25+ Of the Best Latin American Soups

Latin American soups have a rich and diverse culinary tradition. From Mexico to Argentina, each country has its own unique and flavorful soup recipes that have been passed down through generations. These soups often reflect the cultural heritage and local ingredients of each region.

Whether it's the spicy and hearty Pozole from Mexico, the comforting and aromatic Sancocho from the Caribbean, or the vibrant and nutritious Chupe de Camarones from Peru, Latin American soups offer a delightful mix of flavors and textures. They are not only delicious but also a testament to the cultural diversity and culinary expertise of the region.

So, why not explore the world of Latin American soups and add some warmth and flavor to your meals? Let’s go!

Here’s a list of must-try Latin American soups that you’ll surely love!

Fanesca: A traditional Ecuadorian soup

Fanesca is a delicious soup that is typically prepared during Easter in Ecuador. It is made with a variety of grains and beans, such as corn, lentils, and fava beans, along with a mix of vegetables. The soup is cooked with salted codfish, which adds a unique flavor to the dish. Fanesca is traditionally served with empanadas and garnished with hard-boiled eggs, cheese, and avocado. It is a hearty and flavorful soup that is enjoyed by families as they celebrate Easter together.

Sancocho: A hearty Colombian stew

Made with various types of meat, such as chicken, beef, or pork, along with a variety of root vegetables like yuca, potatoes, and plantains, Sancocho is cooked low and slow to allow the flavors to meld together and create a rich broth. Sancocho is typically served with a side of rice and avocado. It is a comforting and satisfying dish enjoyed throughout the year in Colombia.

Tacacá: Brazilian seafood stew

Originating from the Amazon region of Brazil, Tacacá is a flavorful seafood stew that will transport your taste buds to a tropical paradise. Made with ingredients such as tucupi (a yellow broth made from fermented manioc juice), jambu leaves (which have a unique tingling sensation), shrimp, and various herbs and spices, this soup is bursting with bold flavors and textures.

Sopa de Mondongo: A savory Honduran tripe soup

Although it may sound unusual to some, this soup is a true staple in Honduran cuisine. Sopa de Mondongo is a traditional Honduran soup made with tripe, a type of edible lining from a cow's stomach. The tripe is cooked until tender and then combined with vegetables, herbs, and spices to create a savory and satisfying dish. It is often served with a side of rice and tortillas for a complete meal.

Parihuela: Peru's famous seafood soup

A trip to Peru is incomplete without trying Parihuela, the country's iconic seafood soup. This rich and flavorful dish is a medley of various types of seafood, including shrimp, squid, fish, and shellfish, cooked with tomatoes, onions, garlic, and a blend of spices. The soup is typically served with a side of white rice or crusty bread for a satisfying meal. Parihuela showcases the essence of Peru's coastal cuisine and is a must-try for seafood lovers.

Valdiviano: A Chilean potato and meat stew

Valdiviano is a hearty potato and meat stew that originated in the southern regions of Chile. Made with tender beef or pork, potatoes, onions, paprika, and spices, this comforting dish is perfect for chilly days. The stew is cooked slowly to allow the flavors to meld together, resulting in a rich and savory broth. Valdiviano is often served with a side of bread or rice. This traditional Chilean soup is a beloved comfort food and offers a taste of the country's culinary heritage.

Sopa de Mani: A delicious peanut soup from Bolivia

Sopa de Mani is a traditional Bolivian soup that combines the rich flavors of peanuts with vegetables, meat, and spices. The peanuts add a creamy texture and a nutty taste to the soup, making it a unique and satisfying dish. Served with a side of rice, Sopa de Mani is a hearty and comforting meal that is perfect for chilly days.

