The Original Soup Kitchen Menu with Prices, Calories and Popular Items
The Original Soupman-famously known by fans as "The Original Soup Kitchen" or the iconic "Soup Nazi" location from Seinfeld-has been a legendary culinary landmark in Midtown Manhattan since master chef Al Yeganeh first opened its doors in 1984. Located at 259 W 55th St, this historic walk-up window still draws massive lines of tourists and locals alike, all eager to experience some of the most famously rich, complex soups in America.
This comprehensive restaurant menu guide covers everything you need to know before visiting the landmark NYC storefront or purchasing their packaged soups in grocery stores. We break down updated menu prices, calorie estimates, rotating daily soup flavors, dietary options, and the world-famous "ordering rules" you must follow to secure your meal.
Disclaimer: Because The Original Soup Kitchen relies on fresh, market-dependent ingredients, the menu rotations and prices change daily. Prices may also vary when ordering via delivery apps compared to walk-up counter purchases.
Menu Snapshot: Quick Answer
If you are standing in line or planning your trip to 55th Street, here is the fastest way to understand the menu, what to order, and what to expect.
Official Source Verification
Menus, prices, calories, and availability can vary by location, delivery platform, and time. LatestMenus checks official restaurant sources where available and marks uncertain information clearly.
Latest The Original Soup Kitchen Menu Prices
The NYC flagship menu is structured by ingredient value tier (Premium Seafood vs. Classic Meat vs. Vegetarian) and portion size. Standard sizes are Small (12 oz), Medium (16 oz), and Large (32 oz). Not all soups are available every day; the window rotates a selection of 8 to 12 flavors daily.
| Menu Item | Category | Price | Calories | Best For | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lobster Bisque | Premium Seafood | $11.50 - $22.00 (Varies by size/market) | 380 - 760 (Est) | First-time visitors | Contains shellfish, dairy, wheat. The most famous item. |
| Crab Bisque | Premium Seafood | $11.00 - $21.00 | 350 - 700 (Est) | Seafood lovers wanting a sweeter cream | Sweet blue crab meat, heavy cream, sherry. |
| Seafood Gumbo | Premium Seafood | $10.50 - $20.00 | 280 - 560 (Est) | Spicy comfort food | Shrimp, crab, okra, rice, traditional roux. |
| New England Clam Chowder | Classic Seafood | $9.50 - $18.50 | 320 - 640 (Est) | Hearty, traditional lunches | Sea clams, potatoes, cream, butter, celery. |
| Mulligatawny | Classic Meat | $9.00 - $17.50 | 290 - 580 (Est) | Complex, adventurous flavor | Spicy chicken curry soup with sweet apples and rice. |
| Jambalaya | Classic Meat | $9.00 - $17.50 | 310 - 620 (Est) | High protein, filling meal | Spicy chicken, Cajun sausage, rice, peppers. |
| Chicken Dumpling | Classic Meat | $8.50 - $16.50 | 340 - 680 (Est) | Winter comfort food | Thick chicken stew, hand-rolled flour dumplings. |
| Al's Famous Turkey Chili | Classic Meat | $8.50 - $16.50 | 260 - 520 (Est) | Leaner protein option | Ground lean turkey, beans, onions, smoky spices. |
| Chicken Vegetable | Clear Broth | $8.50 - $16.50 | 140 - 280 (Est) | Lighter appetites | Low-calorie, tender shredded chicken, mixed veggies. |
| Tomato Basil | Vegetarian | $8.00 - $15.50 | 220 - 440 (Est) | Pairing with the included baguette | Smooth puréed tomatoes, fresh basil, contains cream. |
| French Green Lentil | Vegan | $8.00 - $15.50 | 180 - 360 (Est) | Plant-based fiber and protein | Earthy green lentils, root vegetables, savory broth. |
| Broccoli Cheese | Vegetarian | $8.00 - $15.50 | 300 - 600 (Est) | Rich, cheesy cravings | Cheddar cheese sauce base, fresh broccoli florets. |
| Split Pea | Varies by Day | $8.00 - $15.50 | 200 - 400 (Est) | Classic diner-style soup lovers | Ask counter staff if today's batch contains ham. |
Reminder: Every soup order automatically includes a slice of crusty French baguette, a piece of fresh fruit (pear, plum, banana, or orange), and a chocolate truffle.
Popular Menu Items
If you are making the pilgrimage to 55th Street, these are the legendary, must-try items that cemented the brand's place in food history and pop culture.
| Popular Item | Why People Order It | Price Note | Calorie Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lobster Bisque | The definitive signature item. Unbelievably rich and loaded with real chunks of lobster and butter. | Most expensive tier ($11.50+ for a small). | High calorie, high fat (heavy cream base). |
| Mulligatawny | A cult classic. A highly aromatic, complex Indian-style curry soup with chicken, apples, and rice. | Mid-tier meat pricing. | Moderate calories, filling due to rice. |
| Seafood Jambalaya | Spicy, fiery Creole comfort food packed with shrimp, sausage, and chicken. | Mid-to-high tier pricing. | Moderate-to-high calories. |
| Chicken Dumpling | A nostalgic, thick gravy-like stew with massive, soft flour dumplings. | Mid-tier meat pricing. | High carbs from the dumplings. |
Editor Picks: Best Things to Order
These are LatestMenus editorial recommendations based on available menu research, value, popularity, and practical ordering usefulness at the famous walk-up window. They are not official restaurant rankings.
