Asian cuisine is celebrated worldwide for its incredible diversity, bold flavors, and comforting dishes — and soups hold a special place in this culinary tapestry.
From the fragrant and spicy broths of Thailand and Vietnam to the soothing and delicate soups of Japan and China, Asian soups offer something for every palate and occasion.
Whether you crave the rich creaminess of coconut milk-based soups, the umami depth of miso and dashi broths, or the hearty textures of dumplings and noodles, Asian soups provide a delicious way to explore vibrant ingredients and cooking traditions.
In this collection, you’ll discover over 27 Asian soup recipes that range from light and refreshing to rich and hearty, perfect for warming your soul and satisfying your hunger.
27+ Delicious Asian Soup Recipes to Warm Your Soul
Exploring these 27+ Asian soup recipes reveals the extraordinary variety and depth of flavors that Asian cuisine brings to the table.
Whether you prefer a fiery Tom Yum, a comforting miso soup, or a savory wonton noodle bowl, these recipes showcase how soups can be both nutritious and deeply satisfying.
They are perfect for any time of year, offering warmth, freshness, and a taste adventure in every spoonful.
Try these recipes to bring authentic Asian flavors into your kitchen and enjoy a delicious journey across the continent’s diverse culinary landscapes.
Hot and Sour Soup
Hot and sour soup is a flavorful and tangy Chinese classic known for its bold balance of spicy heat and tangy vinegar.
This soup combines ingredients like tofu, mushrooms, bamboo shoots, and egg ribbons in a savory broth thickened with cornstarch, making it both comforting and exciting to the palate.
Ingredients:
- Vegetable broth
- Shiitake mushrooms, sliced
- Bamboo shoots, sliced
- Firm tofu, cubed
- Soy sauce
- Rice vinegar
- White pepper
- Chili paste or fresh chili
- Cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water)
- Egg, lightly beaten
- Green onions, sliced
Instructions:
- Bring vegetable broth to a boil and add mushrooms, bamboo shoots, and tofu.
- Season with soy sauce, rice vinegar, white pepper, and chili paste.
- Slowly add cornstarch slurry while stirring until soup thickens.
- Drizzle in beaten egg slowly to form silky ribbons.
- Garnish with sliced green onions and serve hot.
This soup offers a perfect harmony of spicy and sour flavors with a satisfying texture, making it a beloved dish that warms you from the inside out.
Tom Yum Soup
Tom Yum soup is a famous Thai hot and sour soup known for its aromatic herbs and bold, refreshing flavors.
Combining ingredients like lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, galangal, chili, and fresh shrimp, this soup delivers a vibrant taste experience that’s both spicy and tangy.
Ingredients:
- Chicken or vegetable broth
- Lemongrass stalks, bruised
- Kaffir lime leaves
- Galangal slices
- Fresh chili peppers
- Lime juice
- Fish sauce
- Mushrooms
- Shrimp, peeled and deveined
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions:
- Simmer broth with lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, and galangal to infuse flavors.
- Add mushrooms and shrimp, cooking until shrimp turn pink.
- Season with lime juice, fish sauce, and fresh chilies.
- Remove lemongrass and lime leaves before serving.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro.
Tom Yum soup’s vibrant combination of sour, spicy, and herbal notes makes it an iconic and refreshing dish that awakens the senses.
Miso Soup
Miso soup is a staple in Japanese cuisine, known for its soothing umami flavor and simple, nourishing ingredients. Made with miso paste, dashi broth, tofu, and seaweed, this soup is light yet deeply satisfying, often enjoyed as part of any meal or on its own.
Ingredients:
- Dashi broth (made from kombu and bonito flakes)
- Miso paste
- Soft tofu, cubed
- Wakame seaweed, rehydrated
- Green onions, sliced
Instructions:
- Heat dashi broth but do not boil.
- Whisk in miso paste until fully dissolved.
- Add tofu cubes and rehydrated wakame.
- Heat gently until warmed through.
- Garnish with sliced green onions before serving.
Miso soup offers a gentle, savory flavor and a comforting warmth that embodies the essence of Japanese culinary tradition, making it perfect as a starter or light meal.
