35 Cozy International Comfort Foods for Winter
By Sho @ Hungry for Thai
on
Jan 19th 2026 
There’s something magical about winter meals — the way a steaming bowl of soup or a rich curry can instantly make you feel warm and cozy. Over the years, I’ve loved exploring comfort foods from around the world, from creamy Thai curries that fill the kitchen with fragrant spices to hearty European stews that taste like home in every bite. I’ve discovered that no matter where you are, winter recipes have a way of bringing people together, lifting spirits, and making even the coldest days feel comforting.
When the temperature drops and the days get shorter, there’s nothing better than gathering around a warm, comforting meal.
Winter has a way of making us crave dishes that hug us from the inside, whether it’s a steaming bowl of Thai curry, a rich Italian risotto, or a fragrant Moroccan tagine.
Over the years, I’ve discovered that every culture has its own way of bringing warmth to the table — and the flavors are simply irresistible.
From silky soups that soothe the soul to hearty, spiced mains that fill the kitchen with delicious aromas, winter is truly the perfect season to explore recipes from around the world.
I’ve rounded up some of my favorite winter recipes that I love making at home, whether it’s a lazy Sunday or a busy weeknight.
There’s something here for every craving: Thai yellow curry that’s creamy and comforting, a spicy vegetarian chili that warms you to your toes, or even a Japanese beef gyudon that feels like a hug in a bowl.
Each recipe has its own story and flavor, but they all share one thing in common — they make the cold days feel a little cozier and the evenings a little brighter.
So grab a cozy blanket, pour yourself a hot drink, and let’s dive into these mouth-watering winter meals from around the globe.
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Chicken Potato Soup
Cozy up with a bowl of this creamy Chicken and Potato Soup — tender chicken, hearty potatoes, and rich broth are just what you need to beat the chill!
Tags: chicken, soup, dinner
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The Best Easy Pork Adobo Recipe | A Filipino Classic
Authentic flavor and simple steps make this Easy Pork Adobo a new favorite for cozy dinners! Tender, tangy, and savory — who’s ready for seconds?
Tags: pork, dinner
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Italian Penicillin Soup: The Ultimate Comfort Food
This nostalgic Pastina Soup is like a warm hug in a bowl — tiny pasta, simple flavors, and ultimate comfort for tired days. 💛 Perfect for cozy nights or whenever you need a little soul food.
Tags: soup, dinner, italian
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Cozy Pumpkin Soup Recipe – Creamy and Flavorful
This Cozy Pumpkin Soup recipe is a creamy, vegan fall soup made with pumpkin puree, warm spices, coconut milk, and maple syrup, perfect for cozy dinners or holiday gatherings.
Tags: soup, dinner, vegan
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Soy Sauce Chicken (See Yao Gai)
Say hello to savory comfort — this Soy Sauce Chicken (See Yao Gai) is flavor-packed, tender, and irresistibly delicious! It’s a weeknight winner that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.
Tags: chicken, slow cooking, dinner
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Best Slow Cooker Chili With Beef and Pinto Beans
This easy slow cooker beef and pinto beans chili is a hearty winter comfort meal, slow-simmered and perfect for cold days.
Tags: beef, slow cooking, dinner
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Easy 10-Minute Tomato Egg Drop Soup
Quick, bright, and comforting — this Tomato Egg Drop Soup comes together in just 10 minutes! Perfect for busy nights or whenever you need a bowl of warm goodness.
Tags: soup, egg, quick recipe
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The Best Beef Barley Soup
Packed with fall-apart tender beef, wholesome veggies, and chewy barley, this Beef Barley Soup simmers in a rich, beefy, tomato-based broth that tastes like pure comfort. It is easy to make and the kind of hearty, feel-good winter soup you will want on repeat.
Tags: beef, soup, slow cooking, dinner
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Vegan Coconut Miso Chickpea Soup
Creamy, cozy, and totally plant-powered — this Vegan Coconut Miso Chickpea Soup is a bowl of pure comfort for chilly days. 🌱 Who’s ready to slurp?
Tags: vegan, soup, dinner
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Mediterranean Chickpea & Eggplant Casserole
Hearty Mediterranean chickpea and eggplant casserole—warm, fragrant, and perfect for comforting winter meals.
Tags: dinner, vegan
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Caldo Verde Recipe: Portuguese Green Soup
Warm up this winter with a bowl of Caldo Verde — a hearty Portuguese green soup made with creamy potatoes, savory greens, and smoky chouriço that feels like a hug in a bowl. Perfect for chilly nights and simple comfort cooking!
Tags: soup, dinner
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Chicken Quinoa Soup
Looking for something different than chicken noodle? Change it up with quinoa! Perfect on those chilly nights!
Tags: chicken, soup, noodles
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Moroccan Beef and Apricot Tagine
Take your taste buds on a trip! This Moroccan Beef and Apricot Tagine balances savory beef with sweet apricots for a heartwarming, aromatic meal. Perfect for dinner parties or cozy nights in.
Tags: beef, slow cooking, dinner
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Healthy Crockpot White Chicken Chili (High-Protein!)
This Healthy Crockpot White Chicken Chili is the ultimate dump-and-go meal for a cold night. It comes together in under 15 minutes, then the slow cooker takes it from there.
