Global Warming: Beijing’s Soups are a Melting Pot of Flavors

If you’re looking to chase off the chill and want to switch things up from the usual hot pot or malatang, you’re in luck. From potage and purées to gumbos and chowders, Beijing restaurants are rolling out soups in a fusion of flavors just in time for winter. 

Head to NOLA near Ritan Park’s South Gate and warm up with a bowl of Chicken & Andouille Sausage Gumbo (RMB 58). The chicory-colored roux, fresh okra, and peppers make NOLA’s a spot-on rendition of this spicy Cajun dish, a blending of African and Caribbean influences popular in Louisiana. Order some sweet beignets for dessert and pretend you’re in New Orleans.

While basking on the beach in Mexico is pretty much out of the question this year, a jaunt down Wudaoying Hutong to Pebbles Courtyard yields its own rewards. Like any trip, it’s best to bring friends, in this case, so you can try all three soups. The Tortilla Soup (RMB 40) has a bit of heat from chipotle peppers, the vegetarian Cream of Corn (RMB 35) is pure, velvety bliss that I could drink by the cup, and the Birria Soup (RMB 45) captures the flavor of slowly steamed lamb, vegetables and garbanzos. 

Q Mex’s Spicy Corn Chowder (RMB 48), a fiery mix of cream, corn, tomatoes, black beans, and peppers is another way to stay warm. Depending on your tolerance to spicy food, you might consider ordering a margarita to cool things down.

Elsewhere in Mexican cuisine, soupers can pair their tacos with a nice, vegan mug of Roasted Tomato Soup (RMB 28), prepared with roasted tomatoes and jalapeños, corn, pico de gallo, and fried tortilla strips for texture.

Too much spice in your life? Sometimes you just need comfort food to warm your body and soul. Try a bowl of no-fuss American-style Tomato Soup (RMB 45) from Lily’s American Diner paired with a classic grilled cheese or delicate Turkish Lentil (RMB 24) with a squeeze of lemon from Doner Kebab. Don’t forget the Puff Bread, just because it’s fun.

The Rosewood’s Bistro B French Onion Gratinée (RMB 70) will leave you dreaming of Paris. This one’s a classic, with a sizzling layer of oozy cheese covering rich onion broth like a satisfying warm blanket. 

Mom always told you to eat your vegetables, and soup makes it deliciously easy. Moka Bros’ Udon Noodles & Veggie Stone Bowl (RMB 79) is an East meets West fusion of kale, bean sprouts, and carrots in a Tom Yum and lemongrass flavored beef broth. Beef or shrimp pumps up the protein.

Trade your salad for a warm bowl of creamy Palak Ka Shorba, (RMB 25) a vibrant, spinach soup with Indian herbs from The TAJ Pavilion, or sit back, open a bottle of Chianti and call Annie’s for a few orders of Minestrone (RMB 25), a medley of vegetables and pasta filling enough for a meal.

Lenbach Restaurant’s Black Truffle Potato Cream Soup (RMB 38), studded with bits of shroomy black gold and finished with truffle oil, is a luxurious offering. 

So many choices and we’ve barely dipped the ladle in the pot. While Beijing’s dropping mercury and hazy skies make it tempting to stay inside until spring, don’t miss the chance to travel the globe, one steamy bowl at a time.

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Images: Ruth Georgiev (via Unsplash), Kirsten Harrington