Wonton Soup
Wonton soup is a beloved Chinese dish featuring delicate dumplings filled with seasoned pork or shrimp, served in a clear, flavorful broth.
The combination of tender wontons and aromatic broth makes this soup both comforting and satisfying.
Ingredients:
- Wonton wrappers
- Ground pork or shrimp, finely chopped
- Garlic, minced
- Ginger, grated
- Soy sauce
- Sesame oil
- Chicken broth
- Green onions, sliced
- Bok choy or spinach (optional)
Instructions:
- Mix ground pork or shrimp with garlic, ginger, soy sauce, and sesame oil to make the filling.
- Wrap the filling in wonton wrappers, sealing edges well.
- Bring chicken broth to a boil and add wontons; cook until they float.
- Add bok choy or spinach if desired, cooking until wilted.
- Garnish with sliced green onions and serve hot.
This soup combines tender, flavorful dumplings with a light broth, offering a delicious and comforting experience.
Vietnamese Pho
Pho is a fragrant Vietnamese noodle soup famous for its clear beef broth, tender slices of beef, and fresh herbs.
Its rich, aromatic broth is simmered for hours with spices like star anise and cinnamon, delivering a complex and soothing flavor.
Ingredients:
- Beef bones for broth
- Star anise, cinnamon sticks, cloves
- Rice noodles
- Thinly sliced beef (such as sirloin)
- Bean sprouts
- Fresh basil, cilantro, and mint
- Lime wedges
- Hoisin sauce and Sriracha (optional)
Instructions:
- Simmer beef bones with spices for several hours to make a rich broth.
- Cook rice noodles according to package instructions.
- Arrange cooked noodles and raw beef slices in bowls.
- Pour hot broth over the beef to cook it gently.
- Serve with bean sprouts, fresh herbs, lime, and sauces on the side.
Pho offers a deeply flavorful and customizable soup experience, combining tender beef, fresh herbs, and fragrant broth for a truly iconic dish.
Korean Kimchi Jjigae
Kimchi jjigae is a spicy Korean stew made with fermented kimchi, tofu, pork, and vegetables simmered in a rich, spicy broth.
It’s a warming and bold-flavored soup that highlights the tangy heat of kimchi balanced with savory ingredients.
Ingredients:
- Kimchi, chopped
- Pork belly or shoulder, sliced
- Tofu, cubed
- Garlic, minced
- Korean chili flakes (gochugaru)
- Korean chili paste (gochujang)
- Onion, sliced
- Green onions, sliced
- Water or broth
Instructions:
- Sauté pork and garlic until browned.
- Add kimchi, chili flakes, and chili paste; cook for a few minutes.
- Pour in water or broth and bring to a boil.
- Add tofu and onions, simmering until flavors meld.
- Garnish with green onions and serve hot.
Kimchi jjigae is a spicy, hearty stew that delivers intense flavors and a satisfying warmth, perfect for lovers of bold Korean cuisine.
Egg Drop Soup
Egg drop soup is a classic Chinese soup known for its silky strands of cooked egg floating in a flavorful chicken broth. This quick and simple soup is comforting, light, and perfect as an appetizer or a light meal.
Ingredients:
- Chicken broth
- Eggs, lightly beaten
- Cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water)
- Ginger, grated
- Soy sauce
- White pepper
- Green onions, chopped
Instructions:
- Bring chicken broth to a simmer and add grated ginger.
- Stir in cornstarch slurry to slightly thicken the broth.
- Slowly pour in the beaten eggs while stirring gently to create thin egg ribbons.
- Season with soy sauce and white pepper.
- Garnish with chopped green onions and serve immediately.
This soup is quick to prepare and offers a soothing, delicate flavor that pairs well with many Asian dishes.
Laksa
Laksa is a spicy Southeast Asian noodle soup that combines rich coconut milk, fragrant spices, and fresh herbs. Originating from the Peranakan culture, laksa is hearty and creamy with a perfect balance of heat and sweetness.
Ingredients:
- Coconut milk
- Chicken or shrimp
- Laksa paste (a blend of chili, lemongrass, and spices)
- Rice noodles
- Bean sprouts
- Fresh cilantro and mint
- Lime wedges
Instructions:
- Simmer laksa paste in coconut milk until fragrant.
- Add chicken or shrimp and cook through.
