The Most Popular Asian Soup, Ranked
Voting rules: Choose the soup you think is the most popular!
Updated on May 4, 2024 06:29
In the diverse culinary world of Asia, soup stands out as a staple across many cultures, each offering a unique fusion of flavors and ingredients that reflect their rich histories and regional tastes. By creating a ranked list of popular Asian soups, visitors gain insight into which soups resonate most with global audiences and perhaps, more importantly, why these dishes hold such significance.
This interactive approach not only enlightens but also invites food enthusiasts from all backgrounds to have a voice in shaping the rankings. Whether you're a long-time lover of Asian cuisine or a curious newcomer, your votes help paint a clearer picture of the culinary preferences that cross cultural boundaries and create a shared experience around traditional and modern interpretations of Asian soups.
What Is the Most Popular Asian Soup?
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130votesRamen is a Japanese noodle soup dish that has become increasingly popular worldwide. It consists of Chinese-style wheat noodles served in a meat or fish-based broth, flavored with soy sauce or miso, and topped with ingredients such as sliced pork, seaweed, and boiled eggs. Its popularity stems from its versatility and ability to be customized to suit individual preferences.Ramen is a Japanese dish consisting of Chinese-style wheat noodles served in a savory broth flavored with various seasonings. It is typically topped with a combination of ingredients such as sliced pork, seaweed, green onions, and soft-boiled eggs. Ramen has gained widespread popularity worldwide due to its rich and complex flavors.
- Noodle Type: Wheat-based, thin and curly
- Broth Varieties: Shio (salt-based), Shoyu (soy sauce-based), Miso (soybean paste-based), Tonkotsu (pork bone-based)
- Toppings: Chashu (sliced pork), Menma (seasoned bamboo shoots), Nori (seaweed), Ajitsuke Tamago (marinated soft-boiled egg), Negi (chopped green onions)
- Flavor Enhancements: Tare (seasoning), Aji-tama (flavored egg), Kaeshi (soy sauce seasoning), Chili oil, Sesame oil
- Regional Variations: Hakata, Sapporo, Tokyo, Kitakata, Kumamoto, Tsukemen (dipping noodles)
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227votesPho is a Vietnamese soup that is made with a hearty beef broth, rice noodles, and a variety of herbs and spices. It is typically served with slices of beef or chicken and garnished with bean sprouts, basil, and lime wedges. Its popularity can be attributed to its comforting and flavorful broth, as well as its ability to cure hangovers.Pho is a traditional Vietnamese noodle soup known for its complex and aromatic flavors. It typically consists of a flavorful broth, rice noodles, and various meat toppings, garnished with fresh herbs and condiments. The dish is renowned for its balance of sweet, spicy, sour, and savory flavors, making it a delightful culinary experience.
- Broth: A rich and aromatic soup base typically made from beef bones or chicken, simmered for hours to extract maximum flavor.
- Noodles: Thin, flat rice noodles that are cooked separately and added to the broth before serving.
- Meat: Common meat toppings include thinly sliced beef (rare or cooked), chicken, or meatballs. Vegetarian and seafood options are also available.
- Herbs: Fresh herbs like Thai basil, cilantro, and bean sprouts are added as garnish to enhance the overall flavor.
- Condiments: A variety of condiments such as lime wedges, sliced chili peppers, hoisin sauce, and sriracha are served on the side, allowing each person to customize their bowl.
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329votes
Tom Yum
Thai cuisineTom Yum is a spicy and sour soup that is popular in Thailand, Laos, and Cambodia. It is made with a broth that is flavored with lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, galangal, and chili peppers, and is typically served with shrimp, chicken, or tofu. Its popularity comes from its bold and complex flavor profile.Tom Yum is a popular Asian soup known for its vibrant flavors and spicy kick. It is a traditional Thai soup that is both tangy and savory, with a perfect balance of sour, sweet, and spicy elements. The soup is typically made with a fragrant broth infused with lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, galangal, and chili peppers. It often includes a variety of vegetables, such as mushrooms, tomatoes, and onions, as well as protein options like shrimp, chicken, or tofu. Tom Yum soup is served piping hot and is often enjoyed as a standalone dish or with a side of steamed rice.- Flavor: Tangy, savory, and spicy
- Ingredients: Lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, galangal, chili peppers, vegetables, protein
- Broth: Fragrant and infused with herbs and spices
- Vegetables: Mushrooms, tomatoes, onions, etc.
- Protein Options: Shrimp, chicken, tofu, etc.
