At some point in the last decade, soup became an acceptable main course. Feeling perplexed like me as to when such permission was given? Conspiracy theories aside, soup’s acceptance probably attained critical mass when NBC sitcom Seinfeld aired its “The Soup Nazi” episode. For enterprising moms and pops, soup had finally hit the mainstream.

Ravisoups - Interior

You can’t really blame them. Soup does seem like the perfect no-fuss business plan. Easy to prepare, ready for a quick sale. Just who will do for soups, what Starbucks did for coffee? Many have answered that call, but few have succeeded. Those who stay in business rely on their cult-like regulars. Beyond that, one doesn’t get the sense that they are able to elevate soup to the next level. But no one has really pushed the boundaries to innovate soup as a meal, until Ravi Kanagarajah came along.

Ravisoups is not your run-of-the-mill soup shack offering the obligatory chicken noodle, or mulligatawny soup. A former saucier and soup sous from the revered kitchens of Mildred Pierce, Ravi does not practice the same repertoire that other soup places have settled into. His menu at Ravisoups boasts an innovative and personal menu, ever-changing and taking full advantage of seasonal ingredients.

Ravisoups - Interior Decor

Though slightly out of the way for downtown core patrons, those who make the trek to Ravisoups will find the journey worthwhile. On my most recent visit, Ravisoups displayed the same sterile decor that I had hoped would change. Cute paintings of chicks bathing in soups still cannot help the hospital-like walls and flooring scream, “I’m clean! I’m sanitary!” It’s never a but idea to run a clean restaurant, but the atmospher borders on being anemic. My solution is to move out to the back patio when the weather is nice, or grab my food as take-out like many other busy patrons.

Excusing the interior decoration, Ravi is otherwise full of good ideas. But he also has enough sense to keep it simple. Drawing inspiration from his neighbours nearby – Burrito Boyz, Ravi offers a savory accompaniment to soup. If soup’s not your thing, how about wraps? Better yet, order a soup and wrap combo. It costs approximately $10 after taxes, qualifying it as one my favourite lunch ideas in Toronto. The choice of wraps fits congruently with the healthy theme, and offers the perfect canvas for Ravi to crank out more creative ideas.

Free Range Chicken Wrap

How about this idea to start? Free-range chicken wraps with baby spinach, roasted yam, caramelized onion and chipotle mayo? Why yes! I’m drooling just reading the description on the wall menu. Bite into the grill-pressed wraps and you’ll agree with me that this combination is the mark of a chef who knows how to combine flavours and textures. It may possibly be the best wrap I’ve ever had in my life. And if I can tear myself away from ordering this wrap everytime, I would be in a better position to tell you about his other equally tempting wrap concoctions.

Leeks & Potato Soup with Biscuit

When it comes to soup, I am more adventurous; letting Ravi make my choice. I typically order the varying soup specials of the day. Today was leek and potato soup’s turn. My steaming bowl arrived well seasoned, sitting atop of cute turntable platters, served with house biscuits, and sweet bell-pepper relish. The portions are plenty generous. So much that my girlfriend could not finish her bowl, granting us the option for declicious left-overs tomorrow.

My girlfriend enjoyed the Thai-inspired Chicken Hot Pot Broth. The chicken hot pot broth is fragrant, full of coconut flavour and really hits the spot. Though I would like a bit more of a spicy kick to it, the chicken hot pot still dominates most of the soup stores you’ll find in the downtown path. If you’re looking for more recommendations, I also heartily suggest the Porcini mushroom and wild rice bisque.

Chicken Hot Pot Broth with Biscuit

Another very good idea is the Ravisoups Happy Hour. Soups are half-price from 5pm-6pm on Fridays. Those who are not hurriedly stumbling into your nearest Jack Astors (or your favourite bar), may choose to start their weekend off healthily. If only Happy Hour was available everyday, it might actually make getting off work in the downtown core something to look forward to!

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