- Prepare rice noodles according to package instructions.
- Serve soup over noodles, topped with bean sprouts, herbs, and a squeeze of lime.
Laksa delivers bold, complex flavors with creamy texture and fresh garnishes, making it a beloved dish across Southeast Asia.
Chinese Herbal Chicken Soup
Chinese herbal chicken soup is a nourishing broth made by simmering chicken with traditional Chinese herbs like goji berries, red dates, and ginseng.
It’s prized for its health benefits and soothing taste, often enjoyed for its restorative properties.
Ingredients:
- Whole chicken pieces
- Goji berries
- Red dates
- Ginseng root
- Ginger slices
- Water
- Salt
Instructions:
- Rinse chicken and herbs thoroughly.
- Simmer chicken with herbs and ginger in water for several hours.
- Season with salt to taste.
- Strain and serve warm.
This soup is deeply flavorful and believed to boost immunity and vitality, making it a cherished remedy in Chinese traditional medicine.
Korean Seaweed Soup
Korean seaweed soup, or Miyeok-guk, is a nutritious and light soup traditionally eaten on birthdays and postpartum for its health benefits.
Made with dried seaweed and beef or seafood broth, this soup is simple yet packed with minerals and umami flavor.
Ingredients:
- Dried seaweed (miyeok), soaked and drained
- Beef brisket or broth
- Garlic, minced
- Soy sauce
- Sesame oil
- Salt and pepper
Instructions:
- Sauté garlic and beef in sesame oil until browned.
- Add soaked seaweed and stir-fry briefly.
- Pour in water or beef broth and bring to a boil.
- Simmer for 20-30 minutes until seaweed is tender.
- Season with soy sauce, salt, and pepper before serving.
This comforting soup is both flavorful and nourishing, embodying Korean tradition and care.
Japanese Tonjiru
Tonjiru is a hearty Japanese miso soup enriched with pork and root vegetables.
Unlike lighter miso soups, tonjiru is filling and robust, making it a popular choice during colder months for a warm and satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
- Pork belly or shoulder, thinly sliced
- Daikon radish, sliced
- Carrots, sliced
- Konnyaku (optional), sliced
- Miso paste
- Dashi broth
- Green onions, chopped
Instructions:
- Simmer pork and vegetables in dashi broth until tender.
- Dissolve miso paste in the broth, stirring gently.
- Heat through without boiling.
- Garnish with chopped green onions and serve warm.
Tonjiru’s rich flavors and variety of textures make it a beloved home-cooked soup in Japan.
Chinese Hot Pot Broth
Hot pot broth is the flavorful base for a communal Chinese meal where diners cook meats, vegetables, and noodles at the table.
The broth can range from mild and savory to intensely spicy, often infused with aromatics like ginger, garlic, and chili peppers.
Ingredients:
- Chicken or beef broth
- Ginger slices
- Garlic cloves
- Star anise
- Sichuan peppercorns
- Dried chili peppers
- Scallions
Instructions:
- Combine all ingredients in a large pot and bring to a simmer.
- Let the broth infuse for at least 30 minutes before serving.
- Keep the broth simmering at the table while cooking various hot pot ingredients.
This broth sets the stage for a vibrant and interactive dining experience full of rich and layered flavors.
Chinese Corn Soup
Chinese corn soup is a smooth, slightly sweet soup that combines creamed corn with chicken broth and tender egg ribbons.
It’s a comforting and popular soup often served as a starter in Chinese meals, celebrated for its delicate flavor and silky texture.
Ingredients:
- Chicken broth
- Creamed corn
- Eggs, lightly beaten
- Cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water)
- Salt and white pepper
- Green onions, chopped
Instructions:
- Bring chicken broth and creamed corn to a simmer.
- Add cornstarch slurry to thicken the soup slightly.
- Slowly drizzle beaten eggs into the simmering soup, stirring gently to create egg ribbons.
- Season with salt and white pepper.
- Garnish with chopped green onions before serving.
This soup’s creamy sweetness and smooth texture make it a beloved comfort food in Chinese cuisine.
Japanese Oden
Oden is a traditional Japanese hot pot-style soup featuring various simmered ingredients like fish cakes, daikon, boiled eggs, and tofu in a light soy-flavored dashi broth.