Small Lobster Bisque
The ultimate Soupman experience. It is arguably the best lobster bisque available at a casual counter anywhere in New York City.
Tomato Basil (Small)
Because every soup comes with bread, fruit, and chocolate, ordering a small, lower-tier vegetarian soup gives you a massive, high-quality lunch for roughly $8.00.
Retail Tetra Pak Cartons
If feeding a family, skip the long city lines and buy The Original Soupman heat-and-serve cartons at your local grocery store for an easy weeknight meal.
Chicken Vegetable Soup
Unlike the heavy, roux-thickened bisques and chowders, this clear broth soup is packed with lean shredded chicken and fresh vegetables.
Mulligatawny
If you don't like seafood, this is the must-order signature item. The sweet apples mixed with savory curry and chicken is completely unique.
Split Pea (Ask about the Ham)
The daily rotation of Split Pea often alternates between a vegetarian version and a traditional version infused with smoky ham. Always ask the counter staff.
Cheapest Items and Best Value Picks
While premium soups like Lobster Bisque can push up toward $22.00+ for a large quart, there are excellent ways to get the legendary experience on a budget.
| Value Pick | Why It Can Be Good Value | Watch Out For | Best Ordering Tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vegetarian Classics | Flavors like Green Lentil and Split Pea are consistently in the lowest pricing tier. | Some vegetarian soups still contain dairy (like Tomato Basil). | Order a small size; it's denser than you think. |
| The "Combo" Bundle | Every order acts as a full combo meal because of the free bread, fruit, and chocolate. | Do not order extra sides until you see the size of the free bread. | Use the crusty baguette to sop up the thick bisques to stretch the meal. |
| Grocery Retail Cartons | Buying a carton at Kroger or ShopRite gives you 2+ servings for a fraction of the NYC walk-up price. | Retail cartons do not come with the famous fruit and bread sides. | Stock up when local supermarkets put the brand on sale. |
Calories and Nutrition Notes
Because the hot, scratch-made soups at the flagship counter rotate constantly, individual calorie counts are not prominently posted on the digital menu board. However, we can establish solid nutritional profiles based on the brand's USDA-compliant retail packaging line.
| Menu Area | Nutrition Note | Best For | Source Confidence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cream-Based Bisques | Very high in calories and fats due to heavy cream, butter, and roux thickeners. | Splurge meals and sharing | High (Based on retail equivalents) |
| Clear Broth Soups | Significantly lower in calories. Chicken Vegetable is the leanest option. | Lower calorie, lighter diets | Medium |
| Legume & Bean Soups | Excellent sources of dietary fiber and plant-based protein. | Sustained energy and vegan diets | Medium |
| Included Sides | The baguette adds roughly 150-200 carbs/calories; fruit adds natural sugars. | Post-meal sweet cravings | High |
Allergen and Dietary Notes
If you have food sensitivities or strict dietary requirements, navigate the walk-up window with extreme care. The kitchen is small, fast-paced, and cross-contact is a real factor.
| Dietary Need | What to Check | Important Note |
|---|---|---|
| Shellfish / Seafood | Avoid all bisques, gumbos, and chowders. | High cross-contact risk. The kitchen handles massive volumes of lobster, crab, and shrimp daily. |
| Gluten-Free | Check for roux (flour) thickeners in the creamy soups and stews. | The complimentary French baguette contains wheat. Ask staff for clear, gluten-free broth options. |
| Dairy-Free / Vegan | Look toward the Green Lentil or Black Bean soups. | Many "vegetarian" soups (like Tomato Basil and Broccoli Cheese) rely heavily on cream and butter. |
The Famous "Ordering Rules"
Part of the classic "Original Soup Kitchen" experience is adhering to the strict ordering customs originally posted by Al Yeganeh. While the modern staff is much friendlier than the legendary TV character they inspired, keeping the long line moving rapidly is still part of the local culture.
If you are visiting the 55th Street window, follow these steps:
- Form a Straight Line: Walk up to the sidewalk queue and stay on the right side. Do not block the flow of pedestrian traffic.
- Know Your Order in Advance: Do not reach the window undecided. Have your soup name and size (Small, Medium, or Large) ready to speak.
- Have Your Money Ready: Cash is highly preferred and keeps the exchange fast. (They do accept credit cards now, but cash is king for speed).
- Order Clearly, Pay, and Move Left: State your order concisely, pay, and step to the left side of the window immediately to receive your paper bag containing your soup, bread, fruit, and chocolate.
