This chef-curated list is the ultimate source for the most delicious Asian soup recipes! Here you’ll find many Taiwanese, Vietnamese, Korean, Filipino, Chinese, Indonesian, and Asian cuisine-inspired recipes that are delicious, accessible, and nourishing. Enjoy these Asian soup recipes with noodles (or without), a variety of flavors, and customizable ingredient lists!
Not only will I include some of the best recipes made by chef and recipe developers with extensive experience with Asian cuisines, but I also list why you might like each recipe.
jump to:
- 🍜 the best asian soup recipes
- 💭 asian soups vs. asian cuisine-inspired soups
- 1. easy miso soup
- 2. yuzu ramen
- 3. sesame oil chicken soup
- 4. opo squash meatball soup
- 5. bitter melon soup with pork ribs
- 6. taiwanese hotpot (火鍋)
- 7. lotus root soup with pork ribs (蓮藕豬骨湯)
- 8. vietnamese kabocha squash soup
- 9. phở bò sốt vang (hanoi-style beef pho)
- 10. suimono (japanese clear soup with tofu)
- 11. japanese-style soy milk soup
- 12. udon soup
- 13. chinese cabbage soup
- 14. egg drop soup
- 15. shrimp wonton soup
- 16. hong kong macaroni soup
- 17. chicken wonton soup
- 18. tomato mushroom and tofu soup
- 19. century egg pork porridge
- 20. doenjang jjigae
- 21. red lentil curry
- 22. shrimp tempura udon (japanese noodle soup)
- 23. vietnamese bitter melon soup
- 24. lontong sayur lodeh (indonesian vegetable stew)
- 25. hủ tiếu bò kho (vietnamese beef stew)
- 26. chicken sopas recipe (filipino style macaroni soup)
- 27. oxtail soup
- 28. chinese abc soup
- 29. thai green curry chicken
- 30. imitation shark fin soup (碗仔翅)
- 31. chicken papaya soup
- 32. chinese seaweed egg drop soup
- 33. chicken sweet corn soup
- 🫘 5 sweet asian soup recipes you'll love
- 🍲 main ingredients and equipment
- ❄️ storage
- 💭 top expert tip
- 💭 faq
- 💭 final thoughts
- 🍵 east asian recipes you'll enjoy
🍜 the best asian soup recipes
One of my favorite things about Asian soups is that they’re so customizable to personal preferences, and today as I’m sharing traditional Taiwanese, Korean, Japanese, Chinese, Vietnamese, Filipino, and Indonesian soups, I can guarantee that you’ll find something you love.
did you know? Asian soups aren’t only about filling your belly with tasty food - they’re also often considered medicinal and are served when someone needs extra nourishment.
Asian soups have a wide breadth of flavor profiles and ingredient lists. Some soups are made to highlight specific seasonal ingredients, while others are packed with rich, umami, spicy, and even lip-puckering flavors. Some are even sweet! From simple miso soup, to egg drop soup, Taiwanese hotpot, and more, you’ll have plenty to choose from on this list!
Plus, you’ll have an easy cleanup! All you need is one pot to make a cozy and nourishing meal. Also, feel free to enjoy these soups year-round! They may be hot, but that’s what AC is for, right?
💭 asian soups vs. asian cuisine-inspired soups
Asian soups come from many different countries across different regions and cuisines, therefore, the characteristics of the soups vary. Not to mention the Asian cuisine-inspired soups that aren’t necessarily traditional, but have been popularized over time.
For example, some recipes here contain noodles (my favorite!). Traditionally, if noodles are in broth they’re considered a completely separate sort of dish, but today I’m including them in this curation of soups because Asian noodle soup (like udon) is typically grouped in the “soup” category these days.
If you need sides to go with these recipes, check out these East Asian vegetable dishes.
1. easy miso soup
Miso is a classic Asian soup. It's so versatile that you can enjoy it for breakfast, lunch, or dinner! It's so easy to make this flavorful broth base - which is delicious all on its own - and then you can add any seasonal vegetables you want to highlight!
why you'll love this recipe
- This is a super quick recipe - it takes a total of 20 minutes!
- Miso soup is easy to make. All you need is miso paste, dashi granules, and water.
- It's great for meal prep - make a big portion of the stock and then enjoy it throughout the week with different veggies added in.
- This recipe is gluten-free!
