Who says coconut flavors have to be left behind when summer ends? At Thai Paradise, you can order their creamy Tom Kha Koong soup year-round. It’s fully loaded with juicy prawns, fresh Thai herbs, and tons of veggies—broccoli, eggplant, baby corn, bell peppers, tomatoes, and zucchini—in a warming, aromatic broth comprised of coconut milk, lemongrass, lime juice, and other top-secret ingredients. Dig in at either of their locations and prepare to be impressed. 2770 East Bidwell Street, Suite 100, Folsom, 916-984-8988, thaiparadisefolsom.com; 4361 Town Center Boulevard, Suite 110, El Dorado Hills, 916-939-0389, thaiparadiseedh.com

Mexquite in Folsom describes their popular Tortilla Soup as warm and comforting—what more would you want in autumn? Tender shredded chicken, queso fresco, and grilled corn get creaminess from avocado and crunch from tortilla strips. The chicken-tomato broth is topped with some cooling sour cream and a refreshing sprinkle of scallions. All the flavors come together seamlessly to make for a satisfying, satiating dish that pairs perfectly with mild temps and spicy margs (we recommend Mexquite’s roasted jalapeño margarita!). 25095 Blue Ravine Road, Folsom, 916-984-8607, mexquite.com

When you see Smoked Tri-Tip Chili on a menu, is there anything else you need to know? If you’d like the details, here they are—the tri-tip is seasoned then smoked to perfection. It’s added to a blend of spices, along with garlic, onions, peppers, jalapeños, serrano and bell peppers, and kidney, pinto, and white beans. A sprinkling of cheddar cheese and red onions bring both crunch and creaminess. All the soups at Auburn’s North Fork Deli are a labor of love and regularly rotate, so be sure to pop in on a Monday or Tuesday to ensure you’ll get your hands on a bowl of chili. If you’re really (really!) lucky, they just might have it available in a bread bowl. 886 Lincoln Way, Auburn, 530-745-4001, northforkdeli.com

Craving a “souper” good legume-based soup? Head to Placerville’s Amore Mio Italian Bistro for their Tuscan Soup (okay, the official name is “zuppa di fagioli alla Toscana,” but try saying that three times fast!). Each savory spoonful is filled with cannellini beans, which average 11 grams of protein per every quarter-cup; sausage, for another healthy hit of protein; along with a sprinkling of pecorino cheese. Fresh (never frozen) ingredients prepared with lots of love results in food that tastes good and makes you feel good, too. 451 Main Street, Suite 8, Placerville, 530-303-3148, amoremioitalianbistro.com

Lentils are superstars of the legume family—just half a cup provides about 12 grams of protein, making them a filling choice for both veg-heads and meat lovers alike. Wally’s Cafe in Rocklin serves up mouthwatering Mediterranean and Lebanese dishes, including their much-loved Lentil Soup. It’s comprised of a homemade, flavor-filled vegetarian broth plus garlic, spinach, carrots, spices, rice (for even more heartiness), and, you guessed it, lentils. But the best part of this nutritious, delicious soup? They offer a complimentary bowl of it for those dining in. 2110 Sunset Boulevard, Suite 600, 916-580-0850, Rocklin, wallys.cafe

The smooth, creamy Wild Mushroom Soup makes for the perfect beginning to a multi-course meal at Hawks. Cremini mushrooms primarily make up the base of this puréed treasure, but whatever is fresh and seasonal is often added (think hen of the woods or chanterelles). A sherry wine-based reduction (aka, cherry gastrique) adorns the top, followed by fresh chives and crisped-up shallots. 5530 Douglas Boulevard, Granite Bay, 916-791-6200, hawksrestaurant.com

The next time you can’t decide between pasta and a bowl of soup, head to Visconti’s Ristorante. A Folsom mainstay since the early ’90s, their menu is full of must-try meals, including the incredibly tasty Tortellini Soup. Comprised of hearty ground beef-filled tortellini in a savory chicken-tomato based broth, the soup’s simplicity allows the pasta to shine. Whether enjoyed as a starter or lighter main, there’s one non-negotiable: an order of garlic bread! 2700 East Bidwell Street, Suite 700, Folsom, 916-983-5181, viscontisristorante.com

With eight ramens to choose from, Umi Sushi in Roseville is a noodle-lover’s paradise. Try their Shoyu Ramen, which consists of chewy ramen noodles in a soy sauce-infused broth, plus bamboo shoots, chashu (pork slices), ajitama (soft-boiled marinated egg), green onions, and spinach. It’s all topped off with dry seaweed and a pink swirled fish cake (naruto). If your heart desires even more kick in your bowl, a plethora of add-ons such as tofu, minced garlic, special spicy paste, and baby bok choy are available; or “make it a combo” by adding a California roll or gyoza. 107 South Harding Boulevard, Suite A, Roseville, 916-788-8333, umiumiumi.com  

by Caitlin Emmett
Thai Paradise photo by Jyo Bhamidipati ©stylereadersmedia. Mexquite photo by Ray Burgess. North Fork Deli photo courtesy of its respective company or organization. Amore Mio Italian Bistro by Jyo Bhamidipati ©stylereadersmedia. Wally’s Cafe photo by Taylor Allred ©stylereadersmedia.