Tom Yum in other rankings- Position 6 of 10 in Most popular food in Southeast Asia
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413votesLaksa is a spicy noodle soup that is popular in Malaysia, Singapore, and Indonesia. It is made with a coconut milk-based broth that is flavored with spices such as turmeric, coriander, and chili peppers, and is typically served with noodles, shrimp, and bean sprouts. Its popularity stems from its rich and creamy broth and its ability to warm you up on a cold day.Laksa is a popular and flavorful Malaysian dish that is loved by locals and visitors alike. It is a spicy noodle soup with a rich and fragrant broth, typically made from a combination of spices, herbs, and coconut milk. The dish is known for its complex and harmonious flavors, combining sweet, sour, and savory elements.
- Noodles: Laksa is traditionally made with thick rice noodles, giving the dish a satisfying chewy texture.
- Broth: The broth is the heart of Laksa, and it is usually made with a combination of spices such as turmeric, lemongrass, galangal, and chili paste. Coconut milk is added to give the broth its creamy consistency.
- Protein: Laksa can be prepared with various protein options, including chicken, prawns, fish, or tofu. These are usually cooked in the broth and add a delicious umami flavor to the dish.
- Garnish: Laksa is commonly garnished with fresh herbs such as cilantro, mint, or Thai basil, which add a refreshing touch to the dish. Sliced onions, bean sprouts, and sliced chili peppers are also commonly added.
- Spiciness: Laksa is known for its spiciness, although the level of heat can vary depending on personal preference and regional variations. It often comes with a side of sambal chili paste for those who like it extra spicy.
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519votes
Ocdp · CC0Miso soup is a Japanese soup that is made with a dashi broth and miso paste. It is typically served with tofu, seaweed, and green onions. Its popularity comes from its comforting and familiar taste, as well as its ability to aid digestion.Miso soup is a traditional Japanese soup made with a flavorful broth called dashi, combined with miso paste and various ingredients. It is a staple dish in Japanese cuisine and is typically served with meals or as a side dish.- Ingredients: Dashi, miso paste, tofu, seaweed, green onions, and other optional ingredients
- Taste: Umami and savory
- Texture: Brothy with soft tofu and chewy seaweed
- Preparation: Boiling dashi, adding miso paste, and adding ingredients
- Variations: Different regions and households have their own unique versions
Miso soup in other rankings- Position 9 of 10 in Most delicious food in Japan
- Position 9 of 10 in Most delicious soup
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614votesWonton soup is a Chinese soup that is made with wontons (dumplings) filled with minced pork or shrimp, served in a clear broth. It is typically garnished with green onions and sesame oil. Its popularity stems from its simple yet flavorful broth and its ability to provide a filling and satisfying meal.Wonton soup is a popular Asian soup known for its savory broth and delicate wonton dumplings. The soup is typically made with a clear and aromatic chicken or pork broth, which is flavored with various seasonings such as soy sauce and sesame oil. The wontons, small dumplings made from a thin wheat-based wrapper, are filled with a mixture of ground meat (commonly pork) and minced vegetables. They are often gently boiled in the broth until cooked through and tender. Wonton soup is often garnished with green onions and cilantro, and may also include additional ingredients such as bok choy or mushrooms.
- Broth: Clear and aromatic chicken or pork broth
- Wontons: Thin wheat-based wrapping filled with ground meat and minced vegetables
- Flavorings: Soy sauce, sesame oil, and other seasonings
- Cooking method: Boiling wontons in the broth
- Garnish: Green onions and cilantro
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78votes
NeoBatfreak · CC BY-SA 4.0Hot and sour soup is a Chinese soup that is made with a spicy and sour broth, typically flavored with vinegar and chili peppers. It is typically served with tofu, mushrooms, and bamboo shoots. Its popularity comes from its bold and tangy flavor profile.Hot and sour soup is a popular Asian soup that is known for its bold and contrasting flavors. It is commonly found in Chinese cuisine but is also enjoyed in other parts of Asia. The soup has a rich and tangy taste, with a balance of spicy and sour notes.- Region of Origin: China
- Flavor Profile: Hot and tangy
- Main Ingredients: Chicken or pork, mushrooms, tofu, bamboo shoots
- Texture: Thick and hearty
- Spiciness: Moderate to hot
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86votesKimchi soup is a Korean soup that is made with kimchi, a fermented vegetable dish made with cabbage, garlic, and chili peppers. It is typically served with pork or beef and tofu. Its popularity comes from its spicy and sour flavor and its ability to soothe an upset stomach.Kimchi soup, also known as Kimchi jjigae, is a traditional Korean soup that is known for its spicy and pungent flavor. It is made with fermented kimchi, a staple in Korean cuisine, along with various other ingredients such as pork, tofu, and vegetables. The soup is commonly enjoyed as a main dish during meals and is particularly popular during the winter season.
