Oliver RoyThe 10 best soups in Montreal for any season
I once tried to cure a brutal winter cold with a can of “chicken noodle” soup that boasted more salt than actual chicken. By the time I hit the bottom of the bowl—mostly sodium and regret—I’d made a vow: never again would I settle for mediocre soup.
Since then, I slurped my way through broths, bisques, and bouillons, braving everything from spicy ramen to classic matzo ball.
After countless tastings, I’ve narrowed down my list to the soups that live up to the hype. Here’s what I found—and what you need to know before your next craving hits.
1. Nouilles de Lan Zhou
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Address: 1006 St Laurent Blvd
Hours:
- Monday to Thursday – 11 AM to 9 PM
- Friday to Sunday – 11 AM to 9:30 PM
Phone: +1 514-800-2959
Price: $
Nouilles de Lan Zhou is the place for anyone who appreciates hand-pulled noodles and a proper, filling meal that won’t empty your wallet. It’s especially good for students, families, and groups of friends who want a casual spot with generous portions.
Watching the chefs pull and stretch the dough right in front of you adds a bit of theatre to your meal and shows just how fresh everything is.
The Beef Lanzhou Noodles Special Combo stands out for good reason. The broth is rich and savoury, with layers of spice and warmth that hit the spot on a chilly day.
The beef is tender, the greens are crisp, and the noodles have that satisfying, chewy texture you only get from hand-pulled dough. It’s a bowl that leaves you full and happy, without any fuss.
| Pro Tip: Try the Dandan Noodles with peanuts if you’re in the mood for something with a bit of heat and a lovely nutty crunch. |
2. Yum Yum Soup Dumpling
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Address: 3887 Saint Denis St
Hours:
- Wednesday & Thursday – 4 PM to 9:30 PM
- Friday – 4 PM to 10 PM
- Saturday – 12 PM to 10 PM
- Sunday – 12 PM to 9:30 PM
Phone: +1 514-504-2068
Price: $$
Yum Yum Soup Dumpling is a top choice for anyone craving soup in the form of dumplings. It’s a relaxed spot, perfect for sharing plates with friends or family and ideal if you want something a bit different from your usual noodle soup.
The star here is the Soupe Dumpling—delicate dumplings filled with hot, savoury broth that bursts in your mouth with each bite. The shrimp and pork version is especially popular, with a balanced filling that’s juicy and flavourful.
There are plenty of other options too, like dumplings with chives or a mix of shrimp and pork.
If you’re after more variety, the menu also offers hot and sour soup and a comforting vegetable and tofu soup. Each bowl is generous and satisfying, making it easy to find something for everyone.
| Pro Tip: Don’t skip the wonton soup—it’s packed with tender dumplings and a clear, flavourful broth that’s perfect for a lighter start to your meal. |
3. Restaurant Phnom Penh
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Address: 7153 Chem. de la Côte-des-Neiges
Hours: Thursday to Tuesday – 10:30 AM to 3 PM
Phone: +1 514-739-8214
Price: $
Restaurant Phnom Penh is a reliable spot for anyone who enjoys Southeast Asian flavours. The menu focuses on Cambodian and Vietnamese soups, making it a good choice if you want something light, aromatic, and loaded with fresh herbs.
They have a huge range of seaweed soups, each served with different kinds of meat and seafood balls. You can choose from beef balls, fish balls, squid balls, or prawn balls. You can even go for a mix of two or four types in one bowl.
For something with a bit more punch, try one of their hot and sour soups. These are prepared with your choice of fish, prawns, or chicken. They come with tomatoes, pineapple, mint leaves, and other tropical spices.
