The Conversation
Ramen, the Japanese noodle soup that has swept the nation, isn’t going away any time soon. And we don’t want it to! But there are some seriously tasty noodle soups out there that aren’t getting their fair share of the spotlight. Let’s remedy that. From China to Thailand to Vietnam, here are the contenders for your new favorite noodle soup. You’re welcome.
1. Face Numbing Sichuan Dan Dan Noodle: These dan dan noodles get their numbing powers from a healthy dose of green peppercorns. Both extremely tasty and slightly painful ;) (via Lady and Pups)
2. Spicy Thai Curry Noodle Soup: This dish is a version of the Northern Thai curry, Khao Soi. With turmeric, ginger, garlic and broth as some of the main ingredients, you might want an extra helping to ward off any cold weather illnesses. (via Hapanom)
3. Sesame Soba Noodle Soup With Shiitakes, Snap Peas and Tofu: We’re not afraid to loudly slurp this Japanese-inspired, vegetable-forward soup with buckwheat soba noodles. (via Feasting at Home)
4. Cantonese Wonton Noodle Soup: Every time it rains, snows or is even a little bit chilly outside, we crave wonton noodle soup. The same applies for when it’s not any of those things outside. (via The Woks of Life)
5. Mi Vit Quay (Roast Duck Noodle Soup): There’s no way you’ll miss ramen when you have this soup that features a giant roasted duck leg, chewy egg noodles and some crunchy Chinese broccoli. (via Food Affair Vietnam)
6. Spicy Korean Beef Noodle Soup: A little heat from Korean red pepper flakes balances the rich beef broth in this satisfying Korean soup with glass noodles. (via Jeanette’s Healthy Living)
7. Bo Bun Hue (Spicy Vietnamese Noodle Soup): Bo Bun Hue isn’t as widely known as its sister soup, pho. If you like pho, this soup is going to be your jam. It has a more delicate flavor thanks to the lemongrass. (via i am a food blog)
8. Taiwanese Beef Noodle Soup: Make the beefy stock and sauce in this soup in advance before tackling the rest. Once that’s done, all you have to do is cook the noodles. (via Curious Nut)
9. Mexican Chicken (or Chickpea) Noodle Soup: It only takes a quick half hour to make this Mexican Noodle Soup. Substitute chickpeas for chicken as a hearty vegetarian option. (via Feasting at Home)
10. Seolleongtang (Beef Bone Soup): The creamy white color of this broth is a result of cooking down beef bones for several hours. It’s the perfect dish to simmer on a lazy Sunday afternoon as you take care of household chores and recharge. (via Korean Bapsang)
11. Budae Jjigae: Budae jjigae is infamous/famous for its incorporation of hot dogs, spam and instant ramen noodles. Also called “army stew,” it originated shortly after the Korean War because of food scarcity. You’ll understand why it’s still popular today, especially after a few drinks. (via Cherry on My Sundae)
12. Pho: We love pho so much, we’ll skip the pho-related pun. There’s some prep work involved here, but the end result is a meaty broth full of spice. This is the winter sustenance you need. (via The Woks of Life)
13. Lanzhou Beef Noodle Soup: Though Lanzhou noodles are traditionally hand-pulled, you can use Chinese wheat-based noodles found in the refrigerated section of your local Chinese grocer. This noodle soup is best enjoyed slurped. (via The Woks of Life)
14. Thai Boat Noodles: Most people living in Thailand can find this dish prepared for them right on the street. Unfortunately for us non-Thai residents, we have to cook it ourselves at home. It’s well worth it — and saves you a trip to Thailand. (via She Simmers)
15. Bún Thang (Vietnamese Noodle Soup With Chicken, Pork & Egg): This might be the Vietnamese version of chicken soup for the soul. Thang, roughly translated, refers to a medicinal bag of dried herbs or a “prescription.” You definitely don’t need a prescription to eat this soup — just a healthy appetite! (via Hungry Huy)
16. Red Miso Udon With Onsen Tomago: The key to this soup is a meticulously poached egg (onsen tomago), or just a regular one. Either way it’s delicious! (via The Yum Yum Factor)
17. Korean-Chinese Spicy Veggie Noodle Soup: With a combination of vegetable broth and Korean chili flakes, this soup makes for a meal that will warm you up without weighing you down. (via Season With Spice)
18. Vegan Udon Noodle Soup With Chili Lime Roasted Tofu: A squeeze of lime adds depth and acidity to this noodle soup. Pour the broth over your greens when serving to leave your veggies that just-cooked crunch. (via Dancing Through Sunday)
Ready to cook a new noodle soup? Tell us which soup you can’t wait to try in the comments!
