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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Pasadena's best

Authentic soup spots

Made for those who value traditional preparation methods and the specific, time-honored recipes of a bowl of soup.

Based on 678 Opinions
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01
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Small restaurant with modern Thai accents and understated decor creates a cozy, welcoming atmosphere with fun beats in the background. The vibe feels casual and community-oriented, inviting relaxed dining experiences.

Soups feature plump shrimp cooked perfectly, especially in the tom yum and tom kha varieties. The tom yum includes vegetables and holds flavor well, even after reheating.

Dishes deliver authentic Thai flavors with great portions. Pad Thai and green curry stand out as true to traditional recipes. Food comes from a kitchen run by Thai people, ensuring genuine taste.

People are saying

"The Thai flavors here are so authentic and bursting with freshness."

"The tom yum soup was excellent, rich, and spicy."

Good to know

1

Corkage fee applies if you bring your own wine.

2

The restaurant has a small parking lot that can get crowded.

3

Takeout orders are well-packaged to keep food hot.

02
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Small, cozy restaurant with a warm mom-and-pop vibe and modest decor creates an inviting, calm atmosphere. It attracts those who appreciate authentic Thai cuisine in a relaxed setting. The space feels like dining at a friend's home, with a clean and organized environment.

Soups come in big portions with plenty of noodles and thinly sliced chicken breast. Wonton soup features lots of vegetables, and duck soup offers a tasty option alongside Tom yum and other varieties.

Authentic Thai food shines through with traditional flavors and genuine preparation. The people running the place bring a real connection to the cuisine.

People are saying

"The wonton soup is fantastic with lots of vegetables."

Good to know

1

The restaurant can seat around 20 people.

2

There is plenty of street parking in the front.

3

The total cost for a group of four was under $100.

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Seafood restaurant offers a casual and fun vibe with a spacious interior suited for groups. A free snack bar with diverse options complements the fresh seafood dishes. Decor mixes sailor and traditional Chinese elements but shows signs of wear.

Cold dishes come with options for spicy or non-spicy versions. Complimentary desserts include red bean soup, mung bean soup, ice jelly, and taro sweet soup to balance the heat.

Chongqing-style spicy crab delivers an authentic kick with perfect spice balance. Sichuan-style braised dishes and Chinese cold plates, including handmade sesame balls, reflect decades of experience and true Chinese flavors.

People are saying

"They offer free red bean and mung bean soup, plus ice jelly."

"The spicy duck heads have such an authentic flavor."

Good to know

1

The restaurant offers a free buffet of samples during promotional periods.

2

Parking is free at the back of the restaurant with plenty of spots available.

3

Seniors aged 80+ can eat free up to $30, which is a nice perk.

04
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Cozy bistro with dim lighting and classic French decor creates an intimate, romantic atmosphere. Menu features authentic French dishes like escargot and steak frites, paired with well-regarded wine and beer. Outdoor heated seating adds a comfortable option for dining.

Rich French Onion Soup stands out with its deep flavor and satisfying preparation. It pairs well with bread and complements the overall dining experience.

Food stays true to authentic French recipes with a menu that reflects classic dishes. Staff maintain a pleasant environment that complements the genuine bistro feel.

People are saying

"The food here is authentically French and absolutely to die for."

"I found the French onion soup flavorful and well-prepared."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended, especially on weekends.

2

Parking is available at the nearby Delacy parking structure for a low fee.

3

Expect to spend around $400 for dinner for three people.

05
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Hot pot restaurant offers authentic Chongqing street feel with vibrant atmosphere featuring Chinese music, mahjong tables, and live performances. A sauce bar provides unlimited appetizers and customizable dipping sauces. The space combines traditional decorations with a modern, lively vibe.

Soup bases come in rich beef oil, bone broth, and spicy tallow varieties. The split pot option lets you mix different bases and add plenty of fresh vegetables and meats, all presented cleanly.

Broth delivers a bold, numbing punch packed with authentic Sichuan flavors. This spot serves a true Chongqing mala hot pot experience that stands out outside China.

People are saying

"I found the authentic Chongqing hot pot here to have a rich, numbing-spicy broth."

"I loved the spicy tallow and comforting bone broth soup bases."

Good to know

1

On Saturdays at 7:30 pm, an authentic dancer performs for a few minutes.