The result is a soup that’s tangy, fragrant, and just a little bit sweet—perfect if you want a break from heavier dishes.
| Pro Tip: If you’re coming with friends, order a few different soups to share. It’s the best way to sample the different flavours and find your favourite. |
4. Yokato Yokabai Ramen
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Address: 4185 Drolet St, Montreal
Hours:
- Monday to Wednesday – 11:30 AM to 2:30 PM & 5 PM to 10 PM
- Thursday – 11:30 AM–2:30 PM, 5–10:30 PM
- Friday – 11:30 AM–2:30 PM, 5–11 PM
- Saturday – 11:30 AM–11 PM
- Sunday – 11:30 AM–10 PM
Phone: +1 514-282-9991
Price: $$
Yokato Yokabai Ramen is a must-visit for anyone who appreciates authentic Japanese ramen. The focus here is on deep, flavorful broths and high-quality ingredients that make it a favourite for those who want a comforting, satisfying meal.
The menu offers a range of ramen options—all made with fresh, in-house noodles every day.
You can customise your bowl by choosing your preferred broth—tonkotsu (pork), torikotsu (chicken), gomami (sesame), or a vegetarian option. Noodle choices include thin, thick, or vegan styles.
For protein, you can pick from pork shoulder or chicken teriyaki. Each bowl comes with a selection of classic garnishes like green onion, seaweed, and egg.
| Pro Tip: If you want to make your ramen even more special, there are plenty of extras to add—think lotus root, shiitake mushrooms, and Naruto fish cake. |
5. Soupe Soupe
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Address: 1228 Saint Denis St
Hours: Monday to Thursday – 11 AM–4:30 PM
Phone: +15145445004
Price: $$
Soupe Soupe is a go-to spot for anyone who wants a wholesome, quick lunch that feels both comforting and nourishing. The charm here is in their ever-changing menu, which means there’s always something new to try.
If you stop by, you might find yourself tempted by their mushroom and white wine soup. It’s a creamy blend that’s earthy and aromatic, with just a hint of rosemary and the subtle sharpness of white wine.
For something with a bit more spice and complexity, their Malaysian-inspired lentil soup is gently spiced. It comes with the warmth of ginger and cardamom, and is brightened up by fresh mint and coriander.
| Pro Tip: For those who want a taste of something familiar but with a twist, their Thai chicken soup is a good choice. It’s fragrant with lemongrass, galanga, and coriander. The broth is light but packed with flavour—filling but not too heavy. |
6. Bistro CÔ ÚT – Montréal
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Address: 3807 St Andre St
Hours:
- Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday – 11:30 AM to 2:30 PM and 5 PM to 10 PM
- Friday – 11:30 AM to 2:30 PM and 5 PM to 10:30 PM
- Saturday – 11:30 AM to 3 PM and 5 to 10:30 PM
- Sunday – 11:30 AM to 3 PM and 5 PM to 10 PM
Phone: 514-521-1306
Price: $$
Bistro CÔ ÚT is a standout for anyone who loves Vietnamese pho. You get a generous bowl with well-balanced flavours every time.
The Phở Bò is a great example: the broth is deep and savoury, the beef is tender, and the fresh herbs brighten each bite.
If you’re after something a bit different, the Phở Gà Nướng is a great pick. It swaps in grilled chicken or prawns, adding a gentle smokiness that works surprisingly well.
For those dining in, try their Phở Bò à Cô Út. Served in a hot stone bowl with a poached egg and fine herbs, it stays warm, and the egg adds a subtle creaminess to the broth. It’s a satisfying choice, especially when you want something filling and comforting.
| Pro Tip: Craving a bit of spice? The Bol Tom Yum is worth a try. Its tangy, aromatic broth and choice of chicken or prawns make it a lively alternative to the classic pho. The fresh vegetables and vermicelli round out the bowl nicely. |
7. Tacos Frida
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Address: 4350 Notre-Dame St W
Hours:
- Tuesday to Thursday – 11 AM to 10 PM
- Friday and Saturday – 11 AM to 11 PM
- Sunday – 11 AM to 9 PM
Phone: +1 514-935-9696
Price: $$
Tacos Frida is the place to be when you’re craving real-deal Mexican flavours—especially if you believe soup deserves a bit more love. Whether you’re after a light starter or something that’ll properly fill you up, their soups are pure comfort in a bowl.
