The most bitterly cold time of year is now upon us and what better way to warm up than with a bowl of chicken soup? Here are five takes on the winter staple — from detox chicken noodle to Persian chicken stew.

Detox Chicken and Veg

Chicken stock—made in-house—acts as the building block for this simple, well-loved soup. Celery, carrots and cherry tomatoes dot the broth, along with a swirl of glass noodles and strips of roast chicken.
Delica Kitchen, 1440 Yonge St.

Chicken Matzo Ball

Regina's has been dishing out the same recipe since 1962. Plenty of hand-formed schmaltzy floaters bob about in the house chicken broth along with carrots, celery and onion. Its charms are hard to resist.
Regina's Kitchen, 844 Sheppard Ave. W.

Chicken Laksa Lemak

Singaporean laksa falls somewhere between curry and pho, and is a street food mainstay in the motherland. The coconut curry soup base meets rice noodles, tofu puffs, and yes, chicken, in a steaming bowl.
Hawker Bar, 164 Ossington Ave.

West African Sengalese Peanut Chicken

This gourmet soup purveyor puts a west African spin on chicken soup. The bird-based broth is matched with hunks of chicken and peanuts, with chilies added for some kick.
Soup Nutsy, 222 Bay St., Concourse Level

Persian Chicken Stew

Traditionally known as aloo gheysi, this Persian dish is a hearty stew that pairs bokhara plums with apricots and hunks of chicken in a saffron-scented sauce. Yoghurt adds the finishing touch.
Pomegranate, 420 College St.