How to Talk About Soup
Never run out of soup conversation again
Soup is more than just food—it's culture, comfort, and conversation. Whether you're making small talk at a dinner party or deepening friendships over a bowl, here's your guide to becoming a soup conversationalist.
Ice Breakers & Opening Lines
- "What's your soup origin story?" - Everyone has a first soup memory. Find theirs.
- "Soup or stew—where's the line?" - A debate older than time itself.
- "If you could only eat one soup for the rest of your life..." - The ultimate desert island question.
- "What's the most memorable soup you've ever had?" - Prepare for stories.
- "Is cereal a soup?" - Philosophy meets breakfast.
Soup Vocabulary: Level Up Your Compliments
Instead of just saying "This soup is good," try:
- For texture: "Silky," "velvety," "hearty," "rustic," "soul-warming"
- For flavor: "Nuanced," "bold," "layered," "umami-rich," "perfectly balanced"
- For experience: "Transporting," "nostalgic," "comforting," "restaurant-quality," "life-changing"
- For presentation: "Inviting," "Instagram-worthy," "rustic charm," "elegant simplicity"
Discussion Topics for Soup Enthusiasts
The Great Debates
- Is chili a soup? (Proceed with caution)
- Hot soup on hot days: genius or madness?
- Store-bought vs. homemade: when is each acceptable?
- Crackers, bread, or nothing: the eternal sidekick question
- Cream-based vs. broth-based superiority
Personal Preference Questions
- Do you have a "sick day soup"?
- What's your controversial soup opinion?
- Soup for breakfast: revolutionary or blasphemy?
- Leftover soup or fresh batch?
- Which soup reminds you of home?
Seasonal Soup Starters
Spring
"Have you tried adding fresh peas to anything yet? They make everything taste like spring."
Summer
"Gazpacho season! Are you team tomato or team watermelon?"
Fall
"First butternut squash of the season—did you roast or simmer?"
Winter
"What's your go-to snowstorm soup?"
Soup Appreciation Protocol
When Someone Makes You Soup
- Acknowledge the effort: "You made this from scratch? That's impressive."
- Find something specific to praise: Not just "it's good," but "the spice blend is incredible."
- Ask about the process: "How long did you let this simmer?" shows genuine interest.
- Request the recipe (only if you truly mean it—soup makers remember).
- The ultimate compliment: "This tastes like home."
When Sharing Your Own Soup
- Mention if you tweaked a family recipe
- Share any happy accidents that made it better
- Warn about any unusual ingredients
- Accept compliments gracefully (resist the urge to critique your own soup)
Advanced Soup Conversation
For the Cultured Soup Enthusiast
- Discuss regional variations: Why is New England clam chowder so different from Manhattan's?
- Explore soup in literature: From stone soup fables to modern food writing
- Historical soup moments: Ancient soups that shaped civilizations
- Soup etymology: Where does "minestrone" come from? What about "bisque"?
Boulder-Specific Openers
- Which Pearl Street restaurant has the best soup?
- Ever made soup at altitude? How did you adjust?
- Best place in Boulder for soup on a hike day?
- Farmers market haul turned soup success story?
When to Stop Talking About Soup
Real talk: Know your audience. If eyes are glazing over, redirect. Some people just aren't soup people (we know, it's hard to believe). Signs you might be over-souping:
- You've mentioned soup three times in five minutes
- Someone says "anyway..." after your soup story
- You're getting monosyllabic responses
- The conversation has become a monologue
Pro tip: End on a high note. "Well, I'll stop boring you with soup talk..." often leads to "No, wait—I actually have a soup question!" That's when you know you've found your people.
The Universal Declaration of Soup Truth
"The best soup conversation is one where both people walk away either hungry, inspired, or planning to make soup together. Bonus points for all three."
May your soup conversations be as warm and nourishing as the soup itself. Now go forth and talk soup!