The Most Popular Chinese Soup, Ranked

Choose the soup you think is the most popular!

Author: Gregor Krambs
Updated on Apr 29, 2024 06:32
In the bustling streets of China, soup is more than just a meal; it's a part of daily life and culture, cherished across generations. People often debate which soups offer the perfect balance of flavor and comfort. By ranking these beloved dishes, enthusiasts and newcomers alike can share their preferences and see which soups resonate most widely with others. This interactive list serves as a culinary guide and a community hub where everyone can participate by casting their votes. Whether you're a seasoned aficionado or a curious explorer in the realm of Chinese cuisine, your input helps shape the collective opinion, influencing which soups are deemed must-try. Join in, vote for your favorites, and see how your tastes compare with the global community.

What Is the Most Popular Chinese Soup?

  1. 1
    70
    votes
    Hot and Sour Soup
    NeoBatfreak · CC BY-SA 4.0
    This soup is one of the most popular Chinese soups because of its unique combination of sour and spicy flavors. It is a comforting soup that is perfect for cold weather.
    Hot and Sour Soup is a popular Chinese soup that is known for its spicy and tangy flavors. It is a thick soup packed with various ingredients and is often served as an appetizer. The soup has a rich and complex flavor profile, combining heat from chili peppers, tanginess from vinegar, and a subtle sweetness.
    • Region of origin: China
    • Main ingredients: Mushrooms, tofu, bamboo shoots, eggs, vinegar, chili peppers, soy sauce
    • Consistency: Thick and hearty
    • Flavor profile: Spicy, tangy, and slightly sweet
    • Texture: Smooth with various ingredients adding crunchiness
    Hot and Sour Soup in other rankings
  2. 2
    30
    votes
    Wonton Soup is another popular Chinese soup that is enjoyed by many. The soup is made with wontons, which are filled with pork and shrimp, and served in a clear broth.
    Wonton Soup is a traditional Chinese soup that features small dumplings called wontons in a savory broth. The wontons are typically made with seasoned ground pork and wrapped in a thin dough skin. The broth is usually a clear and flavorful chicken or pork broth, often enhanced with ingredients like ginger, garlic, and soy sauce. The soup is commonly garnished with sliced green onions and served hot.
    • Main Ingredients: Wontons (ground pork, wonton wrappers), broth (chicken or pork)
    • Broth Flavoring: Ginger, garlic, soy sauce
    • Garnish: Sliced green onions
    • Texture: Soft and tender wontons in a hot, comforting broth
    • Flavor Profile: Savory, umami, with hints of ginger and garlic
  3. 3
    10
    votes
    Egg drop soup is a simple soup that is made with beaten eggs and chicken broth. It is a comforting soup that is perfect for any occasion.
    Egg Drop Soup is a popular Chinese soup that is known for its simplicity and comforting flavor. It is a light and savory soup consisting of a clear chicken or vegetable broth with small ribbons of beaten eggs scattered throughout. The soup is often garnished with green onions and sometimes includes other ingredients like mushrooms or corn kernels.
    • Origin: China
    • Main Ingredients: Chicken or vegetable broth, beaten eggs
    • Garnish: Green onions
    • Optional Ingredients: Mushrooms, corn kernels
    • Flavor: Light and savory
  4. 4
    25
    votes
    Chicken corn soup is a hearty soup that is made with chicken, sweet corn, and eggs. It is a popular soup in China and is often served during special occasions.
    Chicken Corn Soup is a classic Chinese soup known for its creamy texture and delicate flavor. It is a comforting blend of tender chicken, sweet corn, and a rich broth.
    • Ingredients: Chicken, sweet corn, chicken broth, eggs, ginger, garlic, sesame oil, salt, white pepper
    • Texture: Creamy
    • Flavor: Delicate and balanced
    • Color: Pale yellow
    • Serving Temperature: Hot
  5. 5
    13
    votes
    Chinese noodle soup is a popular soup that is made with noodles, vegetables, and meat. It is a comforting soup that is perfect for any time of the day.