2. yuzu ramen
After visiting Afuri ramen, Tokyo, where I ate an unforgettable bowl of yuzu shio ramen (which I still think about), I decided to create this dish at home to satisfy my craving. You can substitute any of the vegetables with whatever you have on hand and I guarantee it'll be delicious in this yuzo shio broth's multi-dimensional flavor.
why you'll love this recipe
- Try this lighter short-cut ramen broth featuring yuzu (can substitute with yuzu juice or lemon/lime).
- You can use leftover turkey or chicken which makes this a quick 30-minute recipe.
- Customize your ramen with your favorite vegetables!
3. sesame oil chicken soup
This sesame oil soup will warm you up from the inside out! This soup is full of nourishing ingredients like sesame oil, warming ginger, and rice cooking wine. When you're sick or just in need of something comforting, this chicken soup will soothe and support you.
why you'll love this recipe
- Sesame oil chicken soup is a comforting, traditional recipe that reminds me of childhood.
- It's easy to make!
- Great for meal prep - you can even add noodles to some portions when you're reheating it.
4. opo squash meatball soup
This soup consists of a light broth that you'll want to enjoy year-round, and it's full of hearty meatballs. This dish is a childhood favorite of mine; I actually used to call it winter melon soup because opo and winter melon are so similar!
why you'll love this recipe
- Opo squash tastes so good in soup - it's like a cross between zucchini and cucumber!
- You can substitute with store-bought meatballs from a local Asian grocery store or online.
- This is a classic soup served with Taiwanese family meals, and for good reason!
5. bitter melon soup with pork ribs
Get ready to add this soup to your regular rotation because the prep only takes 10 minutes! In this recipe, I'll teach you exactly how to prep a bitter melon, and soon enough you'll be enjoying the pork ribs as they balance out the bitter melon in each bite.
why you'll love this recipe
- This is an easy recipe that I'll walk you through step-by-step.
- This recipe shows two methods - stovetop or in a Tatung cooker - so you have options.
- It's great for meal prep!
6. taiwanese hotpot (火鍋)
Taiwanese hotpot is one of my all-time favorite foods! In this recipe I'll teach you how to make your own hot pot at home from the delicious broth, the thinly sliced meat, and perfectly cooked vegetables. But don't worry, I didn't forget about the flavorful hotpot dipping sauces!
why you'll love this recipe
- It's so comforting!
- This is the ultimate hot pot guide and I'll teach you everything you need to know.
- The dipping sauces will take your hotpot to the next level!
7. lotus root soup with pork ribs (蓮藕豬骨湯)
An easy, restaurant-quality lotus root soup with tender pork ribs. The clear bone broth is surprisingly flavorful and full of nourishing ingredients!
why you'll love this recipe
- It's quick and easy to make, part of what makes this low-effort, highly rewarding cozy soup so popular.
- You can set it and forget it while you prepare other dishes.
- The recipe includes both stove top and Tatung multicooker methods.
- This soup is great for meal prep so you can enjoy it throughout the week.
8. vietnamese kabocha squash soup
This soup creates the softest most decadent kabocha to ever slide through your lips! It's also a super quick and easy soup to make when you're in a pinch.
why you'll love this recipe
- Kabocha squash in anything is delicious.
- The recipe guides you through preparing the kabocha and making the soup with step-by-step photos.
- The ingredients are easy to stock so you can whip it up when you don't feel like cooking.
9. phở bò sốt vang (hanoi-style beef pho)
If you're a fan of pho, you're going to want to pay special attention to this recipe so you can learn to make it in your own kitchen. All you have to do is dump everything into a pot and you'll have a hearty dish of tender beef, rice noodles, and flavorful broth to enjoy.
why you'll love this recipe
- You can make this in a slow cooker, instant pot, or on the stove.
- The detailed step-by-step photos will guide you through making this recipe.
- It's red-wine infused to the flavor is deep and delicious.
10. suimono (japanese clear soup with tofu)
I'm a huge silken tofu fan so enjoying it in this light umami broth is delightful! This recipe perfectly exemplifies how soup can showcase the deepest flavors of simple ingredients.
why you'll love this recipe
- It's an easy 30 minute recipe.
- Who doesn't love an aesthetically pleasing soup?
- This is an elegant dish that highlights the flavors of each ingredient.
11. japanese-style soy milk soup
This creamy soup is made with soy milk so it's hearty but still light. The broth is also loaded with the flavors of vegetables and bacon so this a soup you won't want to miss.
why you'll love this recipe
- Easy 20-minute recipe.
