It’s the most stressful time of year—midterms and deadlines are rearing their ugly heads, and to make matters worse, flu season is in full swing. Comfort food helps, but knowing where to find it amid Montreal’s many restaurants is a challenge. To help students battle the last of the winter blues, The McGill Tribune compiled a list of Montreal restaurants to turn to when searching for the ultimate comfort food: Soup.

Pho Rachel – 14 Rachel Street East

Price rating: $
Veggie/vegan friendly? Yes

A 25-minute walk from campus, this Vietnamese restaurant is a great go-to for those feeling under the weather. The staff are friendly, the portions are generous, and the soup is so rich and flavourful that it’s sure to revive the part of your soul that died somewhere on the third floor of McLennan last week. Try the chicken pho with homemade noodles, or the vegetable pho if you don’t eat animal products, and be sure to pair your order with the salted lemonade, a Pho Rachel specialty.  

Hof Kelsten – 4524 St. Laurent Boulevard

Price rating: $$
Veggie/vegan friendly? No

Although this Jewish bakery is best known for its brunch fare and desserts, there’s nothing better than their classic matzo ball soup if you’re feeling sick. Since this savoury, satisfying dish is made with chicken and bone broth, it’s not suitable for vegetarians. However, if you’re OK with eating meat and can’t convince your grandmother to come cook for you, Hof Kelsten’s matzo ball soup is the next best thing. For an extra touch of comfort, be sure to try one of their famous pastries—the chocolate babka never disappoints.

Yokato Yokabai – 4185 Rue Drolet

Price rating: $$
Veggie/vegan friendly? Yes

Located on the corner of Rachel and Drolet Streets, this Japanese restaurant is easy to pass without noticing due to its plain exterior and tucked away door. Upon entering, you’ll find an elegant space with a streamlined ticket-based ordering process serving only one thing: Ramen. On their tickets, patrons are asked to customize their ramen dish, first by choosing between tonkotsu bone broth and vegetable-based broth. While many vegetarian broths are watery and less flavourful than their meat-based counterparts, Yokato Yokabai’s has a rich, salty, umami flavour. Customers can top off their soup with extras including tofu, chicken teriyaki, and seaweed before garnishing the ramen noodles with pickled ginger and chili oil. After you’ve finished your soup, be sure to indulge in some green tea ice cream for dessert—a sweet treat despite the bitter cold.

Kantapia – 364 Sherbrooke Street West

Price rating: $
Veggie/vegan friendly? Yes

Just a few blocks from campus on the corner of Parc and Sherbrooke, Kantapia is popular among McGill students for its uniquely colourful decor and unbeatable Korean comfort food. If you’re feeling sick, skip the bibimbap (rice bowl) and order some of their spicy ramen or soondubu jjigae (tofu stew) instead—your sinuses will thank you. The red chili paste in the broth will leave you feeling warm and cozy, but be sure to bring tissues or consider ordering takeout to avoid offending fellow diners with your runny nose.