On the surface, chowder and soup seem to be quite similar. Both are served in bowls, eaten with spoons, and are of the liquid variety. But a deeper look into the two meals will show that there are differences. Kua’ Aina Sandwich, one of Honolulu’s premier restaurants, has provided the difference between these two dishes.

Chowder vs. Soup

Chowder

Many people would consider chowder a thick type of soup, which is why most restaurants label chowder under soups. The dish has deep ties to the northeastern United States, becoming a popular meal in New England. Its name comes from the French word “chaudiere” which was a type of pot in which French fishermen used to boil their catch.

A creamy dish, chowder traditionally included onion and potatoes in addition to cream. Two popular types of chowder are New England Clam Chowder, which uses milk instead of cream, and Manhattan Clam Chowder, which uses tomato as the substitute. While the dish started in the northeast and remains popular there, other places have started to make their own chowder, using ingredients native to their areas. The one thing that has stayed true is its chunky and creamy texture.

Soup

Like chowder, the name soup comes from a French word. In this case, it’s “soupe,” meaning “soup” or “broth.” Soup is a significantly thinner liquid than chowder and is often mixed with vegetables, spices, and meats—it’s also cooked in hot water. While there are two main types of chowder that are most popular, there are many different types of soups to enjoy, such as French onion, cream of mushroom, chicken noodle, and many other soup varieties.

While there are many similarities between chowder and traditional soup, which leads many people to consider chowder a soup, there are also many differences. If you’re trying to decide whether you’re eating chowder or soup at local restaurants, the simple rule of thumb is that chowder is a thick, cream-based dish while soup is a thinner meal mixed with vegetables, spices, and meats. Kua’ Aina Sandwich has served Oahu for over 40 years with the best sandwiches, burgers, and salads in town. For more information, call (808) 637-6067, or check out their online menu.