- This is a creamy and comforting soup that's dairy-free and gluten-free!
- The yummy bacon makes it a kid-friendly dish.
12. udon soup
Perfectly cooked udon noodles have such a chewy and satisfying mouthfeel (and flavor!). These noodles are made in a savory broth and then topped with the ingredients of your choice (like shrimp and veggies!).
why you'll love this recipe
- 15-minute recipe that can be made in an Instant Pot or on the stove.
- You can make this recipe even easier by using instant dashi for your soup base.
- The step-by-step photos show you exactly how to make this dish, which is also kid-friendly.
13. chinese cabbage soup
Cabbage is so soothing and it goes a long way. This soup simmers for hours and then absolutely melts in your mouth!
why you'll love this recipe
- You'll only need five simple ingredients!
- Cabbage leaves absorb flavor so this dish is not lacking in that department.
- Melt-in-your-mouth sweet cabbage is the star of this soup!
14. egg drop soup
I grew up eating this soup at my dad's Chinese restaurant so it's a go-to soup when I don't have the energy to cook. Plus, it's quick and easy to make.
why you'll love this recipe
- A 15-minute recipe.
- Made with mostly pantry ingredients, so it's super convenient.
- It's also kid-friendly!
15. shrimp wonton soup
Wonton soup made at home can be just as good - if not better - than takeout! Try this recipe made with shrimp wontons, tender veggies, and a flavorful broth.
why you'll love this recipe
- The shrimp wontons are succulent and and broth is full of flavor.
- Easy to follow step-by-step photos on how to fold wontons!
- This recipe calls for baby bok choy (but you can customize as you wish).
16. hong kong macaroni soup
This is an Asian comfort food staple that transports you straight back to childhood. I love that the base is macaroni and veggies and then I can add whatever else I want to bulk it up.
why you'll love this recipe
- Ready in just 15 minutes!
- It's not just kid-friendly, it's kid-adored!
- Much healthier when made at home than purchased from a store.
17. chicken wonton soup
This is wonton soup the simple way! All you need are frozen wontons and then you dump everything in a pot and let it work its magic for 30 minutes.
why you'll love this recipe
- This recipe uses store-bought frozen wontons for a quick meal.
- Only 30 minutes to get it on the table.
- ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Check out all the 5-star reviews for this short-cut recipe.
18. tomato mushroom and tofu soup
This recipe is similar to tomato egg drop soup that is popular in Taiwanese and Chinese households. I could have a large bowl of this with rice for breakfast!
why you'll love this recipe
- 15-minute soup recipe.
- Flavorful and umami-rich.
- Only a handful of ingredients are needed!
19. century egg pork porridge
I love century eggs and using them in different ways. This quick porridge is as customizable as they come and it's chock full of rich savory flavors.
why you'll love this recipe
- A comforting meal that's quick to make in an instant pot.
- You can customize toppings based on what you like – such as pickled vegetables.
- This recipe is free from peanuts, tree-nuts, dairy, shellfish, soy, fish, sesame, and wheat, making it a great option for a variety of food allergies.
20. doenjang jjigae
Also known as Korean soybean paste stew, doenjang jjigae is super hearty and is made with simple ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen. One of the reasons I love it so much is because you can add as little - or as much - of certain ingredients as you want.
why you'll love this recipe
- Simple ingredients and customizable.
- The recipe guides you with step-by-step photos.
- ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Check out all the 5-star reviews!
21. red lentil curry
This South Asian dish made with Indian spices and red lentils is super creamy and hearty. The lentils in the curry take on a melt-in-your-mouth type of texture that the whole family will love.
why you'll love this recipe
- Loads of antioxidants, proteins, and fats to leave you feeling super nourished.
- The recipe guides you with detailed step-by-step photos.
- ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Check out all the 5-star votes for this recipe (1900+)!
22. shrimp tempura udon (japanese noodle soup)
I love a good bowl of udon noodles because it's easy to whip up at home and satisfies my need for comforting noodle soup. The crispy shrimp tempura really takes this dish to the next level.
why you'll love this recipe
- A truly cozy meal in just 35 minutes.
- Save money by making this restaurant-quality dish at home!
- Make it vegetarian by swapping for vegetable tempura.
