Three grand soups facts for kids
The Three Grand Soups (世界三大スープ sekai sandai sūpu) is a popular phrase in Japan that talks about three kinds of soup believed to be among the best in the world. It's a bit of a mystery where this term came from, but people were already using it by the 1980s. What's interesting is that even though it's called the "Three Grand Soups," there are actually four soups on the list! This is because Borscht and Tom yam kung are both considered to be tied for the third spot.
Discover the Grand Soups
These special soups come from different parts of the world, each with its own unique taste and history. Let's explore what makes each of them so famous!
Borscht
Borscht is a colorful and hearty soup that comes from Ukraine. It's famous for its deep red color, which comes from beets. This soup is usually made with cabbage, beets, and meat, making it a filling meal. It's not just popular in Ukraine; it's also a national dish in many other Eastern and Central European countries like Belarus and Poland.
When Borscht came to Japan, thanks to a Ukrainian writer named Vasili Eroshenko, people loved it. However, since beets weren't very common in Japan, cooks often used tomatoes instead to get a similar color and a slightly different taste.
Bouillabaisse
From the sunny coast of France comes Bouillabaisse, a traditional fish stew. It started in the city of Marseille, in a region called Provence. This soup is packed with flavor from different kinds of fish caught in the Mediterranean Sea, like red rascasse, sea robin, and European conger.
Chefs also add special herbs and spices from Provence to give it a unique taste. It's a very special dish, often served with a side of toasted bread and a garlic mayonnaise called rouille.
Shark Fin Soup
Shark fin soup is a very old and traditional soup from China. It has been a part of Chinese cuisine for centuries, often served at important events and celebrations. Japan has historically been a place where shark fins are often sent from.
This Chinese-style shark fin soup is also quite popular in Japan. You can even find it sold as instant food, making it easy for people to enjoy at home.
Tom Yam Kung
Get ready for a burst of flavor with Tom Yam Kung, a famous Thai soup from Thailand! This soup is known for its exciting hot and sour taste. It's usually made with prawns, which give it a delicious seafood flavor.
To get its unique taste, Tom Yam Kung uses ingredients like fish sauce, spicy chilli peppers, and local herbs such as lemongrass. In Japan, you can even find Tom Yum flavored ramen, showing how popular this Thai soup has become around the world.
