It's Literally Freezing, Houston. You Need These Soul-Warming Soups Now

IT'S NOT OFTEN that a bowl of piping-hot soup hits the spot in humid Houston. But on days like today? Yes, please. Here are five of our favorite soups and stews that we're craving now.

Seafood Gumbo

Gumbo (photo by Kimberly Park)

A year-round go-to, Brennan’s of Houston’s deep-roux, fully loaded gumbo tastes especially delicious when the temps are below freezing.

Curry Laksa

Curry Laksa (photo by Chuck Cook)

Housemade curry powder and rich coconut-cream make the laksa broth at James Beard-nominated chef Alex Au-Yeung’s Phat Eatery especially satisfying. Add sambal as needed to heat up this delicious curry of rice, egg noodles, bean sprouts, tofu, shrimp and chicken.

Lentil Soup

Lentil soup (photo by Jenn Duncan)

Owned by the family that operates Hungry’s, Heartbeet touts ample vegan options — but true to its name, the menu is hearty indeed. The recipe for the lentil soup comes from the mom of chef Sue Nowamooz and has been passed down from generation to generation for more than 50 years.

Loaded Baked Potato Soup

Local Table Katy (photo by Jenn Duncan)

Available at all Local Table locations for just $6, the loaded baked potato soup comes with bacon, cheese and chives. (Wash it down with a cinnamon-apple-infused-bourbon Hot Toddy!)

Tom Yum Soup

In the Heights, Kin Dee serves a steaming bowl of classic Tom Yum soup, with Asian shrimp tails, kaffir, galangal, fish sauce, chili, lime, bean sprouts, broccoli, cilantro and aromatic lemongrass.