- Origin: Korea
- Main ingredients: Kimchi, pork, tofu, vegetables
- Flavor profile: Spicy, tangy, and pungent
- Texture: Rich and hearty
- Preparation time: Approximately 30 minutes
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96votesUdon soup is a Japanese soup that is made with thick wheat noodles and a clear broth flavored with soy sauce or mirin. It is typically served with shrimp, chicken, or tofu and garnished with green onions and nori. Its popularity comes from its hearty and filling noodles and its ability to warm you up on a cold day.Udon soup is a traditional Japanese dish consisting of thick wheat noodles served in a soy-based broth. It is a popular and comforting soup that is enjoyed in various variations across Japan and has also gained popularity worldwide.
- Origin: Japan
- Main Ingredients: Udon noodles, soy-based broth, vegetables, meat or seafood
- Broth Flavor: Umami-rich and savory
- Noodle Consistency: Thick and chewy
- Soup Variations: Kake udon (basic udon soup), Kitsune udon (with sweet fried tofu), Tempura udon (with tempura), Niku udon (with sliced beef), and many more
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1010votes
Indradi Soemardjan http://www.indrani.net · CC BY 2.5Bak kut teh is a Chinese soup that is made with pork ribs and a variety of herbs and spices, such as garlic, star anise, and cinnamon. It is typically served with rice or noodles and garnished with green onions. Its popularity comes from its rich and flavorful broth and its ability to provide a comforting and satisfying meal.Bak kut teh is a popular Asian soup originating from southern China and commonly found in Malaysia and Singapore. It is a hearty and fragrant soup made with pork ribs simmered in a flavorful broth of herbs and spices.- Ingredients: Pork ribs, garlic, Chinese herbs, and spices
- Flavor: Rich, savory, and aromatic
- Broth consistency: Clear or herbal dark broth
- Herbs and spices: Typically include star anise, cinnamon, cloves, garlic, dried fennel seeds, and white pepper
- Preparation: Slowly simmered for several hours to tenderize the pork and infuse flavors
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Ranking factors for popular soup
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Taste and flavor profilesDifferent soups have unique taste and flavor profiles based on the ingredients used and the cooking techniques employed. Consider if the flavors are universally appealing or cater to specific tastes and cultures.
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Regional popularityPopular soups may be specific to certain regions or countries, making them more accessible or well-known in those areas.
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Cultural significanceSome soups may have a historical or cultural significance in certain countries, which could influence their popularity.
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Dietary preferencesConsider if the soup caters to various dietary preferences, such as vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free options, as this may affect its overall popularity.
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Nutritional valueHealth-conscious consumers may prioritize soups with higher nutritional value, including low-calorie, low-fat, or nutrient-dense options.
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Availability of ingredientsThe ease of obtaining the necessary ingredients for a soup may influence its popularity, as more accessible ingredients may result in a wider range of people cooking and consuming the soup.
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Preparation and cooking timeSoups that are quick and easy to prepare may be more popular than those requiring more complex techniques or lengthy cooking times.
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VersatilitySome soups may be consumed as a main dish, appetizer, or side dish, which could impact their popularity among diners. Additionally, certain soups may have various adaptations, allowing for customization to individual tastes.
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AffordabilityThe cost of preparing and consuming a soup may affect its popularity, particularly in countries or regions where access to certain ingredients is limited due to cost or availability.
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Media and social media influenceThe popularity of certain soups may be impacted by their appearance in food media, such as cooking shows, recipe websites, or social media platforms like Instagram or Pinterest.
About this ranking
This is a community-based ranking of the most popular Asian soup. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or soup is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!
Statistics
- 2236 views
- 169 votes
- 10 ranked items
Voting Rules
A participant may cast an up or down vote for each soup once every 24 hours. The rank of each soup is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.
More information on most popular asian soup
Asian cuisine is renowned for its diverse range of soups, each with a unique blend of flavors and ingredients. From the creamy coconut-based curries of Thailand to the clear and delicate broths of Japan, there is no shortage of delicious options to choose from. But which Asian soup takes the top spot as the most popular? At StrawPoll, we've asked our users to weigh in and share their favorites. With thousands of responses, we've compiled a list of the top contenders that are sure to satisfy any soup lover's cravings. So sit back, grab a spoon, and let's explore the world of Asian soups together.
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