Ready to kick things up a notch? With its ability to thaw us from the inside out, we thought it pertinent to refresh our Rolodex of eateries offering the best Asian-inspired soups — each one as hot, spicy and soul-warming as the next. Add chilli to taste.
1. Crispy Fried Jerk Chicken Noodle Bowl from Chop Chop
Complemented by tomato and green chilli, if you’re amongst the more health-conscious, you can ask for zoodles in lieu of your rye noodles. Then again, you might want to reconsider your choice of fried chicken all together. (Ponsonby Central, 140 Ponsonby Rd)
2. Kaow Thom from Bolaven
The talk of the town when it comes to the famed South-east Asian pho-like dishes, this free-range chicken soup featuring rice, corn, celery and fresh herbs with a soft poached egg is gluten, sugar and dairy-free to boot. (597 Mt Eden Road, Mt Eden)
3. Wonton Ramen from Ramen Takara
Utilising their original soy base, these experts throw inchāshū pork, egg, bok choy, spring onion, bamboo shoots alongside their homemade wontons for an addictive ramen x dumpling hybrid. (272 Ponsonby Road, Ponsonby)
4. Laksa from Selera
We thought long and hard about where to direct you for the best laksa and the truth is that we simply cannot go beyond Newmarket’s pride of Malaysian fare, Selera. Their larger-than-life servings are just what the doctor ordered. (487 Khyber Pass Rd, Newmarket)
5. Ramen from Zool Zool
This cosy little Mt Eden noodle house and Izakaya is renowned for serving some of the finest ramen in town. Pair it with an Orion beer and you’ve got a perfect little dinner in some very cute environs too. (405 Mt Eden Rd, Mt Eden)
6. Beef Pho from Hello Mister & District 5
If you’re after a takeaway lunch, these phos are utterly soul-warming with a deeply flavoured broth that’s perfect for crisp winter days. (5b Hardinge St & 28 Shortland St, CBD)
7. Tom Yum from Kiss Kiss
“Silky, aromatic, sweet and sour Thai-style chicken soup, served with a side of jasmine rice” is what their menu says. We needn’t elaborate. (1 Rocklands Ave, Balmoral)
