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New Yorkers 1st Choice
El Cerrito's best

Soup spots

Finding a bowl of soup that actually feels like a meal rather than just a starter to tide you over.

Based on 518 Opinions
+515
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Updated April 2026
01
Pakaoma Thai-Lao Diner image 1
Pakaoma Thai-Lao Diner image 2
Pakaoma Thai-Lao Diner image 3
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Cozy dining room with homey atmosphere and old-school Lao and Thai music sets a warm vibe. Soups shine with bold flavors, like crispy fried pork belly and spicy kao poon noodles. Sharp, tangy sour soup with fire-grilled tilapia adds a unique twist.

Soups feature bold flavors like fried pork belly in a crispy broth and the spicy kao poon noodle soup. The sour soup with fire-grilled tilapia offers a sharp, tangy taste that stands out.

People are saying

"The food here is so authentic and delicious, like mom's homemade cooking."

"The pumpkin curry was super flavorful and rich."

"You have to try the noodle soup, especially the Kaopiak."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers discounted drinks and appetizers, creating a lively atmosphere.

2

The restaurant has gluten-free options available, including gluten-free soy sauce.

3

Prices are affordable, with a regular serving of yellow curry costing $19.50.

02
Tasty Sichuan image 1
Restaurant

Minimalist decor and holiday lights create a cozy, bright space. Soups like QIAO-JIAO beef hot pot offer light, sweet broths with authentic Taiwanese flavors. Bold spiciness and generous portions make dining here friendly and satisfying.

Soups here feature light, naturally sweet broths like the QIAO-JIAO beef hot pot that recall authentic Taiwanese flavors. Options include hot and sour soup, chicken egg flower soup, and boiled fish with Sichuan pickle soup, each offering distinct tastes.

People are saying

"I found the Szechuan food here to be very authentic and delicious."

"The seafood here is tender, buttery, and delicious."

"I loved the soup, it's the exact flavor I was searching for."

Good to know

1

The prices and portion sizes at Tasty Sichuan are reasonable.

2

You can order online with the QR code provided.

3

Many dishes on the menu are spicy, catering to spice lovers.

03
Gangnam Tofu Korean Cuisine image 1

Mom-and-pop Korean spot shines with authentic atmosphere and a cozy setting perfect for friends. Soups like soft tofu and seafood with knife-cut noodles deliver rich, comforting flavors that keep guests coming back.

Soft tofu soup stands out with its rich, comforting broth and deep flavor. Seafood soup with knife-cut noodles offers a good balance of taste, and all soups here are consistently excellent.

People are saying

"The banchan at this Korean food spot were beautiful and had distinct flavors."

"The fried chicken here is amazing, especially the soy garlic flavor."

"The soft tofu soup broth here is so rich and deeply delicious."

Good to know

1

Parking is usually easy but can get full during peak dinner service around 6-7pm.

2

The prices are on the expensive side, with wings costing $20 for six pieces.

3

Delivery orders are 10% higher than pick-up or dine-in orders.

04
MUGUNGHWA Korean Restaurant image 1

Korean restaurant offers a clean, warm atmosphere with modern decor and family-friendly amenities like crayons. Clear broth soups feature tender meat and a clean taste, while tofu soup impresses with rich flavor and smooth texture. Tables have screens for easy ordering.

Clear broth soups feature tender meat and a clean taste, like the naju gomtang and beef bone soup. Tofu soup stands out with rich flavor and smooth texture, paired with exceptional banchan.

People are saying

"The Korean food's banchan spread is fresh, plentiful, and exciting."

"The steamed dumplings are plump, juicy, and full of flavor."

"The tofu soup here is the best I've ever tasted."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended, especially on weekends.

2

There was no wait on a Sunday around noon.

3

The bathrooms are spacious and handicap accessible.

05
Guru Curry House (El Cerrito) image 1

Space blends minimalist elegance with Tibetan decor and Dalai Lama photos. Hand-pulled noodle soups like Thaen-Thuk offer rich flavors. Calm, cozy atmosphere with spacious seating makes dining peaceful and inviting.

Hand-pulled noodle soups like Thaen-Thuk and Tibetan then-thuk stand out for their rich flavors. Beef broth soup and crispy thin wafers add variety to the soup options.

