Feeling chilly? Here are 12 soups from restaurants across Memphis to warm you up

A few days ago, I was tagged on a Facebook post asking where the best soups are in Memphis. It was one of our typical cold and dreary winter days here in the Mid-South — a day when I know many were looking for a dish to help them warm up.

It got me thinking about some of my personal favorites around town. Here are 12 of my go-to soups right now for a cold winter day.

One of my new favorite soups is the Yuzu Veggie Ramen at Lucky Cat (2583 Broad Ave.). Flavored with lemongrass and ginger, the vegetable broth base of this ramen is probably the most flavorful vegetable broth I have ever tasted. Chock full of veggies, the soup is also very filling. I like to go at lunch when a smaller portion comes with a bao steamed bun sandwich and a small salad.

The Pho Ga chicken noodle soup at Pho Saigon (2946 Poplar Ave.) is also a go-to for me when I am craving an Asian-inspired soup. I love how all the fresh herbs and squeeze of lime really brighten a simple chicken soup. And if you want a kick, they give you fresh jalapenos to add to taste. I often order it for takeout, and the large serving easily feeds two.

I also like the Mushroom Bisque from Raw Girls (three locations: 242 Cooper St., 5502 Poplar Ave. and 2055 West St. in Germantown) for something simple and comforting. Also try the Medicinal Broth. It is not a filling soup but is a warm pick-me-up on a chilly afternoon when you need a healthy snack. Made with carrots, onion, thyme, turmeric, garlic, celery, shiitake, reishi and chaga mushrooms, it's  soothing, nutritious and flavorful.

Paradise Cafe (6150 Poplar Ave.) always has a couple good soups on the menu.  The offerings change daily and are usually unique. I love the Sweet Cornbread and Buttermilk Soup as well as the Reuben Chowder. The folks at Paradise Cafe will let you taste the soups before ordering, so don’t be afraid to ask for a sample. Warning: You’ll be hooked.

MEMPHIS RESTAURANTS:Memphis restaurants: Here's what opened and closed in 2019

For a splurge, try the She-Crab Soup at Itta Bena (145 Beale St.) and at Moondance Grill (1730 S. Germantown Road in Germantown). Both restaurants are owned by the same people and use the same recipe, which happens to be one of the best I have tasted.

DINING:Germantown gets a new restaurant and bar: Moondance Grill opens in Thornwood development

If you like seafood soups, also try the Clam Chowder from the Cousins Maine Lobster food truck. I would have never ordered it if co-founder Sabin Lomac had not told me the recipe was the best clam chowder he had ever tasted.

Huey's (multiple locations) has my favorite Potato Soup. It’s rich and creamy and topped with all the right fixin’s — bacon, shredded cheddar and scallions.

La Baguette’s (3088 Poplar Ave.) Tomato Soup has been one of my favorites since I was a kid. This Memphis classic is a spicy tomato soup with a twist. They add a slice of Swiss cheese to give it a bit of cheesy goodness with each bite.

Speaking of cheesy, the French Onion Soup at Bishop (545 S. Main St.) is the real deal. It’s one of the first in town that reminds me of what I used to enjoy at bistros when I lived in Paris years ago.

BISHOP:Bishop: A peek at the new Memphis restaurant by chefs Andy Ticer and Michael Hudman

Last but not least, we need to talk about the Chicken Tortilla Soup at Las Tortugas (6300 Poplar Ave. and 1215 S. Germantown Road in Germantown). A steamy bowl of soup, loaded with crispy strips of their handmade tortillas, is what arrives at the table. When you dip your spoon in, it is evident that this is not your everyday bowl of chicken soup. Each spoonful contains pieces of freshly diced avocado, tomatoes, shredded chicken, tortillas and melty Monterey Jack cheese in a richly hued chicken broth. It’s like a Mexican fiesta in each bite.

OK ... I need to stop now. This is making me hungry. Please let me know what your favorite soups are so I can give them a try, too.

Jennifer Chandler is the Food & Dining reporter at The Commercial Appeal. She can be reached at jennifer.chandler@commercialappeal.com, and you can follow her on Twitter and Instagram at @cookwjennifer.