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

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

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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

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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.

810 W Lake St, Minneapolis, MN 55408

(612) 825-3737

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Ramen Kazama

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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.

3400 Nicollet Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55408

(612) 353-6160

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

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Quang Restaurant

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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

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

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Zen Box Izakaya

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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

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

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Taqueria y birrieria las cuatro milpas

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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.

1526 E Lake St, Minneapolis, MN 55407

(612) 834-8814

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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

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Alma

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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.

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528 University Ave SE, Minneapolis, MN 55414

(612) 379-4909

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

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Kimchi Tofu House

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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.

307 SE Oak St, Minneapolis, MN 55414

(612) 331-1112

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Bull's Horn Food and Drink

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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.

4563 S 34th Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55406

(612) 208-1378

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Cecil's

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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.

651 Cleveland Ave S, St Paul, MN 55116

(651) 698-0334

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IndoChin Vietnamese Restaurant

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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.

1702 Grand Ave, St Paul, MN 55105

(651) 690-2728

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Where to Find Pho in the Twin Cities

Ngon Vietnamese Bistro

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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

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