Comfort in a Bowl: Where to Find the Best Soups in Christchurch

Would it really be winter without soup? Whether it’s silky pumpkin, a hearty bowl of Italian minestrone, or flavour-packed phở, there’s something about soup that transcends trend and geography.
Words by: Maggie Worthington
Photos by: Daniela Aebli & Nancy Zhou
It's a dish that shows up in every culture and every kitchen, with the promise of warmth, nourishment, and a little “mmmm” moment.
In Christchurch, plenty of cafés are ladling out the goods this winter, with rotating soup menus that keep things interesting. No two soup days are the same, but they’re all worth showing up for. Here are eight souper (sorry) spots to dip your spoon into…
Woods Cafe
9c Normans Road, Strowan, Christchurch
This Normans Road café hums at lunchtime, with something for everyone in the neighbourhood. Famous for their cheese scones, we’d like to add soup to their list of culinary achievements. Woods offers a daily soup with Grizzly bread (yes, we have a thing for Grizzly in Christchurch), and the serving is generous and always beautifully presented. Don’t leave without a big slice of homemade baking – it’s winter, you need your strength.
GG Bistro
155 High Street, City Centre, Christchurch
Christchurch’s favourite plant-based deli and eatery is also part of the soup club, serving up delicious bowls to be enjoyed in their new Parisian-inspired home on High Street. The soup du jour flavours change regularly (think creamy corn chowder and tomato and basil) but are consistently yum, served with crispy garlic bread, and presented on vintage plates for added charm. GG Bistro also offers a “Hygge Thursday” special where you can enjoy your soup for just $10.
Estelle
19 Southwark Street, Christchurch Central City, Christchurch
On Southwark Street, Estelle fights against sad work lunches with a delicious menu of things on toast, Friday meatballs, nachos, and a cabinet of exciting salads and sweet treats made in-house. Come winter, the cafe pops a daily pot of soup on the stove, with flavours ranging from vibrant minestrone and chicken noodle to leek and potato – always served with Grizzly bread glistening in butter. There’s always an extra touch of seasoning or luxurious garnish that elevates Estelle’s bowl of goodness – ordering soup couldn’t be less boring.
Swoon Store
332 Durham Street North, Christchurch
As well as selling a coveted range of cosy homewares to keep you snug in the winter, Swoon’s café adds another layer of comfort with their daily homemade soup. Swoon has a few classic recipes on rotation, made with fresh ingredients and served with a good hunk of buttered Grizzly toast for dunking. Afterwards, we recommend sticking around in the warmth for a browse through the store, where you’re bound to find a treasure for your wardrobe or home.
BB Vietnamese Street Food
BNZ Pavillion 2/109 Cashel Street, Christchurch Central City, Christchurch
Next time you’re walking through the buzz of the BNZ Centre, please stop, sit down, and experience the life-changing magic of BB Vietnamese’s wonton soup. Soulful, flavourful, and unbelievably generous, this soup features noodles, pork wontons, slices of pork, bok choy, and lots of herbs – all swimming in a delicious broth. You wouldn’t believe it’s only $15 a bowl. A great option for a weekday lunch or something to slurp after Sunday shopping in the city.
Tanoshi
93/95 Cashel Street, Christchurch Central City, Christchurch
Whoever was the first to marry noodles and soup has our deepest thanks. People, quite rightly, go mad for ramen – and Tanoshi on Oxford Terrace doesn’t disappoint. This modern Japanese joint offers a fun build-your-own ramen menu, where you can choose the base, broth, noodles, protein and toppings. It’s a favourite go-to for lunch and dinner during the cooler months, with gluten-free, vegetarian and vegan options.
Riccarton Noodle House
107 Riccarton Road, Riccarton, Christchurch
A Riccarton institution for over two decades, Riccarton Noodle House is beloved for its tasty Cambodian recipes and laid-back, welcoming vibe. Their signature chicken noodle soup is a local favourite – steaming hot, deeply nourishing and made from a rich slow-cooked broth – and the handmade wonton noodle soup is a standout too. This is a must-visit for friends and families looking to gather around a table of soul-warming feasts full of heart.
Ramen Ria
3/112 Oxford Terrace, CBD, Christchurch
Tucked inside Riverside Market, Ramen Ria brings a taste of Tokyo to Christchurch with its slurp-worthy bowls of ramen. Their standout Pork Trio ramen – featuring crispy pork belly, streaky maple bacon and soy egg in rich tonkotsu broth – is a local favourite, but anything you order is sure to be deeply comforting. Quick service, bold flavours and a lively vibe make this spot a go-to for ramen lovers – whether you’re dining in, grabbing a bowl to go, or chasing a late-night craving.
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