Rumours came to my ears that Pret a Manger sells miso soup. Well, it drew me instantly to buy one and test it. I paid £1.99 and took it home. I opened it with trepidation and saw red things floating on the top. I realised it was chopped chilli. With a quick stir, I relaxed upon seeing plenty of recognisable wakame seaweed. But wait, what's this? Something white and needle-thin tangled as if caught in the seaweed, beansprouts perhaps? But no, I relaxed again, it was ginger. So far so good. The next step was to taste it. My lips trembled as the pot came closer. Instantly, the chilli reached my throat with a big bold punch. This was soothed slightly by the sweet-and-spiciness of the ginger and I began to feel a gentle warmth. The label says miso soup and sure enough, after the first missile strike of the hot chilli, an inkling of miso emerged. The deeper I drank, the more intense the flavour of a lovely deep miso and a hint of dashi stock. I'd spent £1.99 which was neither cheap nor expensive but I have to say I was actually a bit overcome with emotion that a high-street sandwich shop should include miso soup in its lineup.
Why not try making your own miso soup? There are so many variations to challenge new tastes. Banana miso soup, anyone?!