It’s a popular winter dish, perfect for warming up on cold days.
Ingredients:
- Dashi broth
- Soy sauce
- Mirin
- Daikon, sliced
- Boiled eggs
- Fish cakes
- Konnyaku
- Tofu
Instructions:
- Combine dashi broth, soy sauce, and mirin and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Add daikon, fish cakes, tofu, konnyaku, and boiled eggs.
- Simmer slowly for an hour or more to let flavors meld.
- Serve hot, often with mustard or soy sauce on the side.
Oden is a flavorful, hearty soup with a variety of textures and tastes, offering a warming meal during chilly weather.
Vietnamese Canh Chua
Canh Chua is a Vietnamese sour soup known for its bright, tangy flavors, combining tamarind broth with fish, pineapple, tomatoes, and fresh herbs.
This refreshing soup balances sweet, sour, and savory notes, making it a popular choice in southern Vietnam.
Ingredients:
- Tamarind paste
- Fish or shrimp
- Pineapple chunks
- Tomatoes, quartered
- Okra
- Bean sprouts
- Fish sauce
- Fresh herbs (Thai basil, cilantro, and mint)
- Chili peppers (optional)
Instructions:
- Simmer tamarind paste in water to make a sour broth.
- Add fish or shrimp and cook until done.
- Add pineapple, tomatoes, okra, and bean sprouts; cook briefly.
- Season with fish sauce and chili if desired.
- Garnish with fresh herbs before serving.
Canh Chua offers a vibrant combination of flavors and textures, delivering a light and refreshing soup perfect for warm weather.
Chinese Hot and Sour Soup
Hot and sour soup is a classic Chinese dish celebrated for its vibrant combination of spicy, sour, and savory flavors.
It typically includes ingredients like tofu, mushrooms, bamboo shoots, and egg ribbons in a tangy broth thickened with cornstarch.
This soup offers a balanced and warming experience, perfect for any season.
Ingredients:
- Vegetable or chicken broth
- Shiitake mushrooms, sliced
- Bamboo shoots, julienned
- Firm tofu, cubed
- Soy sauce
- Rice vinegar
- White pepper
- Chili paste or fresh chilies
- Cornstarch slurry
- Eggs, beaten
- Green onions, sliced
Instructions:
- Bring broth to a boil and add mushrooms, bamboo shoots, and tofu.
- Season with soy sauce, vinegar, white pepper, and chili paste.
- Add cornstarch slurry to thicken the soup.
- Slowly drizzle in beaten eggs while stirring to create silky ribbons.
- Garnish with green onions and serve hot.
This soup’s delightful mix of heat, tang, and savory depth makes it a comforting and exciting appetizer or meal.
Japanese Clear Soup (Suimono)
Suimono is a delicate and refined Japanese clear soup that highlights subtle umami flavors from dashi broth and seasonal ingredients.
Often served as part of a traditional meal, this light soup cleanses the palate and offers a soothing dining experience.
Ingredients:
- Dashi broth
- Mushrooms (shiitake or enoki)
- Tofu or fish cake slices
- Wakame seaweed
- Soy sauce
- Mirin
- Fresh herbs (mitsuba or green onion)
Instructions:
- Heat dashi broth gently and season with soy sauce and mirin.
- Add mushrooms, tofu or fish cake, and wakame.
- Simmer briefly until ingredients are tender.
- Garnish with fresh herbs and serve immediately.
Suimono’s light and clear broth provides a subtle, comforting flavor that beautifully complements more robust dishes.
Thai Coconut Chicken Soup (Tom Kha Gai)
Tom Kha Gai is a fragrant and creamy Thai soup combining coconut milk, chicken, galangal, lemongrass, and lime leaves.
This soup offers a harmonious balance of creamy, tangy, and mildly spicy flavors, making it a popular and comforting dish.
Ingredients:
- Coconut milk
- Chicken breast or thighs, sliced
- Galangal slices
- Lemongrass stalks, bruised
- Kaffir lime leaves
- Mushrooms
- Fish sauce
- Lime juice
- Thai chili peppers
- Fresh cilantro
Instructions:
- Simmer coconut milk with galangal, lemongrass, and lime leaves to infuse flavor.
