The 25 Best Soups, In Order

Soup isn't just food, it's a statement of love. Pick a good one.

We've said it before and we'll say it again -- if someone makes you soup, they love you. Plain and simple.

To be clear, aside from a poorly made one, there is no bad soup. Soup, by its very definition, is comforting and nourishing, be it hot or cold, thin or thick, healthful or loaded with cream and bacon. Like we've done with pies, cakes, sandwiches and more, we like to parse out the hierarchy of things, just to see where everyone stands. Below, you'll find what I think are the 25 best soups, in order, presented without comment because they should require no defense. Soup rules. Some soups just rule harder.

(Note: gumbo and other things like it are not on this list. They are stews and should be judged against other stews.)

25
She-Crab
Rick Lew via Getty Images
24
Black Bean
Ray Kachatorian via Getty Images
23
Chicken Noodle
Photography By Alexis Mire via Getty Images
22
Broccoli Cheddar
Sergey Kashkin via Getty Images
21
Lobster Bisque
Carl Tremblay via Getty Images
20
Avgolemono
Bill Boch via Getty Images
19
Borscht
Elena Zapassky via Getty Images
18
Clam Chowder
Lauri Patterson via Getty Images
17
Posole (Hominy, Pork and Red Chile)
16
Split Pea
Robert Linton via Getty Images
15
Lentil
Joff Lee via Getty Images
14
Wonton
Roy Hsu via Getty Images
13
White Bean
Alexandra Grablewski via Getty Images
12
Cream of Mushroom
Cultura/BRETT STEVENS via Getty Images
11
Vichyssoise
Dorling Kindersley via Getty Images
10
Gazpacho
Sarah Gonski via Getty Images
9
Ramen
Wilfred Y Wong via Getty Images
8
Beef Barley
sf_foodphoto via Getty Images
7
Tortellini in Brodo
Giovanni Guarino via Getty Images
6
Tom Kha Gai (Thai Chicken, Coconut and Galangal)
5
French Onion
Spencer Gordon via Getty Images
4
Minestrone
svariophoto via Getty Images
3
Matzoh Ball
Tetra Images via Getty Images
2
Tomato
Anthony-Masterson via Getty Images
1
Potato Leek
David Marsden via Getty Images

If I've skipped your favorite, let us know what it is in the comments!

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