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Affordable soup in the University District

A hot bowl of soup is the only way to warm up without spending more than you planned.

Based on 715 Opinions
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Updated April 2026
01
Master Bing (UW) 煎饼师傅 (Savory Chinese Street Crepes) image 1
Master Bing (UW) 煎饼师傅 (Savory Chinese Street Crepes) image 2
Master Bing (UW) 煎饼师傅 (Savory Chinese Street Crepes) image 3
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Small dining space offers a cozy and comfortable setting with a quiet, relaxed atmosphere. Self-order booths with photos simplify ordering, complemented by a condiment bar for customization. The vibe stays friendly and clean, making it easy to enjoy authentic Chinese street crepes.

Rich and flavorful duck blood vermicelli soup stands out for its authentic taste and comforting qualities. Variations like braised duck and duck giblets with vermicelli also offer delicious options.

Affordable prices make the jianbing and Peking Duck set easy to enjoy regularly. The savory Chinese street crepes and grilled cold noodles offer authentic, tasty options without high cost.

People are saying

"I found the food to be authentic and flavorful."

"This duck blood vermicelli soup is rich, flavorful, and comforting."

"I found the food here to be tasty and affordable."

Good to know

1

The restaurant opens early, making it convenient for breakfast.

2

Prices for Jianbing are affordable, typically around $9.99.

3

The restaurant offers a variety of vegetarian options.

02
Taste of Xi'an 西安味道 image 1
Chinese restaurant

Large dining area features authentic Chinese décor with Terracotta Warriors at the entrance and Chinese calligraphy on the walls. Atmosphere feels cozy yet lively, often crowded and noisy, creating a vibrant setting. Seating is comfortable and spacious, with self-service chili oil and garlic enhancing the experience.

Sweet and sour soup offers a balanced, slightly spicy flavor with strong aroma. Lamb and mutton soups stand out as exceptional choices, with lamb noodle soup and mutton soup buns also available.

Prices stay very affordable with generous portions that stretch meals. Skewers rank as the most affordable in the area, and plates like stir-fried cold noodles and mapo tofu offer great value for multiple servings.

People are saying

"The hand-pulled noodles here are authentically chewy and flavorful."

"The Biang Biang noodles are perfectly prepared and wonderfully flavorful."

"I found the food to be good and affordable."

Good to know

1

You must scan the QR code on the table to order.

2

The kitchen closes at 3:30 PM, so arrive early.

3

Parking can be a little hard to find.

03
Itadakimasu image 1
Asian fusion restaurant

Asian fusion restaurant offers casual, cozy atmosphere with simple elegance and a beautiful mural on the wall. The vibe is quiet and lowkey, with friendly service and spacious seating. It stands out for affordable prices paired with generous portions and well-prepared teriyaki dishes.

Miso soup stands out with its fresh ingredients and hand-cut onions. It pairs well with meals and is considered an essential part of the dining experience.

Prices stay around $10 for a half size, making meals truly affordable without skimping on taste.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious with generous portions."

"I thought the miso soup was so delicious and essential."

"It's affordable, with entrees around $14 for two sides."

Good to know

1

The restaurant offers great portions for amazing value.

2

Prices are competitive, with entrees around $14 including two sides.

3

Expect large portions; many dishes are much larger than the price paid.

04
Saigon Deli image 1
Vietnamese restaurant

Small, bustling spot with minimal decor and limited seating offers a casual, homey atmosphere. Known for affordable, flavorful banh mi and pho, it draws a steady crowd seeking quick, unpretentious Vietnamese dishes.

Broths come aromatic and smooth, simmered for hours to develop deep flavor. Soups include pork and wontons, beef noodle with silky rice noodles, and a vegan kabocha squash and cabbage option with tofu.

Affordable prices make this spot stand out for Vietnamese food. The bahn mi is both inexpensive and tasty, offering quick, budget-friendly meals.

People are saying

"The pork and wonton soup here is exceptionally delicious."

"I found the banh mi phenomenal and always fresh."

"I found the banh mi to be very good and inexpensive."