- Add chicken and mushrooms; cook until chicken is done.
- Season with fish sauce, lime juice, and chili peppers.
- Remove aromatics before serving.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro.
This soup’s rich yet refreshing taste makes it a beloved Thai classic, perfect for any occasion.
Vietnamese Chicken Pho
Vietnamese chicken pho is a fragrant and comforting noodle soup featuring a clear, aromatic broth simmered with herbs and spices.
Tender chicken pieces and rice noodles make this dish both satisfying and light, ideal for any time of day.
Ingredients:
- Chicken broth
- Chicken breast or thighs
- Rice noodles
- Star anise, cinnamon, cloves
- Ginger and onion, charred
- Fish sauce
- Fresh herbs (cilantro, Thai basil, mint)
- Lime wedges
- Bean sprouts
- Chili slices
Instructions:
- Simmer broth with charred ginger, onion, and spices for a deep, aromatic flavor.
- Cook chicken in the broth until tender, then shred.
- Prepare rice noodles according to package instructions.
- Assemble noodles, chicken, and herbs in bowls.
- Ladle hot broth over and serve with lime, bean sprouts, and chili.
This soup offers a perfect balance of warmth, freshness, and bold flavors, making it a beloved Vietnamese staple.
Japanese Soba Noodle Soup
Soba noodle soup is a traditional Japanese dish featuring buckwheat noodles served in a flavorful dashi broth.
Often garnished with green onions, seaweed, and sometimes tempura, it is both nutritious and comforting.
Ingredients:
- Dashi broth
- Soba noodles
- Soy sauce
- Mirin
- Green onions, sliced
- Wakame seaweed
- Optional: tempura or boiled egg
Instructions:
- Prepare dashi broth and season with soy sauce and mirin.
- Cook soba noodles according to package directions, then drain.
- Place noodles in bowls and pour hot broth over them.
- Garnish with green onions, wakame, and optional toppings.
- Serve immediately.
This soup is light yet flavorful, showcasing the nutty taste of soba noodles paired with a delicate broth.
Thai Clear Soup with Vegetables (Tom Jeud Pak)
Tom Jeud Pak is a light and refreshing Thai clear vegetable soup that highlights fresh seasonal produce simmered in a simple broth.
It’s a perfect option for a healthy and cleansing meal.
Ingredients:
- Vegetable broth
- Napa cabbage
- Carrots
- Mushrooms
- Garlic, minced
- Fish sauce
- Fresh cilantro
- Lime juice
Instructions:
- Bring vegetable broth to a boil and add garlic.
- Add chopped vegetables and cook until tender.
- Season with fish sauce and lime juice.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.
This soup delivers bright and clean flavors with a satisfying crunch from fresh vegetables, making it a great light meal or starter.
Chinese Egg Flower Soup
Egg flower soup is a classic Chinese soup known for its silky texture created by gently pouring beaten eggs into hot broth.
This light and nourishing soup is quick to prepare and often enjoyed as a starter or a light meal.
Ingredients:
- Chicken broth
- Eggs, lightly beaten
- Cornstarch slurry
- White pepper
- Sesame oil
- Green onions, chopped
Instructions:
- Bring chicken broth to a gentle simmer.
- Stir in cornstarch slurry to slightly thicken the soup.
- Slowly drizzle beaten eggs into the broth while stirring gently to create delicate egg ribbons.
- Season with white pepper and a few drops of sesame oil.
- Garnish with chopped green onions and serve warm.
This soup offers a soothing texture and subtle flavor, making it a comforting choice for any occasion.
Malaysian Laksa Lemak
Laksa Lemak is a rich and creamy Malaysian coconut curry soup with noodles, seafood, and a spicy, aromatic broth.
This flavorful dish balances the creaminess of coconut milk with the heat of chili and the fragrance of herbs.
Ingredients:
- Coconut milk
- Laksa paste
- Shrimp and fish cake
- Rice noodles
- Bean sprouts
- Fresh cilantro and mint
- Lime wedges
Instructions:
- Simmer laksa paste in coconut milk until fragrant.
- Add shrimp and fish cake; cook until seafood is done.
- Prepare rice noodles according to package instructions.