You might enjoy these posts:

Bori-Bori: Paraguay's iconic chicken and corn soup

Bori-Bori is a popular soup from Paraguay that features tender chicken, cornmeal dumplings, and a flavorful broth. The dumplings are made from a mixture of cornmeal, cheese, and herbs, giving them a fluffy texture and a delicious taste. Paired with savory broth and tender chicken, Bori-Bori is a comforting and filling soup that is loved by locals and visitors alike.

Locro: Argentina's comforting Andean corn stew

In Argentina, locro warms the hearts and stomachs of locals and visitors alike. This hearty stew features Andean corn as its star ingredient, along with meat, potatoes, and various vegetables. The combination of flavors and textures creates a comforting and filling meal that is perfect for chilly days or gatherings with loved ones.

Sancocho de Siete Carnes: A flavorful Dominican meat stew

Dominican cuisine is known for its bold and vibrant flavors, and Sancocho de Siete Carnes is no exception. This delicious stew is made with a rich broth, tender meats such as beef, pork, and chicken, along with root vegetables like yucca and plantains. The combination of spices and ingredients results in a mouthwatering dish that showcases the diverse culinary heritage of the Dominican Republic.

Olla de Carne: Costa Rica's traditional beef and vegetable soup

Made with tender beef, vegetables like potatoes and carrots, and flavorful herbs and spices, Olla de Carne is a hearty and delicious soup that is a staple in Costa Rican cuisine. It is often enjoyed with a side of rice and beans, making it a complete and satisfying meal.

Bouillon d'awara: A popular soup from French Guiana

Bouillon d'awara is a flavorful and aromatic soup that is popular in French Guiana. Made with awara, a tropical fruit, along with meat, vegetables, and spices, this soup has a unique and delicious taste. It is often served with cassava or rice and is the perfect dish to warm you up on a chilly day.

Sopa de Frijoles Negros: A rich black bean soup from Mexico

Sopa de Frijoles Negros, or black bean soup, is made with simmered black beans, onions, garlic, and a mix of spices. This soup is not only savory and comforting but also packed with nutrition. It can be enjoyed as a light lunch or as a side dish with tacos or quesadillas.

Pozole: A traditional Mexican hominy soup

Pozole is a traditional Mexican soup made with hominy (dried white or yellow corn kernels), meat (usually pork), and a flavorful broth. It is traditionally served with shredded cabbage, diced onions, radishes, and lime wedges. Pozole has a unique taste and texture that is both comforting and satisfying. It's perfect for chilly nights or as a crowd-pleasing dish at parties.

Asopao de Gandules: Puerto Rico's festive pigeon pea soup

Experience the flavors of Puerto Rico with Asopao de Gandules, a rich and hearty soup made with pigeon peas, rice, and a flavorful blend of spices. This traditional dish is often served on festive occasions, bringing people together to celebrate and enjoy the vibrant flavors of Puerto Rican cuisine. The combination of tender pigeon peas, aromatic herbs, and delicious seasonings make Asopao de Gandules a true crowd-pleaser.

Fabada Asturiana: A hearty white bean stew from Spain

Indulge in the warmth and comfort of Fabada Asturiana, a white bean stew from the Asturias region of Spain. This hearty and satisfying soup is made with large, creamy white beans, smoky chorizo, and tender chunks of pork. Flavored with aromatic spices and slow-cooked to perfection, Fabada Asturiana is ideal for special occasions or a cozy night in. Serve with crusty bread and enjoy the rich flavors of this Spanish classic.

Hilachas: Guatemala's shredded beef soup

Guatemala's hilachas soup is a flavorful and hearty dish made with shredded beef simmered in a tomato-based sauce. The beef is slow-cooked until tender and then shredded. The soup gets its unique flavor from ingredients like tomatoes, onions, garlic, and a blend of spices like cumin and oregano. The combination of tender beef, flavorful broth, and aromatic spices makes hilachas a popular and satisfying choice for soup lovers.

