Istanbul has seen some of its coldest days in the past few days. Getting under blankets, putting on layers and layers of clothing aren’t enough. It’s definitely time for a bowl of soup!

If you’re after a simple meal that starts off with a flavorful soup, head to one of Istanbul’s esnaf lokantaları (tradesmen’s restaurants). For the best tradesmen’s restaurants in Istanbul, click here. In addition to typical home-cooked meals, you’ll find a range of Turkish soups, such as mercimek çorbası (lentil soup), ezogelin çorbası (red lentil and cracked wheat soup), tavuk suyu çobrası (chicken soup), yayla çorbası (yogurt-based soup with rice and mint), paça çorbası (leg of lamb soup), işkembe çorbası (tripe soup), and tarhana çorbası (tarhana soup).

Hünkar is an upscale version of a classic tradesmen’s restaurant. They have at least three varieties of soup on a given day, and they are best known for their leg of lamb soup.

If you want to go fancy on your soup, here is a list of the best soups in Istanbul:

When you head to the stylish Nişantaşı neighborhood for a shopping spree, take a break at Nişantaşı Brasserie and try their onion soup. Alternatively, head to Park Şamdan for a bowl of leg of lamb soup or lentil soup. 

If you work in or around Levent, you know that Şans is a great spot for business lunches. Next time you’re there, make sure you order their delicious lentil soup.

When you head to Beyoğlu, you may feel the need to warm up before setting off on your night of barhopping. Baylo’s beetroot soup comes highly recommended for anyone barhopping in the Şişhane area. And if you’re after something ethnic, Çok Çok Thai’s Tom Ka Kai is just what you need.

If you want to try the best fish soup in Istanbul, head to Tarihi Karaköy Balıkçısı - it’s certainly worth the hefty price tag.

Hünkar, Mim Kemal Öke Caddesi No.21, Nişantaşı; P: (0212) 225 46 65  

Nişantaşı Brasserie, Abdi İpekçi Caddesi No. 23/1, Nişantaşı; P: (0212) 343 04 43 

Park Şamdan, Mim Kemal Öke Caddesi No. 18/1, Nişantaşı; P: (0212) 225 07 10 

Şans, Hacı Adil Caddesi Palmiye Sokak No.1, Levent; P: (0212) 280 38 38 

Baylo, Asmalımescit Mahallesi Meşrutiyet Caddesi No.107A, Beyoğlu; P: (0212) 243 60 18  

ÇokÇok Thai, Meşrutiyet Caddesi No. 51, Tepebaşı; P: (0212) 292 64 96  

Tarihi Karaköy Balıkçısı, Kardeşim Sokak No. 45 Grifin Han, Karaköy; P: (0212) 243 40 80  

Lavanda Boutique Hotel & Restaurant, Ulupelit Köyü Seçkin Sokak No.2, Şile; P: (0216) 736 56 40