These are the best Asian soups when sick that provide comfort, nourishment, health, and wellness in every spoonful. Move over chicken noodle soup (it’s not on this list). These Asian soups when sick, are jammed with nutrient-dense ingredients making them natural and wholesome. Across Asia, soups are not only meals — they’re natural remedies filled with healing ingredients like ginger, garlic, turmeric, protein, and miso to name a few. Whether you’re craving something soothing and light or hearty and immune-boosting, these are the 10 best Asian soups when sick — from classic Filipino comfort bowls to Korean-style tofu soups.
Table of contents
- 1. Miso Soup Without Dashi
- 2. Arroz Caldo (Filipino Rice Chicken Porridge)
- 3. Butternut Squash Congee
- 4. Spicy Silken Tofu Soup (Sundubu Jjigae-Inspired)
- 5. Butternut Thai Red Curry Soup
- 6. Tinola (A Light Filipino Chicken Squash Soup)
- 7. Chicken Sinigang (Filipino Sour Soup)
- 8. Easy Gyoza Soup (Japanese Dumpling Soup)
- 9. Vegan Sotanghon Soup (Filipino Glass Noodle Soup)
- 10. Vegan Kimchi Soup
- Why Asian Soups Are the Best When Sick
You’ve probably heard the old saying, “feed a cold, starve a fever.” While modern nutrition experts agree it’s best to nourish your body through both, the idea still holds a bit of wisdom — when you’re sick, warm and nourishing foods like soup are often the easiest and most comforting to eat.
What I love about these soups is that they truly have whole food ingredients versus opening a can of processed soup that doesn’t match the same benefits. These soups still hydrate, and many have that nostalgic comfort feel, but they are more elevated because the soups have spice, vegetables, and broth that is much better for the body when the body needs it most.
What makes these Asian soups when you’re sick even better is their versatility: most can be easily adapted to be vegan, gluten-free, or lighter depending on your needs. The healing comfort stays the same.
1. Miso Soup Without Dashi
A simple, plant-based twist on traditional Japanese miso soup. Instead of dashi (fish stock), this version uses vegetable broth, kombu (optional), or mushroom broth for umami depth.
Why it’s good when sick:
- Easy on the stomach and gentle to digest
- Probiotic-rich from miso paste to support gut health and immunity
- Hydrating and warming, helps soothe a sore throat
- Ready in 10 minutes — perfect when you’re too tired to cook
2. Arroz Caldo (Filipino Rice Chicken Porridge)
A Filipino staple for cold days or when you’re sick. It’s a thick, garlicky rice porridge simmered with chicken, ginger, and a hint of fish sauce or salt. Use extra ginger and less rice for kick if you like to open your senses up, making arroz caldo a great go-to Asian soup when you are sick.
Why it’s good when sick:
- Comforting texture that’s easy to eat when appetite is low
- Ginger and garlic boost immunity and relieve congestion
- Rice and broth replenish energy and hydration
- Warm, savory aroma that’s instantly soothing
3. Butternut Squash Congee
A twist on traditional Chinese rice porridge made with creamy butternut squash for lots of nutrition, fiber, and vitamins.
Why it’s good when sick:
- Butternut squash adds natural sweetness and vitamin A for recovery
- Rice porridge consistency helps soothe nausea and upset stomachs
- Ginger and scallions gently warm the body
- Vegan and dairy-free yet deeply satisfying
4. Spicy Silken Tofu Soup (Sundubu Jjigae-Inspired)
This Korean-style soup features soft tofu simmered with garlic, chili flakes, and a light broth — customizable with mushrooms or kimchi.
Why it’s good when sick:
- Capsaicin in chili helps clear nasal congestion
- Silken tofu is rich in protein but soft on digestion
- Spices increase circulation and body warmth
- Comforting yet revitalizing with every bite
5. Butternut Thai Red Curry Soup
A creamy, coconut-based Thai-inspired soup that blends butternut squash with red curry paste, lime, and a touch of ginger.
Why it’s good when sick:
- Coconut milk hydrates and soothes the throat
- Curry paste and ginger warm the body and open sinuses
- Butternut squash adds immune-supporting antioxidants
- Comfort-food flavor that feels luxurious even when you’re run down
6. Tinola (A Light Filipino Chicken Squash Soup)
A classic Filipino home remedy made with chicken, ginger, green papaya or chayote, and leafy greens like moringa or watercress. The greens and light squash make this one of the ultimate Asian soups when sick.
Why it’s good when sick:
- Ginger provides anti-inflammatory and anti-nausea properties
- Light, savory broth helps with hydration
- Greens and papaya add vitamins and fiber
- Simple ingredients and mild flavor perfect for a sick day meal
7. Chicken Sinigang (Filipino Sour Soup)
A tangy, tamarind-based chicken soup filled with vegetables and bright flavor — a Filipino favorite for recovery days. It truly feels healing and has so many high-nutrient ingredients. Easily try vegan sinigang if you want something without meat.
Why it’s good when sick:
- The sour tamarind base cuts through congestion and boosts appetite
- Rich in electrolytes from the broth and veggies
- Chicken and greens deliver protein and nutrients for healing
- Naturally comforting and deeply flavorful
8. Easy Gyoza Soup (Japanese Dumpling Soup)
A quick, light, and cozy soup made with chicken or vegetable broth, dumplings, scallions, and a squeeze of lemon or chili garnish.
Why it’s good when sick:
- Soft dumplings make a hearty, easy-to-eat meal
- Broth hydrates and helps relieve congestion
- Chicken broth for the soup base boosts hydration.
- Feels like comfort food without heaviness
9. Vegan Sotanghon Soup (Filipino Glass Noodle Soup)
A light and savory noodle soup with mung bean vermicelli, chicken or tofu, garlic, and veggies in a very light broth.
Why it’s good when sick:
- Noodles and broth help restore energy
- Ginger and garlic relieve colds and sore throats
- Light texture — easy on digestion
- Comforting Filipino flavor perfect for cozy days in bed
10. Vegan Kimchi Soup
A spicy, tangy Korean-inspired soup made with kimchi, tofu, and vegetable broth — full of probiotics and bold flavor.
Why it’s good when sick:
- Probiotics from fermented kimchi support gut and immune health
- Chili and garlic clear nasal passages
- Light yet nutrient-packed with vegetables and tofu
- Restores warmth and helps you sweat out a fever
Why Asian Soups Are the Best When Sick
Asian soups are naturally healing — many are built around anti-inflammatory ingredients like ginger, turmeric, garlic, and miso. The combination of warm broth, soft grains, and clean flavors makes them ideal when your body needs comfort, hydration, and easy nutrition.
Whether you crave ginger-forward Filipino Tinola, umami-packed Miso Soup, or spicy Silken Tofu Soup, these best Asian soups when sick can help you recover faster and feel nourished with every sip.
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