The Soupe de Tortilla is a definite crowd favourite: a rich chicken and guajillo broth, loaded up with crispy tortilla strips, creamy avocado, a dollop of tangy sour cream, and a sprinkle of cheese.
If you’re after something classic, the Pozole is where it’s at. This traditional soup brings together tender pork and hominy in a smoky, flavour-packed guajillo broth.
Pile on the crisp lettuce, radish, and onion for extra freshness, and don’t forget the tostadas on the side for scooping up every last bit.
| Pro Tip: Swing by on a Tuesday for Margarita-Mardis—two margaritas for $15. Soup and margaritas? That’s a winning combo. |
8. Satay Brothers Resto 3721 Notre-Dame
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Address: 3721 Notre-Dame St W, Montreal
Hours: Monday to Sunday – 5 PM to 11 PM
Phone: +1 514-933-3507
Price: $$
Satay Brothers Resto is a great spot for anyone who enjoys bold Southeast Asian street food. If you’re looking for a soup that stands out, their laksa is worth ordering.
The laksa comes in a hot, fragrant coconut milk broth with just the right amount of chilli. The noodles are silky, and the bowl is filled with fish cake, shrimp, and a quail egg—all topped with fresh herbs for a bit of brightness.
There’s also a chicken version, with tender slices that soak up the broth. What sets this soup apart is how well everything is balanced—spicy but not overpowering, rich but still fresh, and always satisfying.
| Pro Tip: Order a side of Kolo Mee noodles to share. They’re savoury and springy, and the light broth is great for dipping between bites of laksa. |
9. Holder
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Address: 407 McGill St
Hours:
- Monday to Wednesday – 11:30 AM to 10 PM
- Thursday and Friday – 11:30 AM to 10:30 PM
- Saturday – 11 AM to 3 PM and 5 PM to 10:30 PM
- Sunday – 10 AM to 3 PM and 5 PM to 10 PM
Phone: +1 514-849-0333
Price: $$
Holder is a solid choice if you want a bit of Parisian flair downtown. The atmosphere is classic French bistro, and the soups are definitely worth a stop.
The Soupe à l’Oignon Gratinée is a highlight: slow-cooked onions in a rich broth, finished with toasted bread and a thick layer of melted Gruyère. It’s everything you want from French onion soup—deep flavour, gooey cheese, and plenty of comfort.
Seafood fans should try the Soupe de Poisson. This fish soup is robust and briny, served with garlicky rouille and extra Gruyère on the side for good measure.
Vegetarians have a solid option too—the Soupe Paysanne is loaded with seasonal vegetables and topped with crispy fried onions. It’s hearty, fresh, and satisfying.
| Pro Tip: Get there early for lunch, grab a window seat, and enjoy your soup with a fresh baguette while you people-watch. |
10. ChuChai
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Address: 4088 Saint Denis St
Hours:
- Tuesday to Thursday – 5 PM to 9 PM
- Friday and Saturday – 5 PM to 10 PM
Phone: +1 514-843-4194
Price: $
ChuChai is a go-to for anyone looking for Thai-inspired soups without meat. The menu is fully plant-based, so it’s a great option for vegetarians or anyone interested in trying something different.
The Tom Yum is sharp and aromatic, with a lemongrass broth that has a nice kick. You can choose vegan chicken, vegan shrimp, tofu, or just vegetables—each works well and soaks up the broth’s tangy, spicy flavours.
If you prefer something creamier, the Tom Kha is a solid choice. It uses the same fragrant base as the Tom Yum but adds coconut milk for a rich, smooth finish. The result is a comforting soup with a bit of sweetness and gentle heat.
| Pro Tip: For a lighter option, the Kiao Nam (wonton soup) is mild and clear, with soft dumplings in a savoury broth. |