    Chinese Noodle Soup is a popular Chinese soup made with noodles, broth, and various toppings. It is a comforting and flavorful dish that is enjoyed throughout China and around the world. The soup is typically served hot and is known for its rich and aromatic flavors.
    • Noodles: Made from wheat or rice flour, the noodles used in Chinese Noodle Soup can vary in thickness and texture.
    • Broth: The broth is usually made from simmering ingredients such as bones, meat, vegetables, and aromatic spices for hours, resulting in a flavorful and savory base.
    • Toppings: Common toppings for Chinese Noodle Soup include sliced meat (such as chicken, beef, or pork), seafood, tofu, vegetables, herbs, and sometimes an egg.
    • Regional Variations: There are numerous regional variations of Chinese Noodle Soup, such as Shanxi knife-cut noodles, Sichuan spicy beef noodle soup, and Cantonese wonton noodle soup.
    • Flavor Enhancers: Various condiments and flavor enhancers like soy sauce, vinegar, chili oil, garlic, and ginger are often added to the soup to enhance its taste.
  6. 6
    14
    votes
    Chinese mushroom soup is a delicious soup that is made with mushrooms, chicken broth, and a variety of spices. It is a popular soup in China and is often served during special occasions.
    Chinese Mushroom Soup is a traditional and popular Chinese soup known for its rich and earthy flavors. It is commonly made with a variety of mushrooms, along with other ingredients, creating a delicious and satisfying soup.
    • Soup Base: Clear and flavorful broth
    • Mushrooms: Various types, such as shiitake, button, and enoki mushrooms
    • Herbs and Spices: Garlic, ginger, scallions, and sometimes star anise or dried tangerine peel
    • Vegetables: Optional addition of bok choy or other leafy greens
    • Protein: Tofu, chicken, or pork can be added for extra flavor and texture
  7. 7
    11
    votes
    Winter melon soup is a light soup that is perfect for hot weather. It is made with winter melon, chicken broth, and a variety of spices.
    Winter Melon Soup is a well-known Chinese soup made from winter melon, a member of the gourd family. It is a clear, light, and refreshing soup that is popular in Chinese cuisine. The soup has a delicate flavor and a slightly sweet taste. It is often enjoyed during the summer months as it is believed to have cooling properties and helps to balance the body's yin and yang energies.
    • Main ingredient: Winter melon
    • Other ingredients: Meat (usually pork), dried shrimp, mushrooms, tofu, dried scallops, and various herbs and seasonings
    • Preparation: Winter melon is peeled, seeded, and cut into small chunks. It is then simmered with the other ingredients in a flavorful broth until the melon becomes soft and translucent.
    • Health benefits: Winter melon is known for its hydrating and cooling properties, and the soup is believed to aid in digestion, promote detoxification, and nourish the body.
    • Texture: The winter melon becomes tender and absorbs the flavors of the broth, resulting in a soft and slightly crunchy texture.
  8. 8
    8
    votes
    Fish Soup
    Kagor · CC BY-SA 3.0
    Fish soup is a popular soup in China that is made with fish, vegetables, and a variety of spices. It is a flavorful soup that is perfect for any occasion.
    Fish Soup is a popular Chinese soup that is made with various types of fish, typically freshwater fish. It is a flavorful and hearty soup that is often enjoyed as a main course or as part of a larger meal.
    • Main Ingredients: Freshwater fish, vegetables, and seasonings
    • Preparation: The fish is usually cleaned, scaled, and cut into pieces. It is then simmered in a broth along with vegetables such as mushrooms, cabbage, and tofu. Seasonings like ginger, garlic, and soy sauce are added for flavor.
    • Variations: There are various regional variations of Fish Soup in China, with different ingredients and cooking methods used.
    • Flavor Profile: The soup has a savory and umami flavor from the fish and seasonings. It is often described as subtly sweet, with a hint of freshness from the vegetables.
    • Texture: The fish is tender and flakes easily, while the vegetables add some crunch to the soup. The broth is typically light and clear.
  9. 9
    9
    votes

