When the temperatures drop and the wind starts nipping at your face, there’s only one thing that can save you: soup. Whether you’re a turtle soup traditionalist or a pho fanatic, Central Ohio has a bowl for every kind of cold-weather craving. Here’s your guide to the best soups in town — perfect for keeping you warm, cozy, and slurping all winter long.
Turtle Soup at The Old Mohawk
819 Mohawk St, Columbus, OH 43206
Let’s kick this off with a Columbus classic: Turtle Soup from The Old Mohawk. This German Village institution has been dishing up bowls of this quirky delicacy for over 70 years, and yes, it’s made with real turtle. The soup is rich, hearty, and so full of flavor that even skeptics turn into believers after one bite. It’s the kind of soup that makes you feel like you’ve stepped back in time — and trust us, you’ll be glad you did. Just don’t watch Finding Nemo before going, or else you won’t be able to get “fiiiiin, noggin, duuuuuude” out of your brain while chewing on turtle…
Creamy Sausage Tortellini from Brown Bag Deli
898 Mohawk St, Columbus, OH 43206
Look, if you’ve ever had soup from Brown Bag Deli, you already know the deal: they don’t miss. But if we’re picking a standout, the Creamy Sausage Tortellini is the one that’ll make your taste buds do a happy dance. With its velvety broth, perfectly tender tortellini, and savory sausage, it’s comfort in a cup. Honestly, though, you can’t go wrong with any of their soups — they’re all top-tier.
Chicken Cream of Mushroom Soup at Flavor 91
5186 E Main St, Whitehall, OH 43213
Over in Whitehall, Flavor 91 is the burger spot you never knew you needed, but today, we’re skipping the patties and going straight for their Chicken Cream of Mushroom Soup. Yes, it’s creamy. Yes, it’s dreamy. And yes, it’s so good that you’ll consider passing on the burgers (but seriously, you should still get a burger for later). This soup is proof that Flavor 91 can do no wrong.
Bone Broth at Yemeni Restaurant
5426 Cleveland Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43231
Who needs a bunch of toppings and extras when you have Bone Broth as flavorful as the one from Yemeni Restaurant? This simple yet stunning bowl is light, warm, and perfectly spiced — it’s everything you need to survive winter. Forget the heavy stuff; this broth will keep you cozy without weighing you down. Bonus: it’ll make you feel super fancy when you tell people you’re sipping bone broth.
Phở Tôm (Pho with Shrimp) at GC Pho
1385 Georgesville Rd, Columbus, OH 43228
It wouldn’t be soup season without a little pho, and GC Pho delivers the goods with their Phở Tôm (Pho with Shrimp). This massive bowl is packed with perfectly cooked shrimp, fresh bean sprouts, fragrant cilantro, and tender rice noodles. It’s so flavorful and filling, you’ll practically feel your soul being hugged. And the portions? Let’s just say you might need to clear your calendar for a post-pho nap.
Stay Cozy, Stay Slurping
Whether you’re warming up with turtle soup, sipping on bone broth, or diving into a pho bowl as big as your head, these Central Ohio soups are here to save your winter. So grab your spoon, embrace the chill, and start slurping your way through the season. Because let’s face it — when it’s freezing outside, soup is always the answer.
Which soup are you craving most? Let us know, and we might just meet you there.