2

They charge around $6.99 per person just to access the sauce and salad bar.

3

Parking is available next door and costs about $5.

06
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Small, family-run Japanese restaurant with bright red walls and lantern decorations creates a cozy, homey atmosphere. The space feels clean and inviting, with casual and comfortable seating. Fresh, authentic sushi and unique touches like real wasabi and sparkling sake complement the intimate vibe.

Miso soup stands out with its rich flavor and quality that rivals authentic Japanese versions. Soup Udon features a delicious seafood broth paired with soft waxy udon, making it a solid choice.

Fresh sushi and crab stand out with authentic flavors. Some parts of the restaurant feel less authentic, but the food keeps it genuine.

People are saying

"The sushi here is so fresh and authentic."

"The soup here is amazing and so clean tasting."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended due to the restaurant's small size.

2

Parking is available on the side, but access requires a left turn on a one-way street.

3

Lunch specials offer good value for those looking for a budget-friendly option.

07
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Spacious restaurant blends Art Deco chandeliers with classic architectural details, creating a classy yet casual vibe. Energy runs high with a buzzing atmosphere that suits gatherings and dates, while a bar area adds an adult touch. The space accommodates both small and large parties comfortably.

Soup dumplings stand out with rich, savory broth inside perfectly steamed wrappers. Hot and sour soup balances spicy and tangy flavors well, while wonton soup features juicy pork and crab dumplings.

Dishes capture the essence of Hong Kong cuisine with authentic flavors. Dumplings stand out as absolutely delicious and authentic.

People are saying

"I found the authentic Chinese food here to be delicious and tasty."

"The hot and sour soup had the right balance of flavors."

Good to know

1

Reservations are highly recommended to avoid long wait times.

2

Parking is available around the corner in a lot that costs $1 for the first 2 hours.

3

Prices are affordable, with good portion sizes for the cost.

08
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Small restaurant with four tables and bright vibe featuring cute aquariums creates a cozy atmosphere. Family-run and authentic Thai cuisine offers affordable prices and balanced seasoning. Parking is available, and the place is vegetarian friendly with a clean setting.

Food offers an authentic taste that is both tasty and filling. Family-run and affordable, it serves genuine Thai cuisine with strong, traditional flavors.

People are saying

"The Thai food here tastes authentic and is super tasty."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended due to limited seating with only four tables.

2

Call ahead to confirm daily hours as they may vary.

3

Parking is available in the restaurant's lot, making access easy.

09
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Cozy space with a calm, welcoming atmosphere suits casual lunches and relaxed dinners. Guests find authentic Thai flavors with generous portions and vegetarian options. Location offers easy parking nearby despite a vibrant, busy area.

Soups here feature Tom yum and Tom Kha with rich flavors. A pineapple vegetable soup offers a filling, vegetable-packed option that stands out.

Offers authentic Thai dishes with good size portions. Food tastes genuine and traditional.

People are saying

"The Tom yum soup was delicious and flavorful."

"I found the food to be authentic with good size portions."

Good to know

1

During lunch happy hour, a free egg roll and drink are offered with an entrée purchase.

2

Parking can be limited on the streets nearby, but there is a large parking structure on Green Street.

3

The meal cost about $20 USD, including tax and tip, which is reasonable for a sit-down lunch.

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Large space with authentic Thai decor and both indoor and outdoor seating creates a cozy yet busy atmosphere. Crowds and noise levels rise during peak times, reflecting its popularity and fast-paced service. Unique touches include nugget-style ice and offering both chopsticks and forks.

Soups here have a slightly sour flavor that pairs well with rice. Options include a seafood soup full of seafood and a Tom ka gai soup that complements dishes like Penang chicken and pineapple fried rice.

Food features authentic Thai flavors with dishes like Pad Thai and egg rolls capturing true South East Asian taste. The restaurant's interior also reflects an authentic atmosphere.

People are saying

"I'd gladly pay for a full serving of their delicious, flavorful soup."

"I found the Thai food here to be really authentic and flavorful."

Good to know

1

Parking can be limited at peak times, especially during weekends.

2

Expect long wait times on holidays like Mother's Day.

3

The set meal offers good value for money for two people.

