In this “Local Flavor Face-Off,” we’re focusing on chicken soup—the comfort food classic that nourishes the soul and eases a cold. It’s officially “Sweatah Weathah,” and our thoughts turn to all things cozy.
What makes a great chicken soup? A broth with depth and body stocked with wholesome veggies, typically carrots, onion and celery. Add shreds of chicken, rounded out with something starchy.
While making chicken soup from scratch isn’t that difficult, let’s be honest—most of us don’t have the time for that. So what’s the next best option? Buy freshly made chicken soup from the best spot in town.
I set out to find it, asking friends, family, and fellow locals for recommendations. Then, I taste-tested and narrowed down the contenders. After sampling, five soups earned a spot on the “best” list. They were all delicious, but one stood out above the rest. The decision wasn’t easy!
The Best Local Chicken Soups
Mediterranean Chicken Soup from Marcel Bakery and Kitchen. (MARY CONNOLLY)
Marcel Bakery and Kitchen (631 1/2 Valley Road, Montclair)
Cost: $6.50 for a small order
A touch of tomato gives this fragrant Mediterranean Chicken soup a bit of zing. It’s served with chunks of dark and light meat chicken and cubes of carrot and celery. Order a side of their cheesy bourekas ($3), and it makes for a satisfying lunch.
Classic Chicken Soup from Bonjour Montclair Creperie (MARY CONNOLLY)
Bonjour Montclair Creperie (254 Park Street, Montclair)
Cost: $6 for a small order.
A Montclair institution that serves up a very satisfying and classic chicken noodle soup. It’s brothy and chock full of white meat chicken, noodles, carrots and celery. And you can’t walk out of here without a fresh crepe, so get the classic cinnamon sugar option ($8) to round out your meal.
Rosario’s Classic Chicken Noodle Soup. (MARY CONNOLLY)
Rosario’s Butcher Shop (252 Park Street, Montclair)
Cost: $12.99 a quart
This Montclair butcher shop is famous for their meats, sausages, fresh mozzarella, prepared foods, imported Italian specialties and terrific sandwiches. Its chicken noodle soup is in the refrigerator case and sold by the quart. It is a meal in itself—jam-packed with shredded chicken and studded with carrots, celery, adorable mini bowtie pasta and a bit of red bell pepper for color. Nutritious and delicious. Stock up!
Chicken and Matzo Ball Soup from Mikki & Al’s Nosshery. (MARY CONNOLLY)
Mikki & Al’s Noshery (179 Glenridge Avenue, Montclair)
Cost: $6.50 for a small order
This Chicken and Matzo Ball Soup is the kind of soup you want to eat when you come in after a brisk walk or from shoveling snow. It’s the kind of soup you want someone to go and get for you when you have a bad cold. The broth is deeply savory, laced with bits of chicken, carrots, onion, and celery, and it stars two fluffy matzo balls to make it a meal. It’s a rejuvenating soup down to your bones.
And the winner is…
Chicken soup from Nicolo’s Italian Bakery & Deli. (MARY CONNOLLY)
Nicolo’s Italian Bakery & Deli (6 Baldwin Street, Montclair)
Cost: $6.21 for a small order
Sure, you come here for the amazing breads and sandwiches. But as you elbow your way to the counter to place your order, do yourself a favor and grab some soup! You’ll find the small containers stacked on top of the deli case, demurely to the side, but don’t be fooled—this is a hearty, deeply chicken-y soup that is more of a meal. It has generous amounts of shredded chicken, cubes of carrot and mini pasta shells. Simply delicious!
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