- Serve broth over noodles, topped with bean sprouts and fresh herbs.
- Squeeze lime juice over before eating.
This soup is a vibrant and indulgent meal, popular throughout Malaysia and Singapore.
Korean Soondubu Jjigae
Soondubu jjigae is a spicy Korean soft tofu stew made with silky tofu, vegetables, and often seafood or pork in a flavorful chili broth.
It’s hearty and warming, commonly served bubbling hot in a stone pot.
Ingredients:
- Soft tofu (silken tofu)
- Korean chili paste (gochujang)
- Korean chili flakes (gochugaru)
- Garlic, minced
- Pork or seafood (optional)
- Vegetable broth
- Green onions, sliced
- Egg (optional)
Instructions:
- Sauté garlic and chili paste in a pot.
- Add broth, pork or seafood, and bring to a boil.
- Add soft tofu gently and simmer.
- Season with chili flakes and adjust salt.
- Crack an egg on top and garnish with green onions before serving.
This stew is a bold and spicy comfort food, loved for its rich flavors and silky tofu texture.
Japanese Chawanmushi
Chawanmushi is a smooth, savory steamed egg custard soup from Japan, often served as an appetizer.
It’s delicate and silky, typically made with eggs, dashi broth, mushrooms, shrimp, and ginkgo nuts, creating a subtle umami-rich flavor.
Ingredients:
- Eggs
- Dashi broth
- Soy sauce
- Mirin
- Shiitake mushrooms
- Shrimp
- Ginkgo nuts (optional)
Instructions:
- Beat eggs gently and mix with dashi, soy sauce, and mirin.
- Add small pieces of mushroom, shrimp, and ginkgo nuts to ramekins or cups.
- Pour the egg mixture over the ingredients.
- Steam gently for 15-20 minutes until custard is set.
- Serve warm as a delicate starter.
Chawanmushi is prized for its silky texture and subtle, comforting flavors that highlight traditional Japanese ingredients.
Thai Tom Yum Goong
Tom Yum Goong is the iconic Thai hot and sour soup featuring fresh shrimp in a broth infused with lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, galangal, and chili.
It’s bold, spicy, and aromatic, balancing sourness and heat beautifully.
Ingredients:
- Shrimp, peeled and deveined
- Chicken or vegetable broth
- Lemongrass stalks
- Kaffir lime leaves
- Galangal slices
- Thai bird’s eye chili
- Fish sauce
- Lime juice
- Mushrooms
- Fresh cilantro
Instructions:
- Simmer broth with lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, and galangal to infuse flavors.
- Add mushrooms and shrimp; cook until shrimp turn pink.
- Season with fish sauce and lime juice.
- Add chilies to desired heat level.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot.
This soup offers an intense flavor experience, combining freshness, spice, and tanginess in every spoonful.
Chinese Wonton Noodle Soup
Wonton noodle soup is a classic Cantonese dish featuring delicate pork or shrimp-filled wontons served with thin egg noodles in a clear, savory broth.
It’s a comforting and satisfying meal enjoyed throughout China and abroad.
Ingredients:
- Wonton wrappers
- Ground pork or shrimp
- Garlic, minced
- Soy sauce
- Sesame oil
- Chicken broth
- Egg noodles
- Bok choy or leafy greens
- Green onions
Instructions:
- Prepare wonton filling with pork or shrimp, garlic, soy sauce, and sesame oil; wrap in wonton wrappers.
- Boil chicken broth and cook wontons until they float.
- Cook egg noodles separately.
- Add bok choy to broth and cook until tender.
- Serve wontons and noodles in broth, garnished with green onions.
This soup combines tender dumplings, springy noodles, and flavorful broth for a classic Chinese comfort dish.
Conclusion
Asian soups are more than just meals — they are a celebration of culture, tradition, and fresh, wholesome ingredients. This collection of 27+ Asian soup recipes highlights the wide spectrum of tastes and textures, from silky egg drop soups to bold, spicy stews like Korean kimchi jjigae. These dishes provide comforting nourishment, whether you seek light broths or hearty bowls packed with protein and vegetables. Embracing these soups is an easy and enjoyable way to enrich your cooking repertoire and bring the vibrant spirit of Asia into your home cooking.
