Veg Hot & Sour Soup
Balance in every sip
Get directions ↗ · 2 min walk from Grand Mercure
Last orders 30 minutes before closing
Dine-in only · alcohol cannot be sold for takeaway / delivery in Thailand
Frequently Asked Questions
What gives this soup its hot and sour flavor?
The distinctive taste is achieved by combining white or black pepper for the heat and rice or white vinegar for the sourness.
Is the broth thick or watery?
This soup is traditionally thickened with cornstarch, giving it a smooth and filling texture.
Are there any animal products in this veg version?
No, it is entirely plant-based, using a rich vegetable broth instead of chicken or meat stocks.
Does it contain tofu?
Yes, we include soft cubes of tofu to add protein and contrast the crunchy vegetables like carrots and bamboo shoots.
How spicy is this soup?
It is quite spicy and tangy, making it an excellent choice for those who enjoy bold and deep flavors.
About Veg Hot & Sour Soup
Veg Hot & Sour is a thickened soup that plays heat against tang, the heat from white pepper and the sourness from vinegar. Like most of our soup list it is Indo-Chinese rather than authentic Chinese or North Indian, the work of the Hakka Chinese kitchens of Kolkata who reshaped Chinese soups for Indian palates; the version they settled on is thicker and milder than the lily-bud Sichuan original. At BHARAT in Huai Khwang we make it fresh to order with julienned cabbage, carrot, and capsicum plus soft cubes of tofu, set in a stock thickened with cornflour so it pours smooth and filling rather than watery. What marks it out on the menu is that balance of vinegar and pepper: there is no dark soy colour or crispy-noodle garnish as in the Manchow, and it is far more substantial than the clear soups. The vegetables come fresh from Makro and are cut on the day, the tofu adds a soft contrast to the crunch, and the kitchen is halal-friendly with no pork and no alcohol. Our chef from Uttarakhand keeps the sour and the spicy in step so neither overwhelms the other. It leaves the kitchen on the bolder side, and the chilli and pepper can be adjusted up or down to your liking.
The dining room seats 30-40 across two styles — standard tables and Dastarkhan-style floor seating. Quiet on weekday lunches, busy from 7 PM. Visit BHARAT →
See also: the Soups menu · our bar & drinks list · best Indian food in Bangkok · reserve a table.