    Chinese Herbal Soup

    Chinese herbalists
    Chinese herbal soup is a soup that is made with a variety of herbs and spices. It is a popular soup in China and is believed to have many health benefits.
    Chinese Herbal Soup is a traditional Chinese soup made with a combination of various herbs and ingredients. It is loved for its health benefits and aromatic flavors. The soup is believed to have medicinal properties that can help balance the body and promote overall well-being.
    • Preparation time: 2-4 hours
    • Main ingredients: Chinese herbs, meat or vegetables, water
    • Herbs used: Ginseng, goji berries, dried dates, astragalus, angelica root, etc.
    • Flavor profile: Mild, earthy, and slightly bitter
    • Health benefits: Boosting immune system, improving digestion, soothing respiratory issues, promoting blood circulation
  10. 10
    9
    votes

    Seaweed Soup

    Traditional Chinese cuisine
    Seaweed soup is a light and refreshing soup that is perfect for hot weather. It is made with seaweed, chicken broth, and a variety of spices.
    Seaweed Soup is a traditional Chinese soup made from a variety of seaweed and other ingredients. It has a mild and slightly salty taste with a refreshing texture.
    • Serving suggestions: Usually served as a starter or a light meal
    • Region: China
    • Main ingredient: Various types of seaweed
    • Other ingredients: Meat or seafood, vegetables, and seasoning
    • Flavor: Mild and slightly salty

Missing your favorite soup?

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Ranking factors for popular soup

  1. Taste
    The flavor profile of the soup is essential. It should have a balance of savory, sweet, sour, or spicy elements, depending on the recipe.
  2. Aroma
    A good Chinese soup usually has a strong, pleasant aroma from the combination of ingredients and herbs used, which is an indicator of its potential popularity among people.
  3. Ingredient quality
    Fresh and high-quality ingredients are necessary for a good Chinese soup. This includes the choice of meats, vegetables, and spices.
  4. Cultural significance
    Some Chinese soups have cultural or regional significance, which might make them more popular among certain communities.
  5. Health benefits
    Chinese soups are known for their medicinal properties and health benefits. Soups with known health benefits might be more popular among people who value health and wellness.
  6. Preparation
    The preparation and cooking method of the soup can also affect its popularity. Some soups require hours of simmering to achieve the desired flavor and texture, which can add to their appeal.
  7. Presentation
    The way a soup is presented, including its color, texture, and garnish, can influence its popularity among diners.
  8. Availability
    The availability of the soup in restaurants and homemade versions will also play a role in its popularity.
  9. Adaptability
    The soup's ability to accommodate different dietary restrictions (such as vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free) and preferences will affect its appeal to a broader audience.
  10. Reviews and recommendations
    Positive reviews and word-of-mouth recommendations can greatly contribute to a Chinese soup's popularity. The opinions of food critics, bloggers, and influencers, as well as personal recommendations from friends and family, can play a significant role in a soup's reputation and overall popularity.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most popular Chinese 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

  • 2384 views
  • 196 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.

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More information on most popular chinese soup

Chinese cuisine is well-known for its rich flavors and diverse dishes. Among the many popular dishes, soups have a special place in Chinese cuisine. Chinese soups are a perfect combination of vegetables, meat, and spices, making them a healthy and delicious meal option. China has a long history of soup-making, with different regions and provinces having their own unique soup recipes. From the famous hot and sour soup to the healthy and nutritious chicken soup, Chinese soups are enjoyed by people all over the world. When it comes to the most popular Chinese soup, it's hard to pinpoint just one. However, some of the most famous and beloved Chinese soups include the classic wonton soup, the nourishing egg drop soup, and the mouth-watering hot and sour soup. Whether you're looking for a comforting bowl of soup on a cold day or want to explore the rich flavors of Chinese cuisine, there's a Chinese soup out there for everyone!

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