23. vietnamese bitter melon soup
This soup consists of a light and clear savory broth as its base with pork stuffed bitter melon as the star of the show. This is a traditional Vietnamese dish and this recipe does a great job of sharing how to prepare the bitter melon.
why you'll love this recipe
- Tips to reduce the bitterness of bitter melon.
- Step-by-step photos to walk you through stuffing the bitter melon.
- A light savory broth that's so cozy to sip on.
24. lontong sayur lodeh (indonesian vegetable stew)
The main event of this delicious stew is the banana-leaf-cooked compressed jasmine rice cake, also known as lontong. It has a chewy texture and it soaks up the broth so each bit is bursting with rich flavor.
why you'll love this recipe
- Loads of flavors from the aromatic spices.
- Vibrant step-by-step photos with serving suggestions.
- Just 30 minutes of cooking time!
25. hủ tiếu bò kho (vietnamese beef stew)
This is a really easy version of the traditional Vietnamese dish, Bò Kho, all thanks to the Instant Pot! However, this recipe also shares how to make this dish on the stovetop.
why you'll love this recipe
- Rich beef flank with flavorful lemongrass-infused broth.
- Step-by-step photos for Instant Pot along with stovetop instructions.
- No Bo Kho seasoning required!
26. chicken sopas recipe (filipino style macaroni soup)
This Filipino version of macaroni soup will keep you cozy and comforted on a cloudy day. It's packed with vegetables, macaroni, and chicken!
why you'll love this recipe
- Kids love it!
- Simple ingredient list.
- Super creamy and filling!
27. oxtail soup
This Indonesian soup uses a favorite ingredient in many Asian soups, oxtail. The oxtail is boiled or pressure cooked until it's super tender and then it's served in broth with a variety of vegetables.
why you'll love this recipe
- Step-by-step photos take you through how to cook oxtail.
- Richly flavored by the meat.
- Served with tons of vegetables infused with incredible flaor.
28. chinese abc soup
This soup is so easy to make, it's named ABC. Like it's as simple as A-B-C! This savory broth is full of veggies and it's delicious on its own, with a bowl of rice, or served as a side to any other main course.
why you'll love this recipe
- It's a very filling vegetarian soup.
- So simple to make!
- Only 10 minutes to prep the ingredients and get it cooking.
29. thai green curry chicken
This recipe is a Thai cuisine-inspired green curry. There are loads of veggies, coconut milk for the flavor and creaminess, and fish sauce for a savory salty flavor.
why you'll love this recipe
- Made with palm sugar for a deeper flavor profile.
- Customize with different vegetables.
- Quick and easy weeknight dinner!
30. imitation shark fin soup (碗仔翅)
This imitation shark fin soup is made Hong Kong-style. While it's a popular street food, I've only had the chance to taste this soup at big banquet weddings where each table gets served a 10-course meal. It's a thick soup made with loads of complex flavors and textures.
why you'll love this recipe
- Chinese vermicelli replaces the shark fin.
- Budget-friendly!
- Step-by-step photos walking you through the recipe.
31. chicken papaya soup
This Filipino soup contains a flavorful broth, unripe green papaya, spinach, and chicken. It's so simple that there's not much else to it. Enjoy this soup as a snack, or with a bowl of rice to make it a complete meal.
why you'll love this recipe
- Very simple ingredient list.
- Only takes 30 minutes to cook!
- Use bouillon cubes for ease.
32. chinese seaweed egg drop soup
This is a popular soup in both Chinese and Taiwanese households. It's a favorite dish for breakfast too!
why you'll love this recipe
- An easy 15-minute recipe.
- Make ahead and reheat this soup.
- Even tastier than regular egg drop soup!
33. chicken sweet corn soup
Chicken sweet corn soup is a popular American Chinese soup. This recipe shows you how to make this in an Instant Pot, but you can also make it on a regular stovetop. It takes the same amount of time to make even without an instant pot.
why you'll love this recipe
- An easy 30-minute recipe with a cooking video to follow along with.
- It has a light yet creamy broth.
- One pot recipe!
🫘 5 sweet asian soup recipes you'll love
34. creamy black glutinous rice dessert
This dessert recipe is made with tong sui (directly translates to ‘sugar water’ or indirectly to 'sweet soup'), which is made from black glutinous rice. It's creamy and delicious!
why you'll love this recipe
- Enjoy this dish for breakfast too!
- Only 5 simple ingredients.
- Rich and thick texture.