More From Food
Getting the word out about your brand takes time, drive, and ingenuity. And it doesn't come easy for many entrepreneurs. As part of our collaboration with Office Depot, we're chatting with Selfmade alum Taylor Morgan McPherson, founder of Sustainable Sparkle Bar, about ways in which she scored press as a solo startup brand and what she learned from Selfmade to take her brand marketing up a notch.
B + C: How did you know Sustainable Sparkle Bar was your business to start?
Glitter has always been my thing, so when I started my event company I decided to make it my niche. I started telling people I threw glitter-themed parties where people would get sparkled with glitter body art and makeup. Six months after that I applied to my first festival and to work with SUR restaurant in West Hollywood.
B + C: What's one strategy that's helped you start your business?
I honestly can't say that I've had a specific strategy that I've followed when it comes to getting my business off the ground. I have a PR background so I was just constantly pitching new business and posting on social media.
B + C: What's the biggest challenge you face as a small business owner?
I would say creating a stable income and revenue stream. With a seasonal, event-based business it can be very up and down.
B + C: What was your most valuable takeaway from Selfmade?
The relationships I made and the push to start an email database.
B + C: How do you stay motivated?
I love what I do and I believe in myself 100%. Staying motivated isn't the hard part. Pushing myself to do the work and staying accountable is the hard part.
B + C: What's your best organizational tip? Do you use any apps that help you manage your business?
I keep multiple to-do lists, hand-written and digital. I also tell clients and partners that I will have something to them by a certain time or day so I have to stick to it.
B + C: What's one piece of advice you would give to female entrepreneurs on the brink of starting?
Just do it, take the leap. And don't worry about what anyone else says to thinks.
B + C: Who inspires you in the entrepreneurial space?
Issa Rae, I'm so inspired by everything that she's created being a creative and a black woman. It's my dream to have my own show one day based on my life and where I give advice and talk about the world. She's doing it and making people laugh and giving people joy. And it's based in LA. Watching Insecure only further cemented my dreams of wanting to live in LA.
B + C: How did you hear about the Office Depot scholarship?
One of my friends that I met through Camp No Counselors saw an IG ad for it and nominated me.
B + C: What has receiving the scholarship to Selfmade done to help you start/grow your business?
It's completely helped me level up and take my business to another level. Selfmade helped me host my first virtual event and taught me how to set up my website to sell tickets to events and get RSVPs.
B + C: How have Office Depot services or products helped you accomplish more in your business?
I got new cards to send in all of my orders with my discount code on them. I also bought a really cool 4K camera that I now use for my social media.
Thanks Taylor! You really know how to sparkle. We love her colorful, creative vibe. You can follow Sustainable Sparkle Bar on Instagram @sustainablesparklebar.
Let Office Depot OfficeMax help you stand out in the crowd. From signs, posters & banners to promote your business, to marketing materials to keep your customers informed, Office Depot OfficeMax offers a full suite of business services & solutions to help you & your business get noticed.
Head to Office Depot's Selfmade page to check out even more amazing business resources (and discounts!) to help you accomplish more on your entrepreneurial journey. These offers are available for a limited time only, so be sure to take advantage of all this goodness while supplies last. Want to join the next Selfmade cohort this summer? Check out all of the scholarship details right here.
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