Whether to satisfy a craving or heal a mysterious ailment, trust me, there’s a Chinese soup recipe for that.

When it comes to Chinese soups, takeout classics like Hot and Sour Soup, Wonton Soup & Egg Drop Soup are well known and beloved across the world, but dig a little deeper, and you’ll find literally thousands of Chinese soup recipes out there, all with their own special purpose, whether it’s just to taste good, clear up acne, help rebuild strength after childbirth, or literally anything.

Soups and broths are a staple of Chinese home cooking. In fact, at our house, it’s pretty much a given that Papa G has a giant pot of soup going on the stove (or Insta Pot) at any given time. It’s also an important part of banquet set meals. Whether you have 4 courses or 13, you can always expect one to be a soup.

So, looking for some seriously delicious Chinese soup recipes? You’ve come to the right place. Here are some soup-er ideas to get you started!

Hot and Sour Soup

If you’re looking for a flavor-packed Chinese soup that’s also loaded with all sorts of delicious goodies, then look no further than the takeout classic, Hot and Sour Soup.

At once spicy (thanks to hot sauce/oil), tangy (thanks to vinegar), and filling (thanks to the abundance of mushrooms, tofu, pork, carrots, and egg), this soup is actually surprisingly easy to throw together at home… and your guests will all be shocked you made it yourself.

Check out our full Hot and Sour Soup recipe for more details.

Chicken and Corn Egg Drop Soup

Another beloved takeout classic is Chicken and Corn Egg Drop Soup, consisting of juicy bites of chicken and corn, all tied together with a light but dreamy broth studded with airy wisps of egg.

If you’re looking for a lighter soup to get your feast started, this is a great choice! Plus, it’s easy to throw together in a pinch.

Check out our full Chicken and Corn Egg Drop Soup recipe for more details.

West Lake Beef Soup

A lesser known but equally tasty Chinese soup to try is West Lake Beef Soup, which consists of succulent beef pieces and luscious egg whites, all stirred together in a light but viscous broth that warms you up from the inside out.

Check out our full West Lake Beef Soup recipe for more details.

Tomato and Tofu Egg Drop Soup

Egg drop soups are a common recurring dish at any Chinese restaurant, but if you’re looking to mix it up a little, this tomato and tofu variation definitely hits the spot.

Big chunks of tomato add just the right amount of acidity to this savory soup, which is made all the more perfect with the addition of tofu and egg.

Check out our full Tomato and Tofu Egg Drop Soup Recipe for more details.

Hairy Gourd (Fuzzy Melon) & Pork Soup

Though the name may be unappetizing, Hairy Gourd (AKA Fuzzy Melon) is a delicious Chinese vegetable that is known for its mild and sweet flavor.

Besides being a great addition to stir fries and main dishes, it happens to also lend itself very well to soup! Papa G likes to add slices of Hairy Gourd into pork bone broth to create a simple but nutritious soup that is as tasty as it is nourishing.

Full recipe coming soon.

BONUS: Instant Pot Congee

While congee is no doubt more of a thick porridge than a “soup”, I felt it was wrong to make a list of iconic Chinese soups without including it.

Congee is a wonderful rice porridge that lends itself well to all sorts of different toppings and flavorings. It’s often a go-to for when you’re sick, but also a staple of dim sum tables and chilly winter evenings.

… The best part is, it couldn’t be easier to make, especially if you follow Papa G’s Instant Pot Method.

Check out our full Instant Pot Congee recipe for more details.

Did we miss any of your favourite Chinese soups?

Let us know in the comments so we can add more tasty Chinese soup recipes to our list!