By Camille Lieurance
 
When the world couldn’t feel chillier, both mentally and physically, soup is always the answer. Soup is not only good for the cold, it’s also good for the soul.  In fact, soup has been described before as a liquid antidepressant. Not only does soup help you feel better in those ways, but it’s also loaded with nutrients, and with responsibilities around every corner, taking care of yourself is more important than ever. With all the obligations of our busy lives, making healthy choices should always be of the utmost importance.
 
Marché | French onion soup
There’s nothing more satisfying than punching through that top crusty layer of a French onion soup, and the one served up at Marché definitely delivers. Conjuring visions of Paris (as opposed to the Knight library),  Marché’s French onion soup is made from caramelized onions and a rich meat stock, and is served with cheese, croutons and a large piece of crusty bread to soak up all that buttery, garlicky goodness.
Located at: 296 E 5th Ave #226, Eugene, OR 97401
 
Sweet Basil | Thom Kha Gai
Sweet Basil is the perfect place to slip away for a little pick-me-up, and it offers the ultimate warmed-from-the-inside-out experience: sipping on some Thom Kha Gai soup. The spicy chili base is even rumored to melt away colds and the winter’s seasonal depression! Thom Kha Gai (or chicken galangal soup) is based in a creamy coconut milk and expertly mixes flavors of lemongrass, fresh ginger, lime, chili, basil and cilantro. For a traditional Thai experience, order it with chicken and eat it over rice.
Located at: 1219 Alder St, Eugene, OR 97401
 
Chapala | tortilla soup
Chapala has a delicious take on a traditional Mexican staple. The soup is based in a spicy yet savory, super-rich chicken broth that Chapala makes themselves, and includes tortilla strips and notes of garlic and onion. Creamy avocado, incorporated in the broth rather than sitting on top of it, balances with the fatty (and delicious) oil and to help cut the spice of the soup’s hearty broth, Chapala tops it off with cheese and sour cream with a crisp cilantro garnish.
Located at: 68 W 29th, Eugene, OR 97405 & 136 Oakway Center, Eugene, OR 97401
 
Barry’s | matzo ball Soup
As Eugene’s legendary Jewish deli, Barry’s is obligated to make a mean matzo ball soup. It’s hard to go wrong with something dumpling-based served in chicken broth, and Barry’s matzo balls are perfectly fluffy and tender. Featuring subtle notes of dill, garlic and pepper, the soup is somehow both rich and light at the same time and is comforting without weighing you down — and it’s all made in-house!
Located at: 2805 Oak St, Eugene, OR 97405
 
Soup Nation | the sampler
After seeing Soup Nation on an episode of Diners, Drive Ins and Dives, we have to thank Guy Fieri for bringing us to such a “dynamite” spot. Soup Nation makes everything in-house, including their whole wheat sourdough bread, which is the perfect consistency for dunking. We chose the sampler platter of Grandma Ruth’s Chicken Noodle, Caribbean Yam and Thai Coconut Veggie after consulting with the knowledgeable staff. The trio complemented each other nicely but the Caribbean yam’s flavor palate uniquely set itself apart from the other two.
Located at: 525 High St, Eugene, OR 97401 & E 14th & Kincaid, Eugene, OR 9760 (food truck)