Pisca Andina: A traditional Peruvian soup with corn and potatoes

Pisca Andina is a traditional Peruvian soup known for its comforting flavors and textures. It is made with potatoes, corn, and a variety of vegetables like carrots, peas, and green beans. The soup is typically seasoned with garlic, onions, and a touch of cumin.

The ingredients are simmered together until the flavors blend, creating a delicious and nourishing soup. Pisca Andina is often garnished with fresh cilantro and served with a side of crusty bread. Its combination of hearty vegetables and aromatic spices makes it a beloved dish in Peruvian cuisine.

Mexican Meatball Soup

Albondigas soup, also known as Mexican meatball soup, is a comforting dish that combines tender meatballs with a savory tomato-based broth. This traditional Mexican soup is made with a medley of aromatic ingredients such as onions, garlic, carrots, and potatoes, which add depth and richness to the soup. The meatballs, typically made from a mixture of ground beef or turkey, rice, and spices, are simmered in the broth until tender and juicy.

Chupe de Camarones

This dish features fresh shrimp cooked in a spicy broth along with chunky vegetables like potatoes and corn. Chupe de camarones, also known as Peruvian shrimp chowder, is a flavorful and hearty soup originating from the coastal region of Peru. The soup is typically creamy and may include ingredients like milk, cream, or cheese to enhance its richness.

Feijoada (Black Bean Stew)

Considered the national dish of Brazil, Feijoada is a hearty black bean stew that combines various cuts of pork, such as sausage, bacon, and ribs, with an array of spices and seasonings. The dish is slow-cooked to perfection, allowing the flavors to meld together and create a robust and deeply satisfying taste. Feijoada is often served with rice, collard greens, orange slices, and farofa (toasted cassava flour) for added texture and accompaniments.

Porotos con Rienda

Porotos con rienda is a traditional Chilean dish that combines the heartiness of beans with the comforting flavors of spaghetti. The two components are combined and seasoned with spices and then diced squash, onions, and chorizo sausage are added for extra flavor and texture. Porotos con rienda is a beloved comfort food in Chile, perfect for warming up on cold days and satisfying cravings for a hearty and delicious meal.

Ajiaco

Known for its rich and comforting flavors, Ajiaco is a traditional Colombian chicken and potato soup. This hearty dish is made with different varieties of potatoes, spices, chicken, corn, and a unique Colombian herb called guascas. Ajiaco is a beloved dish in Colombia, especially in the capital city of Bogota, where it is considered a national culinary treasure.

Sopa de Fideo

Sopa de Fideo, also known as Mexican noodle soup, is a delicious and comforting dish that has gained popularity for its simplicity and rich flavors. This soup features golden brown toasted noodles cooked in a tangy tomato-based broth. The soup is often made with ingredients like garlic, onion, and vegetable or chicken broth, resulting in a savory and satisfying flavor profile.

Sopas de Pollo y Platano

Served piping hot, Sopas de Pollo y Platano, or Chicken and Plantain Soup is made by simmering chicken pieces with aromatic spices like cumin, salt, and pepper in water or chicken stock. Ripe plantains are peeled and added to the pot, lending a deliciously sweet and creamy element to the soup.

Sopa de Quinoa

This traditional soup features quinoa as the star ingredient, along with a variety of vegetables and herbs. The soup is typically made by cooking quinoa in water or chicken stock, and then adding ingredients like carrots, leeks, celery, and cabbage for added texture and flavor. Sopa de Quinoa is known for its hearty and wholesome qualities, making it a popular choice among health-conscious individuals.

Latin American cuisine is renowned for its rich flavors and vibrant dishes. One particular aspect of this cuisine that stands out is the wide variety of delicious soups. From hearty stews to refreshing cold soups, Latin America offers an array of options to satisfy any palate.

So, next time you want to try something new and exciting, why not explore the diverse world of Latin American soups? From Ecuador to Brazil, each country has its own signature soup that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving more. Embark on a gastronomic adventure and savor the flavors of Latin America one spoonful at a time.