Give Soup a Chance

I've never been much of a soup person. I equate it with being healthy, and usually when I have a bowl of soup it's because I'm trying to reduce my fever or get rid of a cold. 

I have underestimated the world of soup. In fact, this article cannot do soup justice. Almost every restaurant in Bed-Stuy has a soup option, and they range from broths to chilis to noodle soups to gazpachos.

Although sharing the same food category, they are hardly comparable. I would say the only thing they have in common is the bowl and the spoon that comes with them, but even the Vietnamese pho that I tried required chopsticks. So this week's top five focuses on soups for the season.

It's getting colder, and hot soup is a great food to bring up your body temperature -- not to mention, they are delicious. And to all you soup naysayers out there (as I was a mere week ago), read this list before you say anything. You might convert as well.

Sushi Tatsu

On the corner of Bedford and Jefferson, you can get Coconut Tom Kar, with either chicken, vegetables, or shrimp, for $4.50. I opted for the chicken, which is tender and juicy, filled with a lightly creamy coconut broth that is both spicy and sweet. The soup packed with vegetables, including (surprisingly enough) fresh cucumber and tomato, only lightly cooked by the heat of the broth. There is also red pepper and bok choy, giving the whole dish a fresh flavor while still being a hot, spicy soup that warms you up.

Rustik Tavern

For $5 you can get an incredibly heavy bowl of chili at Rustik Tavern. The chili here is hearty and meaty, made with red and black beans and packed full of ground beef. Topped with a very thick layer of melted cheddar and a huge glob of sour cream, this soup is perfect when you're hunkering down away from the cold.  

Pilar Cuban Eatery

At Pilar, I recommend a bowl of chorizo and chickpea soup for $5. The soup is saucy and not too thick, which lightens the otherwise heavy dish, filled with potatoes, lightly cooked chickpeas, and chunks of tasty, smokey chorizo, made in-house at Pilar. A great cold weather soup!

Tiny Cup

The Black Bean Soup at Tiny Cup is seasonal, thick and delicious. The soup has a smokey flavor, almost like grilled meat, which works surprisingly well in this vegetarien dish. Tomato and pumpkin offer a slight sweet taste and soft texture. A strong spice comes as an aftertaste with a hearty burn, only cooled by the fresh avocado slices on top. $3 for a cup.

Tigerlily

A week ago, Tigerlily introduced Vietnamese Pho to the menu, a beef noodle soup that is bursting with flavor. The broth is chock full of spices, includng star anis and cinnamon, giving the soup a tinge of Autumn. This is poured over large pieces of tender beef, noodles, fresh scallion, basil and cilantro, garnished with lime and a special hot sauce. Although slightly pricey at $8.50, this soup does make for a luxurious, filling meal.