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Guide to Berkeley

Soup and tea spots

You are looking for a warm, restorative meal and a drink that slows everything down.

Based on 604 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Sistory Thai Kitchen image 1
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Thai restaurant

Small, cozy Thai restaurant with an intimate atmosphere and upscale vibe. Welcoming space suits friends, dates, or solo dining with a family-friendly feel. Known for unique dishes alongside staples, offering a pleasant, comfortable experience.

Soups here feature in-house made wontons with herbal flavors and a rich Tom kha broth. The duck noodle soup stands out for its depth, while the lobster ravioli soup offers a unique twist.

Thai iced tea here hits the right note with perfect sweetness and solid flavor. It pairs well with dishes like fried fish cakes that taste like home.

People are saying

"The lunch combo offered great value and a generous portion."

"The Thai iced tea here is perfect in sweetness."

"I considered the duck noodle soup to be the best I have ever had."

Good to know

1

The lunch special includes an appetizer, main dish, drink, and salad for $20.

2

Expect reasonable prices with lunch portions offering great value.

3

Reservations are not required, and seating is usually available during lunch hours.

02
Rose La Moon Thai Food & Desserts image 1

Small, cozy cafe with Thailand-inspired artwork and fresh flowers on tables creates a welcoming, authentic vibe. Atmosphere feels like eating in someone's home, with a lowkey, vibrant spirit and friendly environment. Space is simple and informal, making the most of limited indoor seating.

Warm, light, and sweet coconut soup called Bua loi features fresh coconut pieces and tapioca. The menu also includes a Thai Pork Dry Noodle Soup and the classic Tom Yum Soup.

Offers Thai iced tea and pandan tea, both flavorful and tasty. Includes butterfly pea tea known for its health benefits.

People are saying

"I found the food to be really good and tasty."

"The Thai desserts were rich, comforting, and authentic."

"The Thai soup here is authentic and excellent."

Good to know

1

You must order from the app or on the screen.

2

The restaurant does not accept cash payments.

3

All dishes and utensils are compostable.

03
Wat Mongkolratanaram image 1
Buddhist temple

Large outdoor space with cafeteria-style seating and picnic benches creates a lively, noisy atmosphere filled with a friendly community vibe. Crowds gather early for cash-only food stalls offering popular Thai dishes like beef noodle soup and panang curry. Koi pond fountains and grassy areas add calm spots amid the bustling scene.

Beef noodle soup stands out with its rich flavor and tender rice noodles, often worth waiting in line for. The soup is a favorite among kids and pairs well with sticky rice with mango for dessert.

Thai tea comes in both iced and hot versions, priced around $3. It pairs well with mango sticky rice and complements dishes like beef noodles and curry.

People are saying

"I loved the delicious Thai food and mango sticky rice at the temple."

"I found the beef noodle soup to be the best thing I ever tasted."

"I found the Thai tea to be divine, especially with mango sticky rice."

Good to know

1

Wat Mongkolratanaram is cash only; no credit cards accepted.

2

The food stand operates from 10 AM to 1 PM on Sundays.

3

Arrive early to avoid long lines and food shortages.

04
Himalayan Tandoori and Curry House image 1

Indian and Nepalese restaurant offers a cozy, welcoming atmosphere with a quiet, pleasant environment. The space feels comfortable and well-maintained, creating a relaxing vibe. It stands out for authentic flavors and exceptional naan that many consider the best.

Lentil soup here has rich flavor and a delicious taste that stands out. It comes with lunch specials alongside fluffy naan and rice, sometimes served cold.

Strong, rich chai stands out as a highlight here. It pairs well with meals like Dal Tadka and butter chicken, often described as the best in the area.

People are saying

"I found the food to be authentic and flavorful, tasting like homemade Nepali dishes."

"I crave their chai often; it's the best I've ever had."

"I found the lentil soup to be amazing and flavorful."

Good to know

1

Lunch specials include white or brown rice, lentil soup, and fluffy naan.

2

Expect small portions compared to other Indian restaurants.

3

Parking is available on Marin Ave, about a 7-10 minute walk.

05
Lao Garden Restaurant & Bar image 1
Laotian restaurant

Space features vibrant, colorful decor and an open kitchen that adds visual interest. Atmosphere stays casual and family-friendly, with a quiet terrace offering a peaceful spot for drinks. Patrons enjoy an extensive Laotian menu rooted in traditional recipes, creating a genuine cultural experience.

Soups feature fragrant catfish and a generous portion of Khao Soy. They suit toddlers well with their mild flavors.

Offers Laos coffee and tea with a unique taste. The Thai tea is not too sugary and very tasty. Also serves Lao ice tea.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and clearly made with great care."

"The authentic Lao flavors here are truly meaningful."

"The soup here is so good, and the staff are incredibly friendly."

Good to know

1

Parking is relatively easy to find, about 15 minutes from downtown Berkeley.

2

Several dishes are available with vegetarian substitutions.

3

The menu includes a variety of vegetarian options and modifications.

06
Rojbas Mediterranean Grill image 1
Mediterranean restaurant

Small, cozy Mediterranean restaurant with sunny storefront and comfortable seating creates a warm, welcoming vibe. Atmosphere feels homey and relaxed, enhanced by friendly hospitality and pleasant background music. Known for authentic, fresh flavors and generous complimentary items like tea.