People are saying

"I found the food to be really great and flavorful."

"I found parking easy to find and available."

"I loved the flavorful and different Tibetan then-thuk soups."

Good to know

1

There is free parking available at the restaurant.

2

The restaurant is wheelchair accessible with an open floor plan.

3

Complimentary self-serve chai is available for guests.

06
New Dumpling image 1
Dumpling restaurant

Small space offers intimate seating and a quiet vibe. Dumpling-focused menu shines with fresh ingredients and quick meals. Soups impress with rich broth and balanced flavors in beef noodle and wonton varieties.

Broths come rich and clear with excellent flavor in the wonton soup, which includes two types of dumplings. The beef noodle soup balances all five taste centers with tender beef and well-cooked noodles.

People are saying

"These dumplings are so fresh and delicious."

"The beef noodle soup broth is flavorful and not salty at all."

"The cucumber and fungus salad is a must order."

Good to know

1

Reservations are not required, but arriving early is recommended due to limited seating.

2

There is a serious allergen concern as shrimp is included in the Pork Wonton Soup.

3

Prices are affordable, with large portions of 14 dumplings per order.

07
Little Hong Kong image 1
Chinese restaurant

Old-fashioned Chinese spot offers a cozy, homey feel with a spacious, sunlit room. Soups like sweet and sour and hot and sour pack bold flavors. Locals love the authentic Cantonese menu and casual, relaxed vibe.

Sweet and sour soup and hot and sour soup stand out with bold flavors. Lunch egg drop soup comes highly rated but only during lunch hours. Wonton soup also appears as a common choice.

People are saying

"The Cantonese Chinese food here is amazing, especially the Peking duck."

"I found the salt and pepper ribs to be really good."

"I loved their sweet and hot and sour soup; it was always good."

Good to know

1

The restaurant offers a special menu for Chinese New Year celebrations.

2

Lunch specials are available on weekends, providing good value.

3

Parking is easy to find for quick pickup orders.

08
Tigon image 1
Asian fusion restaurant

Spacious interior with forest-themed decor sets a near-tropical mood. Enjoy rich tomato seafood soup and tasty won ton soup at lunch. Seating suits families with booths and large tables, all near a busy intersection with lively street views.

Soups here include a tomato seafood soup that tastes rich and flavorful and a won ton soup served at lunch. The menu also features Pho soups that attract interest for future visits.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing and delicious."

"I loved the Vietnamese Crepes here; they changed my life."

"Their outstanding service really accommodated our dietary needs."

Good to know

1

Reservations are not required, but expect to order at the counter.

2

Parking in the area can be challenging, so plan accordingly.

3

The restaurant is family-friendly, with kids helping out.

09
Sushi Matsu image 1
Sushi restaurant

Sushi spot offers a cozy atmosphere with live jazz on weekends and a small bar to watch chefs. Miso soup delivers rich flavor, while beef udon has noticeable MSG causing thirst. Perfect for those seeking fresh sushi and a relaxed vibe.

Miso soup stands out with a rich, authentic flavor. Beef udon soup contains a noticeable amount of MSG, which can cause thirst afterward.

People are saying

"The Japanese food here is fresh, well-balanced, and beautifully prepared."

"The Sushi here is amazing, and the staff are so friendly."

"The beef udon soup was impressive with plenty of beef."

Good to know

1

Happy hour is available most of the week after 5 p.m.

2

Prices for sushi rolls range from $12 to $14.

3

The total bill for five rolls and one nigiri is around $80.

10
Zomsa image 1
Nepalese restaurant

Small space with cozy atmosphere feels like a close-knit spot. Meals include lentil soup served with rice and meat, with staff offering extra servings. Local Nepalese frequent it, adding to the down-to-earth vibe and inviting energy.

Meals come with lentil soup served alongside rice and meat. Staff often offer extra servings of rice or soup to complement the meal.

People are saying

"I found the Nepali food here to be so delicious and authentic."

"The vegetarian options here are fantastic and creative."

"The thali meals come with a delicious lentil soup."

Good to know

1

Zomsa offers a variety of vegan main courses and appetizers.

2

Expect prices to be higher than average for Nepali cuisine.

3

Zomsa is kid-friendly, making it suitable for family dining.

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El Cerrito, California

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