It’s Soup O’Clock: Warming Up Winter One Bowl at a Time
From traditional broths to modern twists, soups are the ultimate comfort food this winter
This winter, happiness is served hot — one bowl at a time. The first chill in the air, the soft rustle of sweaters, and the comforting steam rising from a bowl — yes, it’s officially soup season!
Winter is more than just a season; it’s a feeling, and nothing captures it better than soup. From a rich tomato-basil bowl to desi-style spicy rasam or a hearty chicken broth, soups are the silent heroes of the season, soothing with every sip.
Soups have evolved far beyond being a simple starter. For those seeking something light yet nutritious, they have become a main course option. Across home kitchens and cafes alike, chefs are experimenting with local ingredients and fusing them with international flair — imagine pumpkin-coconut soup with curry leaves or a spinach-moong dal broth. India’s culinary imagination is bubbling!
What’s driving this trend? Wellness, convenience, and nostalgia. With mindful eating on the rise, soups check all the boxes: low in calories, high in nutrition, and gentle on the stomach. Plus, they’re endlessly customizable. Vegetarians, vegans, and fitness enthusiasts alike can find recipes that suit their mood and diet.
Regional winter favourites are making a comeback across India. In Punjab, the earthy makki da doodh soup warms chilly evenings. Down South, pepper rasam doubles as comfort food and cold remedy. In the hills, thukpa, the Tibetan noodle soup, remains a winter staple. Once confined to home kitchens, these broths are now featured on restaurant menus and even packaged for instant home use.
Soup isn’t just food — it’s a ritual. It’s those quiet moments wrapped in a blanket with a book, family dinners where everyone warms their hands over a bowl, or late-night comfort after a long day. In a world of fast food and faster schedules, soup asks you to slow down, sip, and savour.
Even social media has joined the trend. #SoupSeason floods Instagram every winter, with steaming bowls styled against cosy backdrops. Food influencers and chefs turn simple recipes into soul food moments, proving that comfort doesn’t have to be complicated.
So, as temperatures plummet, embrace the rhythm of winter, ladle by ladle. Brew your broth, mix in your herbs, and let warmth travel from your hands straight to your heart.
The article is authored by Siftpreet Kaur, an intern from St. Joseph Degree and PG College.
