Broths to boost your spirits and immune systems during the rainy season. By Stephanie Roy photos by Rapeepat Boonmongkolwat

Herbal Tea Spare Rib Soup

The main ingredient of the Herbal Tea Spare Rib Soup at Spice Story (G/F, Siam Paragon, Rama 1 Rd., 02-610-7505, 02-477-0905) is Singaporean wolfberry. This herb has a natural sweetness, promotes blood circulation, a healthy kidney and liver. It is also an anti-aging serum as it prevents premature graying and dimmed vision. Doesn’t hurt that the ribs are incredibly tasty.

French Onion Soup

Onions have been proven to improve poor appetites and relieve coughs, bronchitis and other respiratory infections. Their high sulfide content also prevents the growth of tumors. Mixed with warm beef broth and two thick slices of provolone cheese, Tony Roma’s (G/F, Nai Lert Bldg., 87 Sukhumvit Rd, 02-254-2912) version of French Onion soup (B110) is also jammed packed with the magic ingredient.

Kaeng Som

Tamarind helps to break fevers and is good for the digestive system as it relieves gas and has a slight laxative effect. It can also help in stabilizing cholesterol and blood sugar levels. Try it at Once Upon a Time (32 Petchburi Soi 17, Pratunam, 02-252-8629, 02-653-7857). Its spicy and tangy kaeng som (B179) comes with either cha-om omelet, crab, or shrimp. 

Duck Noodle Soup

Chinese star of anise and natural licorice are the herbs used in the duck noodle soup at Spice Story (G/F, Siam Paragon, Rama 1 Rd., 02-610-7505, 02-477-0905). The former has been recommended throughout Chinese history for the treatment of morning sickness during pregnancy. It is also used as a digestive aid and its extracts have been an ingredient in many influenza-fighting drugs.

Tom Leuat Muu

At Leuat Muu Samakkee (In front of Moobarn Prachanivet 2, Soi Samakkee, Prachachuen Rd., 081-402-0647), B25 gets you a clear soup with all the goodies like cubes of clotted pig’s blood, pork liver, heart, other entrails, slices of meat and lettuce. A good way to start your morning. If you prefer, you can also order a cup of rice to go with it (B7). Liver in general is 100 percent quality protein that contains a tremendous amount of essential vitamins like A and B12. The organ has also been linked to reducing fatigue. 

Kaeng Liang

Be good to your body and opt for Banana House’s (2/F, Duangthip, 68/1 Silom Rd., 02-233-8969) healthy choice with mixed veggies like pumpkin, gourd, baby corn, mushrooms and basil leaves, together with shrimps. Pumpkin contains high concentrations of cancer preventing carotenoids. The lutein and ziazanthinin in the big orange ball improves healthy vision and overall eye health. 

Chicken Soup

The streetside Khao Mok Gai Soi Convent (In front of Bua restaurant, Soi Convent, Silom Rd., 086-042-4605) rolls out this perfect cure for a hangover (B30). It’s sour, spicy and stimulating with chunks of tender chicken, sliced onion and tomatoes. Ask for extra tomatoes as they contain lycopene. This anti-oxidant not only counteracts the free radicals that damage our cells, it’s also been linked to the prevention of lung cancer. 

Pumpkin Soup

This soup is a favorite in those places that have long winters—but we think it works fine for the monsoon season, too. We already mentioned pumpkin is healthy, but it’s also one of the greatest vegetables for soups because of its naturally creamy texture when blended. Of course, the one at B-Resto (27/12, Rangnam Rd, 02-640-1477) has some added cream for a truly velvety treat. Served with croutons, B120