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Minimalist design with natural light and plants by windows creates a cozy, calming atmosphere. Seating is limited but includes a comfortable couch and outlets, making it suitable for studying or hanging out. The space combines cleanliness with a homey vibe, appealing to those seeking a quiet spot.

Broths range from flavorful sesame oil to classic chicken soup. Options include wonton soup, Taiwanese noodle soups, and pickled pork noodle soup with a nostalgic taste.

Milk tea offers a robust tea flavor true to Taiwanese style. Drinks balance authentic taste with fruit flavors and healthiness, featuring real blueberry and genuine Jasmine tea notes.

People are saying

"I'd return for the tender, flavorful Hainan chicken and its soup."

"I loved the authentic tea flavor, it tasted so real."

Good to know

1

There was a parking lot for $10 all day right next door.

2

The kitchen closed at 8pm, even though the store was open until 9pm.

3

The lunch special is available Monday through Friday from 11 AM to 3 PM.

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Pho restaurant offers warm, cozy ambiance with plenty of indoor seating and an extensive menu featuring authentic broth and grilled meat options. The atmosphere feels inviting and charming, suited for those who appreciate simple, flavorful Vietnamese dishes.

Broth stands out with a deep flavor and moderate saltiness. Beef meatball pho offers a meat-rich soup that balances well with noodles and vermicelli.

Broth and meat options for pho are authentic and well-prepared. This spot offers a genuine Vietnamese culinary adventure with flavors true to tradition.

People are saying

"The soup here is savory with a deep, buttery broth."

"I found the pho broth to be so authentic and rich."

Good to know

1

Call ahead to order regular lunch items to avoid long wait times.

2

The menu offers a variety of options, including pho and grilled meat dishes.

3

Portion sizes are generous, providing good value for the price.

13
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Small Japanese restaurant offers cozy atmosphere with authentic tempura and fresh soba. Space feels clean and welcoming but tight, often crowded during peak hours. Casual vibe with a calm pace, resembling a spot tucked away in Japan.

Miso soup comes in two styles: traditional tofu and seaweed at the original spot and mushroom and cilantro at the new location. It often accompanies meals like the Tempura Bowl, adding a well-rounded, comforting touch.

Tempura stands out with its perfectly crispy texture, showing clear dedication to authentic Japanese techniques. The spot offers genuine Japanese dishes beyond sushi, capturing true Japanese vibes.

People are saying

"The tempura here is light, crispy, and not greasy at all."

"The authentic Japanese tempura here is perfectly crispy and flavorful."

Good to know

1

Expect a 20-30 minute wait during peak hours due to limited seating.

2

Reservations are not accepted; it's first come, first serve.

3

The restaurant requires all members of the party to be present before seating.

14
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Ramen restaurant with classic Japanese decor featuring beautiful wall murals and dim lighting creates a quiet, charming atmosphere. Spacious seating allows for comfortable dining without feeling crowded. Two large TVs showing basketball add a casual touch to the otherwise relaxed setting.

Tonkotsu ramen soup offers a rich flavor and a hearty texture. The broth is so good it often gets finished even when the noodles don't.

Ramen offers authentic flavors that match those found in Japan. Takoyaki stands out as very authentic and pairs well with the menu.

People are saying

"The tonkotsu ramen soup is rich and delicious."

"The ramen here has authentic flavors and rich broth."

Good to know

1

Reservations are only accepted for groups of six or more.

2

Prices are affordable, typically under $40 for two people with leftovers.

3

The restaurant allows guests to bring their own cake and champagne at no extra cost.

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Nepalese restaurant offers a cozy and authentic atmosphere with soothing Hindi music and tasteful decor reflecting Nepal. The vibe stays relaxed and mellow, creating a warm and inviting dining experience. Patrons find it a good spot for vegetarian options and unique Himalayan dishes.

Soups come with a noticeable artificial red color but taste good. They often accompany dishes like goat curry, served alongside rice and beans.

Authentic flavors come through clearly in dishes like Chatpatey, which offers a perfectly balanced crunch. The vibe stays relaxed with cozy, authentic decor enhancing the experience.

People are saying

"I experienced authentic flavors with perfectly balanced spices."

"I enjoyed their daal soup; it was delightful."

Good to know

1

Parking available in the same building starts from $1 and is very convenient.

2

The menu has many vegetarian and vegan options.

3

You can request mild or spicy food based on your preference.

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