There’s much debate over whether chili is considered a soup (it’s technically a stew) and even more as to whether it can contain beans. There’s no debate, however, that the Roadhouse’s ancho beef chuck chili — with black beans — deserves a spot on this list for its deep, rich flavor and hunks of beef.  

Budae Jjigae, or “army base soup” started as a necessity due to food scarcity in post-war Korea as locals used surplus food from American military bases. Locals took whatever they could find — often canned meats and hot dogs — to create this spicy soup that eventually became part of the national lexicon. Arirang’s version uses pork belly, ham, and sausage and is a highlight on a menu that already features more than a dozen other soups. 

Many consider pho to be the Vietnamese national dish as it’s enjoyed at all times of the day at households, restaurants, and local street food stalls. Its earthy broth is complemented with rice noodles and meat and is served with garnishes of of herbs, peppers, and other toppings giving the diner the ability customize t their own unique version. V Kitchen does not skimp on the toppings and offers several types of proteins, including a spicy version with three kinds of meat.

Diners don’t need a flight to Vienna to experience a healthy dose of old-world European charm. Everything at Amadeus — from the light fixtures to the decor to the live music — is right out of a classic central European cafe. That authenticity also extends to the menu, which includes two classic soups — ogorkowa, a creamy, dill pickle soup and barszcz, the Polish version of the popular beet soup borscht.

Ann Arborites flock to Knight’s for their swimming pool-sized cocktails and hearty steaks. Their French onion soup is a classic and is a great antidote to brisk Michigan weather. 

At Lan City, diners can enjoy fresh noodles that are hand-pulled to order and served in a variety of stir fry dishes and over fifteen different soups. The chong quing soup is a treat for spice seekers with minced pork, vegetables, and noodles in a sinus-clearing Sichuan peppercorn-infused broth.  

When it comes to heartiness, there aren’t many soups that can match up to pozole — shredded pork and hominy in a pool of rich, spicy chile-infused broth. Tmaz serves a terrific version with a variety of garnishes like lime, shredded cabbage, chopped onions, and cilantro. Alternately, Tmaz’s earthy menudobeef tripe is another stellar option for soup season.

Located in downtown Ypsilanti, Bellflower has received much well-deserved acclaim for its elegant, Southern-inspired menu made from local ingredients. The gumbo here changes based on what’s currently best available and often includes ingredients such as shrimp, duck, smoked lamb, or sausage.