Creamy lentil soup stands out with a rich texture and well-balanced flavor. Some prefer it blended for a smoother consistency.

Staff serve a small complimentary cup of Turkish tea with friendly hospitality. Free tea often comes paired with Kurdish Baklava or other desserts.

People are saying

"The salads here are fresh and delicious."

"The tea here is light, filling, and delicious."

"I loved the delicious lentil soup here."

Good to know

1

The restaurant offers complimentary tea at the end of the meal.

2

Prices are very reasonable for the quality of food.

3

Portion sizes are large, comparable to typical American servings.

07
FAVA image 1
Lunch restaurant

Casual lunch spot with small cafe tables for people-watching and a simple setting. Atmosphere feels inviting with good vibes and a sense of care for staff. Known for fresh, sophisticated falafel and seasonal menus featuring top-quality ingredients.

Lentil soup stands out with its rich, healthy flavor and pairs well with sandwiches. Options include a red lentil soup and a lentil and kale soup with yogurt, both tasty and satisfying.

Ginger tea offers a warm, spicy flavor while the cold almond milk chai latte provides a refreshing, creamy option. Some chai preparations show inconsistency in quality and may not match the price point.

People are saying

"This is the best lunch spot in Berkeley."

"The almond milk chai latte is the best antidote to a hot day."

"The lentil and kale soup with yogurt was very tasty."

Good to know

1

FAVA is open for lunch only, operating just 4 hours a day.

2

Seating is limited with only a few curbside tables available.

3

The menu changes seasonally, featuring fresh, high-quality ingredients.

08
Himalayan Bite image 1
Indian restaurant

Small, comfortable space with friendly atmosphere and cool vibe. Open kitchen adds transparency while double-walled dishes keep food hot. Music repeats, creating a slightly loud but inviting environment.

Vegetable soup features a clear, lovely broth with fresh vegetables. Momo soup offers dumplings in curry, while ramen has a thicker, sweet and sour style broth. Noodle soups vary from sweet and savory to a more basic hot and sour flavor.

Chai stands out as a solid choice here, with both regular and masala tea options available. The tea pairs well with snacks, though some items like Paneer tikka feel just average alongside it.

People are saying

"The food here is so delicious and flavorful."

"The ramen soup here is so rich and pleasantly spicy."

"I found the chai to be very good."

Good to know

1

Himalayan Bite serves free rice with curry orders.

2

A student BOGO free lunch special is available.

3

They serve halal meat options.

09
Eat at Thai image 1
Thai restaurant

Thai restaurant offers an authentic environment with gorgeous decorations and dim lighting creating a tranquil atmosphere. It stays open late, serving generous portions that appeal to late-night diners. The space includes a beautiful, spacious bar enhancing the relaxing mood.

Soups here offer incredible flavor and warmth that feels comforting. The duck noodle soup stands out with its wide noodles and rich taste, while the house soup resembles Thai glass noodle soup but with more depth. Coconut and tom yum soups also deliver delicious, satisfying experiences.

Thai iced tea stands out as a popular choice, pairing well with meals. Options include a vegan Thai tea with oat milk and a soothing honey ginger tea that helps with sore throats.

People are saying

"I loved the rich, spicy Panang curry."

"The Thai iced tea here is incredible and flavorful."

"The duck noodle soup is incredibly flavorful."

Good to know

1

Eat at Thai is open until 2am every night.

2

The prices at Eat at Thai are extremely good.

3

Expect limited options for food allergies when ordering.

10
Super Super Pho image 1
Vietnamese restaurant

Vietnamese restaurant with a covered patio, string lights, and space heaters creates a casual, laid-back dining atmosphere. Indoor seating is simple with plastic chairs and heating lamps, while the patio offers a warmer, inviting vibe. The place attracts mostly younger people and students, maintaining a low-key, great vibe throughout.

Soups come in large portions and stay hot throughout the meal. Flavors range from rich and deep to more generic, with some resembling tom yum and others offering a spicy lemongrass beef option.

Complimentary hot tea is available with meals. A free tea station offers easy access to tea throughout the visit.

People are saying

"I thought the Vietnamese food, especially the pho, was delicious."

"They offered complimentary hot tea with meals."

"I feel this soup has more balanced and complex flavors."

Good to know

1

Parking is available in the back of the restaurant.

2

The restaurant offers large portion sizes for meals.

3

A $3 charge applies for extra vegetables.

11
Sichuan Style image 1
Sichuan restaurant

Sichuan restaurant with intricate artwork and a spacious, clean interior creates a comfortable, authentic atmosphere. The space suits family and friends dining and includes a kid- and dog-friendly outdoor area. Seating is ample and the vibe stays relaxed with a traditional touch.

Soups include hot and sour and spicy fish varieties. Lamb and onion soup also appears alongside bean and eggplant dishes. Occasionally, a fly may be found in the soup.

Hot Jasmine tea arrives fresh and ready with water and place settings. Tea pairs well with TsingTao beer and the complimentary pao cai on the table.

People are saying

"The food here is authentic and delicious."

"I loved the authentic Sichuan food, especially the onion cakes."

"I loved their spicy fish soup and bean dishes."

Good to know

1

Sichuan Style offers a Monday through Friday lunchtime special for $12.95.

2

Expect a friendly queue with wait times around 20 minutes during peak hours.

3

Lunch specials range from $13-17, available from 11:30 AM to 2:30 PM.

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