Warm your Soul with these Sensational Soups throughout Wilmington & Brandywine Valley

Soup sometimes seems like the neglected stepchild of the food family. It’s too boring, they say. Too messy, too awkward. Certain people even gripe that it’s too noisy (slurpers unite!). We need to start thinking outside the can, and learn to appreciate homemade soup’s superpowers. From this single concept, humans have simmered up endless interpretations, featuring practically any ingredient, in virtually every country on the planet. 

And consider this: What other major food group has the power to warm your belly, your soul and your face at the same time? 

All across greater Wilmington and the Brandywine Valley, soothing moments await: It’s the perfect time of year to enjoy the snappy brightness of a Thai Tom Yum, bobbing with happy shrimp. Or go for a good Louisiana gumbo, sassy and fulfilling. And don’t even think of leaving this state without trying some sassy crab soup, best enjoyed with beer and good friends. 

These First State favorites could become the start of a beautiful new relationship. 

WILMINGTON (AND NORTH) 

Banks Seafood Kitchen & Raw Bar

101 S. Market St., Wilmington 

One of the city’s best seafood spots has a classy-cool vibe, but also an appreciation for simple pleasures like brothy, briny Maryland Crab Soup. It’s a regional classic for good reason, and while you’ll likely find it at restaurants all across the area, this waterside hotspot gives each taste that extra something. 

Cajun Kate’s

722 Philadelphia Pike, Wilmington; 1362 Naamans Creek Rd., Boothwyn, Pa. 

With locations in North Wilmington and at the Booth’s Corner Farmer’s Market, Cajun Kate’s is regarded as the closest thing to New Orleans in the area. Go for the house-made Gumbo, blessed with the deep flavors of dark roux. Or, consider the Tomato Garlic Parmesan Soup, served with homemade pesto and garlic croutons. (Note: Wilmington location open only Wednesday through Saturday; Boothwyn Friday and Saturday.) 

Southeast Kitchen

1901 Delaware Ave, Wilmington 

This tiny Trolley Square standout proudly embraces the best of Thailand and Vietnam, bringing us such lively classics as Tom Yum Koong, a shrimp-fortified soup spiced up with chilies and lemongrass. Or, consider the Tom Kha Gai soup, rich with chicken and coconut milk. 

GREENVILLE/CENTREVILLE 

Buckley’s Tavern

5812 Kennett Pike, Centreville 

Happily, some of the area’s most charming restaurants happen to reside near some of the best traveling destinations. Next time you’re heading for Winterthur Museum, make a pit stop at the laid-back Buckley’s, where folks consistently rave about the Exotic Cream of Mushroom Soup, fortified with magic from the Mushroom Capital of the World, nearby Kennett Square. Or, consider the equally inspiring Spicy Thai Noodle Soup, or Chef Tom's New England Clam Chowder. 

Janssen’s Fine Foods

3801 Kennett Pike, Greenville Center, Greenville 

Just down the pike from Winterthur, Janssen’s is locally renowned for its gourmet ingredients, but less appreciated for the fresh-made food available in its “J’s Cafe” alongside the supermarket. You’ll find a variety of chef-crafted soups, along with some distinctly out-of-the-ordinary sandwiches, breakfast items and more. 

BBC Tavern & Grill

4019 Kennett Pike, Greenville 

This is another Greenville fave, partly for its convivial personality, but also because of its steady hand with elevated pub grub. Speaking of grub, maybe it’s time for a bowl of their Crab and Corn Chowder, or maybe the gooey, luscious French Onion Soup. 

Pizza by Elizabeths

3801 Kennett Pike, Greenville 

This is everybody’s go-to Greenville spot for handcrafted pizza, thanks to its elegant charm and steady kitchen. Don’t miss the lineup of seasonal soups (Cream of Tomato is a favorite), but if you’re feeling souper ambitious, order the “Soup Sampler,” a roundup of three varieties. 

HOCKESSIN 

Lettie’s Kitchen

1318 Old Lancaster Pike, Hockessin 

Everything just screams homemade at this humble favorite – especially the fried chicken, but also the nostalgic kitchen-crafted soups, including Tomato (best paired with a cheddar-cheesy Southwood sandwich) and Chicken Noodle. But keep your eye out for other options like Ham and Bean, Turkey and Wild Rice and Split Pea. 

Back Burner Restaurant, Tavern & Cafe To Go

425 Hockessin Corner, Hockessin 

There are so many reasons to check out this longtime Hockessin favorite, but some people go for just one thing: The Pumpkin and Mushroom Soup, served with croutons, crème fraiche and chives, is practically a local celebrity. 

NEWARK 

Ramen Kumamoto

165 E. Main St., Newark 

Quite possibly the best ramen restaurant in the state, this college-town favorite insists on authenticity: The broths are made from scratch, the noodles are fresh, and each bowl seems to have the power to revive and sustain us.