CNN, the American television channel, has just compiled a list of the 20 best soups in the world, including a dish considered the "national treasure" of Vietnam.
Soup is one of the oldest and most popular dishes in the world , according to Janet Clarkson, author of "Soup: A Global History." Every culture has its own kind of soup. Ancient people simmered soup in all sorts of things, from turtle shells to bamboo tubes, she writes in the book, and began using metal soup pots as early as the Bronze Age.
"I think that in every country in the world, historically, some type of soup has been considered to have health-boosting effects," the author writes.
Here are some of the dishes on CNN's list of the world's top 20 best soups:
Tonkotsu ramen, Japan
Pork bones simmered for a long time create the rich flavor of this classic ramen, with a thick broth thanks to the marrow and fat. This dish is a specialty of Fukuoka Prefecture on the southern island of Kyushu, but is now served in ramen shops throughout the country (and the world).
Tom yum goong, Thailand
The sweet, sour, spicy, and salty flavors in this soup broth perfectly complement the sweet, tender shrimp. Aromatic ingredients include galangal, lemongrass, and kaffir lime leaves, while slices of bright red chili peppers add a touch of spiciness. Tom yum goong is just one of many variations of Tom yum soup in Thailand.
Lanzhou beef noodles, China
The process of shaping—or pulling—the la mian noodles by hand for this traditional soup is an art form. Skilled artisans use finely ground wheat flour and lye to knead into a pliable dough, then stretch and fold a single piece of dough to make enough noodles for one bowl of soup.
Yogurt soup, Türkiye
It is believed that this creamy yogurt soup, called Yayla çorbasi, helps prevent colds in winter; some Turkish hospitals even serve it to recovering patients. A sprinkle of dried mint balances the slightly sour taste of the yogurt. Served with soft, fluffy pita bread.
Harirra, Morocco
As the sun sets during Ramadan, many Moroccans enjoy breakfast with a steaming bowl of delicious chickpea soup. Cinnamon, ginger, turmeric, and pepper give a warm flavor to the rich tomato broth, which permeates the tender chickpeas. While vegetarian versions are popular, the most classic is simmered with tender lamb or other meats.
Gumbo, USA
Cultures and flavors blend together in this hearty soup, a hallmark of Louisiana cuisine , influenced by West African, Choctaw indigenous, and French cuisine. Versions made with seafood, chicken, and sausage are the most popular today.
Gazpacho, Spain
Summer in Andalusia brings hot weather, ideal for cooling down with a bowl of this chilled vegetable soup. The most classic version today includes tomatoes, cucumbers, garlic, and olive oil, along with a little toasted breadcrumbs for thickening.
Bouillabaisse seafood soup, France
A fisherman's stew that has become a culinary icon, bouillabaisse distills classic Mediterranean flavors into a dish synonymous with the coastal city of Marseille. Saffron, olive oil, cumin, garlic, and tomatoes blend with fresh fish from the sea.
Beef pho, Vietnam
The broth is simmered for hours with cinnamon, star anise, and other warming spices to create a wonderfully flavorful base for this pho. Pho is one of Vietnam's most famous dishes, renowned worldwide... There are many variations of pho that tourists should try, such as chicken pho, mixed pho, and pho rolls...
CNN has repeatedly ranked pho among the best in the world. PHOTO: GETTY
CNN's top 20 list also includes banga, Nigeria; bordcht, Ukraine; caldo verde, Portugal; chorba frik of Algeria, Libya and Tunisia; chpe de camarones, Peru; groundnut soup, West Africa; kharcho, Georgia; Mohinga, Myanmar; menudo, Mexico; moqueca de camarao, Brazil; soto ayam, Indonesia.