Good to know

1

Getting takeout is quick, and the packaging is well done.

2

The meal costs around $10, making it affordable.

3

Indoor seating is limited, so consider takeout during peak hours.

05
Lee’s Kitchen Noodle & Rice U Dub image 1

Cozy space blends traditional decor with a relaxed atmosphere and quiet vibe. Self-service setup offers free soup and sides, encouraging a casual dining experience. Generous portions and affordable prices suit a college-area crowd.

Specialty noodle soups stand out with a pork tomato broth featuring a hint of pickled umami and a spicy beef rice noodle soup loaded with ingredients. Wonton soup offers an authentic taste and suits cold weather well, while free house soup and snacks come with meals.

Prices stay consistently affordable and fit well within a college budget. Meals offer a good balance of nutrition and taste without stretching the wallet.

People are saying

"The food here tastes like home-style Taiwanese cuisine."

"I found the soup here to be delicious and authentic."

"The food here is really affordable, especially for college students."

Good to know

1

The restaurant has serious cleanliness issues, with cockroaches and dirty surfaces reported.

2

Safety and sanitation need significant improvement.

3

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

06
Mee Sum image 1
Chinese restaurant

Small, dimly lit space offers a homey feel with quiet atmosphere and familiar Chinese pop music. Affordable prices accompany authentic Taiwanese and Cantonese dishes, including standout popcorn chicken and chow fun. Amenities like board games and free Wi-Fi invite relaxed, casual visits.

Hot and sour soup comes out flavorful and satisfying. The Taiwanese Spicy Beef Noodle Soup stands out with rich broth, while the wonton soup sometimes arrives bland with overcooked noodles.

Most standard dishes cost between $13 and $14, which is affordable compared to other places with higher prices. The menu offers good value without sacrificing taste.

People are saying

"The Chinese food portions and price are hard to beat."

"The boba tea here is delicious and the boba has a chewy texture."

"You get a massive amount of food for such an affordable price."

Good to know

1

Most standard dishes range from $13 to $14, offering good value.

2

Entrees like congee and noodles are priced at $10 and $14, respectively.

3

Portion sizes are generous, making meals suitable for sharing.

07
Solo NOODLE image 1
Restaurant

Bright orange exterior marks a casual noodle spot with an old-fashioned vibe. Atmosphere stays quiet and welcoming, suited for introverts, with self-service ordering and table bussing. Dishes offer authentic Anhui-style beef noodle soup and generous portions, creating a solid choice for a quick, filling meal.

Beef noodle soup features a richer broth with less sweetness and more oil, typical of Anhui style. Large portions of tender beef slices swim in a spicy, flavorful soup that is well-seasoned and not too oily.

Prices stay consistently affordable here. Meals offer good value without stretching the budget.

People are saying

"This beef noodle soup is so flavorful, I drank every drop."

"I found the beef noodle soup authentic and flavorful with generous beef."

"I considered the price to be affordable."

Good to know

1

Ordering is straightforward at a kiosk, with options for online pickup.

2

Everything is self-service, including ordering and busing tables.

3

A bowl costs about $17, with generous portions that are very filling.

08
Thai Tom image 1
Thai restaurant

Small, tight space with bar seating right by flaming woks creates an intense, smoky atmosphere. The vibe is authentic and original, with an entertaining view of chefs cooking food on the spot. It feels cramped and hot, not suited for large groups or quiet dinners.

Soups here feature Tom Yum with mild spiciness, gentle acidity, and mellow sweetness. The Tom Kha soup offers rich flavor, and the Tom Yum includes several shrimps in a small bowl.

Food comes at very affordable prices while staying flavorful and fast. Some dishes lean toward mediocre, but overall the cost stays low.

People are saying

"I thought the Thai food here was packed with flavor."

"The Tom Yum soup is thick, flavorful, and easy to eat."

"I found the food here to be delicious and affordable."

Good to know

1

Thai Tom only accepts cash payments.

2

They will not seat your party until everyone has arrived.

3

Expect difficulty finding parking near Thai Tom.

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University District, Seattle

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