Looking for the best soups in London? If you’re after a warm embrace in a meal, London’s got you covered – the city offers hearty bowls aplenty from cuisines all round the globe.
Words by Austin Hodge.
From traditional soups heaped with veggies to ramen offerings and even soup buns, you’re never far from a hot, steaming bowl of goodness.
Ready to dive in? Take a look at our favourite soup restaurants in London.
The Best Soups in London
Fish Soup: Randall & Aubin
££
Randall & Aubin has been serving up French and British classics for over 25 years. The restaurant specialises in seafood and uses the very best local produce, so don’t miss their fish soup when you’re next in Soho.
Simmered on a low heat for eight hours, the broth is replete with herbs, spices, vegetables and wines. You’ll be surprised at the huge depth of flavour infused into the stock, with notes of citrus, chilli and more waiting to be discovered.
The soup features perfectly cooked white fish and shellfish sourced from Devon – a taste of the gorgeous English seaside in what we’ll happily lay bets as being the best fish soup in London.
Raffles Singapore Laksa: Rasa Sayang
££
A melting pot of excellent Asian cuisine, Chinatown is home to the popular Malaysian and Singaporean restaurant Rasa Sayang.
It’s well-known for generous portions of its Raffles Singapore Laksa – a spicy shrimp coconut soup containing thick rice noodles, deep-fried tofu, prawns and fishcakes. Topped with cucumber, beansprouts and a hard-boiled egg, you can’t say you don’t get your money’s worth.
What’s more, all of the meats at Raya Sayang are halal, which makes it one of the best and most accessible laksa soup restaurants in London.
Willing to explore further? Test their small plates and don’t skip dessert. Rasa Sayang always guarantees a unique and intriguing Malaysian flavour journey.
Groundnut Soup: Pitanga
West Kensington
£££
A relative newcomer to London, Pitanga opened its doors in West Kensington in 2018 to address the lack of Nigerian eateries across the UK.
Pitanga offers a whole host of joy-giving soups on its menu and we especially love their groundnut soup. A spicy and savoury nut stew, the traditional Nigerian delicacy features ground peanuts, crayfish, shiitake mushrooms and – watch out! – scotch bonnet chillies.
Served with your choice of rice, eba or poundo, what we love about Pitanga’s soups is their versatility. You can customise spice levels, add extras and there’s even a vegan groundnut soup option.
Dining at Pitanga is a life-affirming and – dare we say it – life-changing culinary experience.
French Onion Soup: Mon Plaisir
££
After the best French onion soup in London? Look no further than Covent Garden based Mon Plaisir, which claims to be the oldest French restaurant in the city.
The dish is a classic for a reason, and Mon Plaisir’s version doesn’t disappoint, with an oozing Gruyère crouton sitting atop a rich and indulgent onion broth.
It’s well-priced and makes the perfect starter or side dish to a homely and invigorating French dinner – just like maman made.
What’s more, you’ll feel like you’re in a Paris bistro inside this family-run establishment, with a superb ambiance and excellent staff. The interior features four distinct and individually styled rooms so you can keep things fresh on every visit.
Xiao Long Bao (Soup Dumplings): Din Tai Fung
Covent Garden/Tottenham Court Road/Selfridges
££
Soup in a bowl? Old news.
Soup in a soft, fluffy, edible pocket? Now we’re talking…
Din Tai Fung is a Taiwanese eatery serving up the best soup dumplings in London. The restaurant has branches in Covent Garden, Tottenham Court Road and Selfridges.
Their signature buns contain a lavish pork mince jelly that melts into soup when steamed, creating a parcel of joy in every bite. Plant-based purveyors won’t miss out, however – there’s a mushroom and truffle option which is just as tasty.
Remember to dip your dumplings into the soy sauce and ginger dipping sauce for the complete experience.
Look out for the expert staff creating the dumplings. It’s an artform in itself, but don’t get too engrossed – you’ll risk losing your place in the queue.
Reuben’s Chicken Soup: Reuben’s
£
If you’re looking for the perfect pick-me-up, the chicken soup at Reuben’s delivers every time. The Marylebone mainstay is the longest-running kosher restaurant in the UK, having served happy customers for over 45 years.
Based on traditional recipes, the soup is known as the Jewish penicillin for its cold-relieving properties. Noodles, shredded chicken and diced vegetables mingle in this nourishing broth and will perk you up in no time.
Aside from the best chicken soup in London, Reuben’s offers a host of other kosher classics, such as salt beef sandwiches and schnitzel.
Keep in mind that Reuben’s closes one hour before sunset on a Friday and is closed on Saturdays. But don’t fret – it’s open all day on Sundays!
Miso Ramen: Itadakizen
££
Believe it or not, every dish at King’s Cross establishment Itadakizen is 100% vegan. But don’t worry, that doesn’t mean they skimp out on flavour – the restaurant has some of the best noodle soups in London.
Their miso ramen features a broth full of deep umami flavours. Along with soba noodles, it’s topped with corn, spring onion and stir-fried vegetables to provide freshness, crunch, and a hint of sweetness.
Itadakizen serves a range of Japanese tapas-style dishes which makes it the perfect choice if you want to share lots of small plates with a friend or loved one.
Adasi (Lentil Soup): Kish
Kilburn
£
A favourite of the London Iranian community, Kish is one of the most popular Persian restaurants in London.
Based in Kilburn, Kish offers a variety of authentic and divine Persian dishes. Its adasi, or lentil soup, is one of its most simple, but don’t be deceived – it’s full of flavour.
Made from a base of onion, garlic, green lentils and potatoes, the soup is cooked slowly so the lentils absorb as much flavour and spices as possible.
Each family’s recipe has slight differences, so we’ll never know what makes Kish’s adasi unique – all we know is that the lentils are always cooked to perfection and it’s the ideal vegetarian soup to keep you warm and sated.
Practical Tips for Eating Your Way Around the Best Soups in London
- Someone has to say it. Soup can get messy, so stock up on napkins and tuck in.
- The best soup restaurants in London are understandably very popular. Book in advance where you can to avoid queueing or disappointment.
