(2 min read)
Can you count the times you have had soup? You might not give soup much thought but put down your spoon and consider the incredible universality it has. For literally thousands of years, containers made of fruits or seeds, later came the bowls and cups of all materials; have carried this liquid that can restore life, hope. I am inspired by how something so apparently simple has the power to make us feel warm inside, all the way to the soul.
Nearly every region in the world has its own beloved version, this universality is perhaps what makes it so special. From Vietnam’s pho to Russia’s borscht, Mexico’s pozole and Spanish gazpacho, Miso in half of the world and Chicken noodle as the most loved in the world winner. I see soup as a representation of a place and its people, made from local ingredients and passed down through generations, often with each family putting its own twist on the recipe. It tells a story.
Culturally, it is one of the most universal ways to gather around the table. The steaming pot turns into something filling and satisfying. During tough times, it allows to stretch ingredients a little further. The resourcefulness is what makes soup a symbol of resilience. Even when times are tough, we can make something valuable out of nearly nothing. There’s a quiet dignity in that.
It can be clear and with a few herbs, leaves and roots or robust and thick with different meats and vegetables. Creamy or just smooth, spice charged or refreshingly light. An unconditional friend that knows no schedule, it can be enjoyed first thing in the morning, at lunch or right before bedtime.
No matter what is inside, it’s warm, soft, and easy to eat, making it the ultimate comfort and a generous dish, one which you can personalize as much as you want, it welcomes almost anything you throw in it. As almost anyone can prepare one, it makes it perfect for when we need to give or receive a little extra care. This powerful hot liquid has allowed us to be good to each other by using it as an offering or as a way to say what words at times cannot.
Soup is comfort, connection, survival, and a symbol of togetherness. This humble dish has stood the test of time, for all its simplicity, it carries with it a wealth of meaning. Warming us from the inside out across the globe and bringing people closer. By its nature, it acts as a reminder that good things take time, and with patience, even the simplest elements can create something truly wonderful.