Tags: chicken, dinner
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Tartiflette Recipe (Simple French Cheesy Potato Casserole with Bacon)
Tartiflette is a traditional cheese-and-potatoes winter recipe that's rich, satisfying comfort food straight from the French Alps.
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Thai Red Chicken with Creamy Tomato Spinach Sauce
Creamy meets bold in this Thai Red Chicken with Tomato Spinach Sauce — rich, comforting, and bursting with flavor! Who’s craving this tonight?
Tags: chicken, curry, baking, dinner
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Homemade Chicken and Dumpling Soup
This Homemade Chicken and Dumpling soup is a flavorful, comforting soup. The dumplings are like drop biscuits, they are easy to make and come together in a few minutes before cooking in the soup.
Tags: chicken, soup, comfort food, fusion
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Scotch Broth (Traditional Scottish Soup)
Scotland does cold weather food right! This Scotch broth is a prime example of comfort food full of meat and vegetables in a thick soup base!
Tags: dinner, broth
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French Onion Pot Roast
This French Onion Pot Roast is savory, comforting, and made with tender beef simmered in caramelized onions and beefy broth. A timeless meal that’s perfect for an easy family supper.
Tags: beef, dinner
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Thai Yellow Chicken Curry with Potatoes
Creamy, fragrant, and soul-satisfyingly delicious — this Thai Yellow Chicken Curry with Potatoes is the ultimate comfort curry! 🌶️🥔 What would you serve it with — rice or naan?
Tags: chicken, curry, dinner, Thai cuisine
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Red Kuri Squash and Chicken Curry (Mild)
A cozy, aromatic red kuri squash and chicken curry; rich with warming spices, creamy coconut, and hearty vegetables for a comforting family meal.
Tags: chicken, curry, dinner
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Thai Chicken Noodle Soup – Street Food Style
Warm up with this Thai Chicken Noodle Soup — street-food vibes in every slurp! 🌶️🍲 Perfect for rainy days or when you need a bowl of comfort ASAP.
Tags: chicken, dinner, soup, noodles, street food
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Butternut Squash Lasagna
This dish is a cozy, autumnal twist on the classic Italian favorite, replacing traditional tomato sauce with a velvety butternut squash puree and aromatic sage. It features layers of tender pasta, creamy ricotta, and melted mozzarella, creating a perfectly balanced savory-sweet profile.
Tags: Italian cuisine, dinner
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Easy Creamy Chicken and Vegetable Pie Recipe
Creamy chicken and vegetable pies that make the perfect comfort food this winter. Packed full of flavour, they are perfect served with crispy potatoes and lashings of gravy!
Tags: chicken, dinner
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Homemade Vegetarian Chili
Hearty, spicy, and loaded with veggies — this Vegetarian Chili proves meatless meals can be bold and comforting! 🌱🥣 Who’s ready to cozy up with a bowl?
Tags: vegetarian, dinner, comfort food
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Copycat Chick Fil A Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe
Warm and filling, Chick Fil A Tortilla Soup features a creamy base with seasoned chicken, beans, and corn for a copycat recipe that hits all the right notes.
Tags: chicken, dinner, comfort food
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Crockpot Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup
This Crockpot Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup was like a hug in every bite! It was creamy, crunchy, and full of flavor! The mushrooms really took it all to the next level!
Tags: chicken, soup, dinner
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Pork and Cabbage Soup
Warm your soul with this rustic Braised Cabbage Soup with Pork Ribs — tender ribs, flavorful broth, and hearty cabbage make it perfect for chilly evenings.
Tags: pork, cabage, soup, slow cooking, dinner, Thai cuisine
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Easy Spinach Soup
Simple, nourishing, and oh-so comforting — this Easy Spinach Soup is a green bowl of goodness that’s perfect any time you need something light but satisfying.
Tags: soup, vegetarian, quick recipe
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Simple & Easy Japanese Curry (Perfect for Beginners!)
Thick, rich, and deeply comforting — this Japanese Curry is beginner-friendly and perfect for cold nights! 🍛 Who’s spooning up seconds?
Tags: curry, Japanese cuisine, dinner
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Easy Lasagna Soup
This easy lasagna soup is a cozy, one-pot meal loaded with pasta, rich tomato broth, and cheesy goodness.
Tags: soup, dinner, Italian cuisine
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Chicken Soup with Butternut Squash
Get ready to cozy up to a steaming bowl of delicious and healthy chicken soup! This chicken with butternut squash soup is a quick and easy soup recipe and so comforting! The perfect healthy dinner for cooler evenings!
Tags: chicken, soup, comfort food
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Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup
Chicken Orzo Soup is a comforting, budget-friendly weeknight that uses everyday ingredients, and is perfect for chilly nights or relaxed lunches.
Tags: chicken, soup, lunch
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Quick & Easy Congee Recipe | Rice porridge
Nothing says comfort like a warm bowl of Congee — soothing, simple, and endlessly customizable! 🥢 What’s your go-to topping?
Tags: rice, breakfast, Thai cuisine
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Lemon Chicken and Rice Soup
The taste of childhood elevated with citrus... this soup is warm, cozy, and nourishing.
Tags: chicken, soup
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