From smoky seafood chowders to spicy black laksa and hearty beef and barley classics, Hobart’s soup scene is about to shine with the launch of the Souper Bowl.
With 21 local businesses taking part, the event showcases a rich tapestry of flavours from around the world – and right here at home.
Among the standout entries is Island Espresso's West African Peanut Soup, a long-time favourite made with sweet potato, smoky spices, and creamy nuttiness. Manager Marina Knezevic says the soup has been on the menu since she took over the café in 1999.
"The recipe was inherited from the previous owners and we've kept it exactly the same," Marina said.
"It's still our most popular soup – smooth, sweet, salty and savoury. We serve it with sourdough toast or a cheese toastie, depending on your choice of bowl or mug."
Marina said she entered the Souper Bowl to celebrate the soup's legacy and to help drive foot traffic during the colder months.
"Winter can be a tough time for small businesses, especially in hospitality," she said.
"Events like this bring people out, create a buzz, and remind locals that there are still plenty of reasons to explore the city and support local."
The Souper Bowl, developed by Hello Hobart, runs throughout August and invites the public to vote for their favourite soup via the Hello Hobart website.
Each participating venue will display a Souper Bowl window sticker to encourage voting. Everyone who casts a vote goes into the draw to win a $250 voucher for their chosen venue.
The winning business will receive a videography package valued at over $650, courtesy of local agency Wakefield Digital, to help promote their business.
Other entries include Mures Lower Deck's Seafood Chowder, Twister Sister's Tomyum Soup Hotpot, Rosie in My Midnight Dreams' Cullen Skink, Bumi Coffee's Black Laksa, and Kalbi's Kimchi Stew – offering everything from traditional comfort to bold, international flair.
Voting opens Friday, August 1 and runs all month so grab a spoon, support your favourites, and help crown Hobart's ultimate winter warmer.
Vote for your favourite soup on the Hello Hobart website.