Retail Cartons vs. NYC Flagship Experience
For those who cannot make the trip to Midtown Manhattan, "The Original Soupman" offers a highly successful line of heat-and-serve shelf-stable Tetra Pak cartons.
These are found in major supermarkets nationwide (such as Kroger, ShopRite, and Acme) as well as online retailers. Flavors like Lobster Bisque, Chicken Noodle, Tomato Basil, and Crab Bisque are commonly available in the soup aisle.
While the retail cartons are delicious and highly convenient, they are factory-sealed and lack the fresh, bubbling, daily small-batch character of the physical NYC window. Additionally, you will have to provide your own crusty French baguette and chocolate truffle!
Exploring More Casual & Comfort Menus
If you love exploring classic walk-up spots and regional favorites, you might also want to check out [The Original Antonio's Menu Guide]. For those who appreciate homestyle comfort food and want to see how other menus price their hearty stews and sides, comparing this to [Sadler's Kitchen Menu Prices] can give you great context. Or, if you are looking for classic deli-style pairings to go with your soup obsession, our guide to the [MSM Deli Menu] provides an excellent look at premium sandwich and side offerings.
Best For: Who This Menu Guide Helps
This guide is specifically designed to help:
- Tourists and Locals: Planning a trip to the 55th Street location who need to know current prices and ordering etiquette.
- Budget-Conscious Diners: Looking to find the cheapest, most filling sizes and value tiers.
- Dietary-Restricted Diners: Needing to understand the high risk of shellfish cross-contact, heavy cream usage, and gluten-heavy thickeners.
- Grocery Shoppers: Wondering what flavors the brand sells in supermarkets versus the fresh NYC window.
Ordering Tips From LatestMenus
To get the best experience without holding up the legendary line, keep these strategies in mind.
- Check social media for daily rotations. The window rotates 8 to 12 soups a day. If you want a specific flavor like Crab Bisque, check local food apps or call ahead.
- A small is usually enough. Because these soups are incredibly dense and come with a thick slice of bread and fruit, a 12 oz small serves as a very filling lunch.
- Watch for delivery markups. Third-party delivery apps like Grubhub and UberEats charge significantly higher prices for these soups than the physical walk-up window.
- Use official nutrition and allergen pages before ordering. This is especially important if severe shellfish or dairy cross-contact matters to you.
- Cash keeps the line moving. Embrace the culture of the window by having a $20 bill ready in your hand before you reach the register.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does The Original Soup Kitchen have a menu with prices?
Yes, but the daily soup menu rotates, and prices are tiered based on ingredients. Seafood soups command a premium price over chicken and vegetarian options.
Do prices vary by location?
Yes. Prices at the NYC 55th Street walk-up window are different from the prices listed on third-party delivery apps (which carry markups) and significantly different from the grocery store retail cartons.
Where can I find calories for The Original Soupman?
Calorie counts are officially published on the nutritional labels of their grocery store retail cartons. At the physical NYC walk-up window, precise calories are not prominently listed, but expect bisques to be high-calorie and clear broths to be low-calorie.
Does The Original Soupman have an allergen menu?
There is no dedicated digital allergen menu for the walk-up window, but staff can answer questions. Be warned: the kitchen has a very high risk of shellfish, dairy, and gluten cross-contact.
What are the popular items?
The absolute most popular items are the Lobster Bisque, Mulligatawny, Seafood Jambalaya, and Crab Bisque.
What are the best things to order?
If it is your first visit, the Lobster Bisque is the ultimate signature order. If you do not eat seafood, the Mulligatawny is an unforgettable, complex curry-based alternative.
What are the cheapest/value items?
The cheapest items on the menu are the vegetarian classics like French Green Lentil, Split Pea, and Tomato Basil. A small size of these is the most budget-friendly lunch option.
What comes free with every soup order?
Every soup ordered at the NYC flagship window automatically includes a thick piece of French baguette, a piece of fresh fruit (like a pear, plum, or banana), and a small piece of chocolate.
Can I order online or in an app?
Yes, the 55th Street location is available on major delivery apps like Grubhub and UberEats for local NYC delivery, though prices will be higher than ordering in person.
Are the famous "ordering rules" still enforced?
The modern staff is very friendly and welcoming, but the classic rules (form a straight line, have your money ready, and step to the left) are still posted on the window as a fun tribute to the shop's history and to keep the lunch rush moving fast.
Conclusion
The fastest, most authentic way to experience The Original Soupman is to visit the historic walk-up window on 55th Street in Manhattan. Since the daily menu changes based on fresh ingredients, the best strategy is to approach the window with your money ready, select from the hot rotations of the day, and strictly follow the famous ordering etiquette to secure your soup, bread, and chocolate. For the most up-to-date daily selections or to find a retail supermarket carrying their packaged cartons near you, check the official Original Soupman website.
Menus, prices, calories, and availability can change by location, time, delivery platform, and restaurant updates. Always confirm the latest information with the official restaurant website, app, or your local restaurant before ordering. Information verified for 2026 where available.
