Zen Box Izakaya

Copy Link

Zen Box Izakaya’s chef and co-owner John Ng is a self-avowed ramen fanatic. (Follow him on Instagram as Ramen Architect.) The kimchi ramen is a balance of spicy, salty, sour, and completely utterly cravable. There’s no cold that can stand up to the power of this soup.

602 S Washington Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55415

(612) 332-3936

Visit Website

A table spread with Japanese dishes like ramen and sashimi and small bowls of soy sauce. — Ground zero for great ramen

Also featured in:

Taqueria y birrieria las cuatro milpas

Copy Link

One of the many treasures of Mexican eating along East Lake Street. Order the Zacatecas-style birria, a rich meaty broth filled with aromatic, toasty chilies, toasty spices, and a promise to cure whatever ails.

Open in Google Maps

1526 E Lake St, Minneapolis, MN 55407

(612) 834-8814

Visit Website

A clay pot with bright red/orange broth topped with raw onion and cilantro — Toasty chiles, earthy spices, and a whole lot of long-simmered goodness

Also featured in:

Alma

Copy Link

When times are hard, the comforts are often found in the simplest of the things. A hot bowl of tomato and bread soup taken away from Alma’s cafe is the perfect last taste of summer, fresh and roasty tomatoes mingled with Alma’s wonderfully flavorful bread is given just a little drizzle of olive oil and a smattering of fresh basil.

Open in Google Maps

528 University Ave SE, Minneapolis, MN 55414

(612) 379-4909

Visit Website

The exterior of Alma’s restaurants and hotel — Visit the daytime cafe for light bites, baked goods, and a steaming cup of wonderful broth

Also featured in:

Kimchi Tofu House

Copy Link

The molten-hot bowl contains so much flavor, it’s hard to wait it out and inevitably, there are tongue burns. The original silken tofu beef stew is the best place to start when ordering from this delightful restaurant near the University of Minnesota.

Open in Google Maps

307 SE Oak St, Minneapolis, MN 55414

(612) 331-1112

Visit Website

Also featured in:

20 Must-Have Soups in the Twin Cities

Bull's Horn Food and Drink

Copy Link

Bull’s Horn is a dive bar with an occasional ramen dalliance thanks to an obsession from co-owner and chef Doug Flicker. Watch the bar’s social media feeds for the ramen specials available to order as kits to make at home.

Open in Google Maps

4563 S 34th Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55406

(612) 208-1378

Visit Website

Also featured in:

Cecil's

Copy Link

When distanced from grandma and mom when the sniffles arise, Cecil’s is the next best option. Long simmered golden chicken broth with misshapen soft veggies and threads of chicken surround deeply tender matzo balls in their soup.

Open in Google Maps

651 Cleveland Ave S, St Paul, MN 55116

(651) 698-0334

Visit Website

Also featured in:

IndoChin Vietnamese Restaurant

Copy Link

Quibbles about whether porridge is a soup aside, this simply beautiful congee is worth having near at hand with the cold winds blow. Delightfully gentle, a simple chicken broth coats white rice with snappy ginger making a garnish appearance. This is one giant bowl of sooth. Call the restaurant for take away or get delivered through Grub Hub.

Open in Google Maps

1702 Grand Ave, St Paul, MN 55105

(651) 690-2728

Visit Website

Also featured in:

Where to Find Pho in the Twin Cities

Ngon Vietnamese Bistro

Copy Link

Another fine pho option is this St. Paul restaurant with rich, clear broth and local, mindfully raised beef. The simplicity in appearance belies the complexity of this broth’s flavor. Order ahead and reheat that steamy broth on your stovetop. Pour over the beef and enjoy in the coziness of home.

799 University Ave W, St Paul, MN 55104

(651) 222-3301

Visit Website