35. sweet pumpkin coconut soup
Sweet pumpkin coconut soup is a sweet Asian soup enjoyed in Indonesia. It's perfectly comforting and enjoyed throughout all seasons.
why you'll love this recipe
- You can substitute the pumpkin with kabocha, sweet potato, etc.
- Step-by-step photos to guide you through.
- Rich and creamy!
36. chinese red bean soup
This is a classic Cantonese, Chinese, and Taiwanese sweet soup. It's traditionally served hot as a dessert, but also tastes delicious cold.
why you'll love this recipe
- It's not too sweet, the perfect amount!
- The recipe guides you through making these with step-by-step photos.
- Make it in the Instant Pot to set it and forget it.
37. mung bean soup (绿豆湯)
This is also a classic Cantonese, Chinese, and Taiwanese sweet soup that's traditionally served hot at the end of a meal. I personally like this dish without dates, but love the addition of lotus seeds.
why you'll love this recipe
- Rich in dietary fiber, so it's great for breakfast.
- You can make a simpler mung bean soup by leaving out the dates, lilly bulbs, and lotus seeds.
- Great make-ahead dish!
38. korean kabocha squash porridge
Kabocha is such a delicious naturally sweet and smooth squash that it effortlessly lends itself to dessert! The sweet rice balls (or tang yuan) add a soft and chewy texture that really elevates this dish.
why you'll love this recipe
- An easy 30-minute recipe.
- One of the most requested comfort foods when I was a private chef.
- The recipe guides you through making these with step-by-step photos and a calming cooking video.
- ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Check out all the 5-star reviews and over 420 Pinterest shares if you're trying to decide.
🍲 main ingredients and equipment
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These are some of my favorite kitchen tools for making soup. Hopefully, you’ll find them helpful too.
❄️ storage
To store leftover soup, start by allowing it to cool completely. Then, transfer small portions of soup into individual (preferably shallow) air-tight containers. Refrigerate for 3-5 days.
Not all soups should be frozen so be sure to check the individual recipe for more information, but in general, to freeze soup you must first allow it to cool. Next, transfer the soup into air-tight containers and freeze for up to three months. Allow it to defrost in the refrigerator overnight before reheating it, or head it in a pot on the stove until it’s warmed through.
💭 top expert tip
Use The Cooking Tray by Souper Cubes (paid affiliate link) to freeze small portions of brothy soup. Reheat a few of the cubes for a quick snack alongside silken tofu or Din Tai Fung’s cucumber salad.
💭 faq
With the exception of consummé broths and bone broths, Asian soup broth isn’t always clear. It tends to be thinner than soups of Western cuisines though, and that’s because East Asian soups are broth-heavy to highlight seasonal ingredients. They’re also not typically thickened by any dairy.
Asian soups span a large area and a variety of cultures so characteristics of the broth are different between them. For example, Taiwanese soups served at home are often made with water or a light broth, while other soups like beef noodle soup aren't clear.
Many Southeast Asian soups feature more spice and heavier flavors. Some Vietnamese soups have lighter broths while others have flavorful broths that have been simmered for days. It really depends on the cuisine, the culture, and the soup!
There’s such a wide variety of Chinese soups since each region has a different cuisine. Some of the more popularized recipes in the States are hot and sour soup, a variety of different wonton soups, and egg drop soup. There's so much more though, such as bitter melon soup, lotus root soup with pork ribs, and more.
One of the most popular Japanese soups would have to be miso soup in all of its variations, but there are plenty more beloved options out there. Another popular soup is shabu shabu (hot pot), as well as Japanese udon soup.
💭 final thoughts
I hope you’ve enjoyed looking over this list of Asian soup recipes and have gleaned some inspiration for your next meal! If you’d like to explore more recipes, check out these other East Asian soups.
If soup is your first course, vegetable mei fun noodles or shrimp mei fun noodles would make an excellent main course! However, if your soup is the star of the show and you’d like to serve it with a simple side dish, try Taiwanese cabbage, simple longevity noodles, or a purple daikon radish cold dish cold dish.
Finish off your meal with chilled aiyu jelly or mochi muffins for a sweet treat! Enjoy!
🍵 east asian recipes you'll enjoy
Looking for the perfect side dish for your soup? These might become some of your favorites.
Let me know if you have any questions in the comments below. If you make any of these recipes, snap a photo and tag me on Instagram @thesoundofcooking. I would love to see what you make!
Happy cooking! ~ Cindy 周昀
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