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

Close up of someone dipping spoon into minestrone soup from Estelle next to plate of toast

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

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9c Normans Rd, 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

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155 High St, 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

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19 Southwark St, 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

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332 Durham St N, 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

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93/95 Cashel St, 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

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107 Riccarton Rd, 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

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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.

Neat Christchurch & Canterbury Places

Twiggi Hair

Counter and chairs at Twiggi Hair.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
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Adding a loud burst of colour to The Crossing in Christchurch, Twiggi is guaranteed to leave you and your hair feeling revitalised.

Grizzly Baked Goods CBD

Bread, croissants and sandwiches behind glass at Grizzly Baked Goods in the Christchurch CBD.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury

Grizzly's shop at The Welder offers classic sourdough breads as well as cookies, donuts, sammies, bear claws and croissants.

Okuti Garden

A yurt surrounded by tables and chairs at Okuti Garden in Little River.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
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A garden for creating, learning, playing and celebrating. And a garden you can stay in.

Rollickin' Gelato

Woman handing customer an ice cream.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
Cafes key icon. Goods key icon.

House made organic milk gelatos and sorbets mean Rollickin’ is the talk of the town.